The Atlanta Falcons hold the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft. Who will they select? Let’s find out, as they’re the next team in our mock draft series.
Picks
- Round 1, Pick 8: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
- Round 2, Pick 43: DL Braden Fiske, Florida State
- Round 3, Pick 74: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
- Round 3, Pick 79: WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 109: G Christian Mahogany, Boston College
- Round 5, Pick 143: T Caedan Wallace, Penn State
- Round 6, Pick 187: ED Grayson Murphy, UCLA
- Round 6, Pick 197: QB Joe Milton III, Tennessee
Explanation Of Picks
Cornerback and defensive line were the two major concerns for the Atlanta Falcons heading into the draft. I wanted to get those needs out of the way, starting immediately in the first round. Mitchell is arguably the best defensive back in the draft, forcing incompletions left and right during his career in Toledo. He has great recovery speed and acceleration, and as he continues to get experience in press coverage, CB1 material is not out of the question.
Fiske was there for the taking at pick 43, which addresses their other need. At 6’5″, 297 lbs, the former Seminole had NFL-level IQ and pass-rush quickness to make an immediate impact at the next level. Offensive linemen will have to account for his quick first step and fast hands.
Trotter was the choice in the third round, as one of PFF’s highest-graded linebackers was a starter as early as his sophomore season at Clemson. He’s a great run defender and is at the right place at the right time consistently. Also, his eyes and instincts are good in coverage and allow him to jump passes.
As for the other third-round pick, Kirk Cousins gets another weapon in Burton. A highly competitive wideout, he’s not afraid of who he goes up against and has the quickness to back up his trash talk. As long as he can keep his fiery attitude down (to an extent, I like the competitiveness), he will be very impactful early.
I like Mahogany as a possibility to play left guard, as he brings a nasty attitude to the position and could challenge Matthew Bergeron for the starting job.
I understand that Kirk Cousins will be the starter for a while. But, drafting Milton III in the sixth round has to be intriguing. His strong arm stands out the most and will get the time he needs to develop sitting behind the veteran. But, the potential is there for the former Tennessee quarterback to be a starter one day.
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