With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Mike Gesicki. 26. player. 44. . Tight End. Penn State Nittany Lions

The Atlanta Falcons will have options at No. 26, with the interior of both the offensive and defensive lines being priorities. Dontari Poe is eligible for free agency and guard play was an issue for Atlanta during the 2017 regular season.

No position was more of a weakness for the Falcons in 2017 than tight end, however, which is why the Falcons select one of the best playmakers in this class: Mike Gesicki.

I’m much higher on Gesicki than most, but he’s the type of player who can transform an offense. Standing at 6’6″ and 252 pounds with remarkably fluid athleticism and reliable hands, he could be the player who diversifies what’s becoming a predictable offense.

With all due respect to Mohamed Sanu, who has developed into a fine young receiver, defenses are catching on to the Julio Jones or bust postseason mentality.

Gesicki would be a perfect addition to alleviate pressure from Jones. He’s willing to go up and fight for the ball, moves the chains well on intermediate routes, and would create a great deal of space for the running game with his unpredictable ability to run any assortment of routes.

Stacking the box becomes significantly more difficult with a tight end who can make the type of plays that Gesicki consistently made at Penn State.

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