2013 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons 7-Round Mock Draft
By John Carey
Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) in action against the Oklahoma Sooners for the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Team Needs:
DE, CB, S, MLB, TE, OG, DT
Round One Pick 30: Alex Okafor, DE, University of Texas
Coming into the 2012 college football season, I had Alex Okafor as my top player available, but due to some inconsistent performances, he dropped into more of a 2nd round consideration for me. But he had a really nice and solid week at the Senior Bowl, so he vaulted himself back into the 1st round discussion. The Falcons released John Abraham, and although they are rumored to sign Osi Umenyiora, a long term solution at DE is still needed. Okafor would be a nice fit in Mike Nolan’s defense, and has the potential to be a Pro Bowl caliber player at his postion.
Round Two Pick 60: Jordan Reed, TE, University of Florida
Jordan Reed is one of my favorite prospects of this year’s class. He is like Aaron Hernandez 2.0. He played QB at first for the Gators but was later moved to TE, and quickly became one of Jeff Driskell’s favorite targets. Reed would be a nice fit to learn for a year under Tony Gonzalez and then take the starting job when he retires.
Round Three Pick 92: Marcus Lattimore, RB, University of South Carolina
Marcus Lattimore is a bit of a reach in the 3rd round due to some major injury concerns, but the potential he has warrants the pick. Lattimore looked like a sure fire Top 15 pick before suffering two serious injuries the past two seasons. He’s had some time to heal, and according to James Andrews, he should be fine for the 2013 season. Lattimore could end up being a steal in the 3rd round if he can stay healthy.
Round Four Pick 127: Bennie Logan, DT, Louisiana State University
Bennie Logan was Michael Brocker’s replacement at LSU, and much like Brockers, he surprised a lot of people by coming out early for the 2013 NFL Draft. Logan is still raw, but he has potential, and it will take some time for him to get adjusted to the NFL game, but he is good enough to be able to be a starter if he gets coached up properly and works hard enough.
Round Four Pick 133: Chris Faulk, OT, Louisiana State University
Prior to his injury in 2012, Faulk was considered among one of the best tackles in this year’s draft. Although tackle isn’t a huge need for the Falcons, Faulk is the best player available and could provide nice depth at OT, and could even become a starter after a year or two.
Round Five Pick 163: Denard Robinson, RB/WR/KR, University of Michigan
If Robinson does fall all the way to the 5th round, which is a possibility, he would be too good to pass up for the Falcons. He could start right away as a Kickoff and Punt Returner, and could come in on packages at both RB and in the slot at WR, and could even run some Wildcat plays if the Falcons wanted him to. Harry Douglas just doesn’t seem to be progressing much, so Robinson could be a nice potential replacement.
Round Six Pick 198: Braxston Cave, C, University of Notre Dame
Cave will most likely never be a starter in the NFL as he lacks the athleticism and the strength needed, but he could be a nice backup for the Falcons at both Center and Guard.
Round Seven Pick 236: Joseph Fauria, TE, University of California Los Angeles
The Falcons really have nothing behind Tony Gonzalez at TE, so even though in this scenario they drafted Jordan Reed, another TE is still needed to be backup/insurance just in case Reed doesn’t pan out. Fauria is a sleeper TE, and even if Reed does pan out, Fauria could be a nice compliment.
Round Seven Pick 243: Josh Johnson, CB, University of Purdue
Josh Johnson would provide some needed depth at CB, as the Falcons but Dunta Robinson this offseason, so another corner is needed.
Round Seven Pick 244: Jordan Rodgers, QB, University of Vanderbilt
The Falcons don’t really have a good backup behind Matt Ryan, as John Parker Wilson never really panned out and Luke McCown is not a long term backup plan. Rodgers isn’t a great QB, but has the potential to be a nice backup.
Round Seven Pick 249: Blaize Foltz, OG, Texas Christian University
Foltz would provide some depth at OG that the Falcons need since they will soon move Peter Conz to Center, and they don’t have much else behind him.