If most mock draft picks had their way, Atlanta would finally address their lack of pass-rush with this year’s draft pick.
The overwhelming projected pick for the Falcons’ number eight draft pick is Dallas Turner, an edge rushing junior from Alabama. He is in the #8 slot in mock drafts compiled by CBS Sports’ John Edwards, Sports Illustrated’s Luke Esterling, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Atlanta Falcons.com’s Tori McElhaney, Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt, and the Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer.
Seven of the nine surveyed mock drafts have Turner as the pick for the Falcons. Connor Rogers of NBC Sports has Florida State University’s Jared Verse, another edge rusher, as the Falcons’ pick. Pro Football Focus has Iowa Hawkeye Cooper DeJean, corner back, as the team’s #8 pick.
Most of the writers agreed that it’s time for the Falcons to address their pass rush issues now that they now have their quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
“The Falcons took care of their offense in free agency. most notably with the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins,” said Jeremiah. “They still need to address their annual pass-rush concern.”
“Now that the signings of Cousins and three new receivers, along with the return of [KhaDarel] Hodge and Drake London, are official, it could free up the opportunity for the Falcons to finally draft an edge rusher,” adds McElhaney.
CBS’s Edwards says the 6.4, 252-pound Turner could be a “difference-maker” for the Falcons.
Rogers has Turner going to the Denver Broncos at #12, while Atlanta entertains a deal to get Verse instead of Turner.
“With Kirk Cousins in the fold, Atlanta can answer the phone to get out of this sport if someone wants to come up for a tackle or wide receiver. If they have to stay, I love Verse’s power profile mixed into their front seven,” he said.
The real NFL Draft pick will be announced Thursday, April 25th.
