2019 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock for all 32 teams, Super Bowl edition
By Peter Panacy
Like the Bengals, Raiders and Buccaneers, the Atlanta Falcons need all kinds of help on the defensive side of the ball.
True, many of the Falcons’ woes here were due to injury. But the lack of quality depth also hurt, and it’s time Atlanta elected to get younger and more versatile.
This is where Rashan Gary finally comes into play. No, he’s not a top-five selection even with some NFL Draft analysts suggesting so. And pushing him out of the top 10 isn’t exactly a wrongful prognosis, either.
At No. 14 overall, though? Well, that makes sense.
Gary is capable of bouncing all around the defensive line. He’s solid against the run — Atlanta allowed an average of 4.9 yards per rush last year — and can double as a disruptive force against the pass. He’s not a sack specialist by any means. But the Falcons already drafted defensive end Takkarist McKinley to do that.
Adding Gary would maximize McKinley’s impact, while solidifying Atlanta’s defensive front against the run.