Atlanta Falcons Potential First Round Pick: Christian Wilkins

Fit with the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are certain to love the way Christian Wilkins carries himself. He will have no problem clearing the famous Falcons filter. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff is certain to see his personality as an additional to the Falcons locker room. Christian also represents many of the characteristics that coach Dan Quinn looks for when welcoming players to the brotherhood.

However Wilkins’ fit on the field is a questionable one. He certainly should be able to help the Atlanta Falcons from day one as an interior pass rusher. The issue is he is best suited to play the three technique and that is the position currently held by stellar defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. While Jarrett is able to play the one technique, such a move would guarantee Jarrett sees a double team on nearly every snap.

Should Atlanta draft Christian Wilkins and start him on the interior, teams are certain to run the ball up the middle testing Wilkins lack of strength and length. Atlanta could elect to play Wilkins at defensive end on first downs, but teams would then likely throw more often on such downs against the Falcons. While Wilkins should have a low floor, unless the Atlanta Falcons are planning to eventually move on from Grady Jarrett rather than pay him, the team should steer clear of Christian Wilkins. Atlanta should focus on a better fit for their defensive front, or look to bolster the offensive tackle or even the cornerback position. My only fear, is that the Dirty Birds will fall in love with Christian Wilkins, due to his clean character. His teammate Dexter Lawrence is the better fit for Atlanta.