Niner Noise
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2019 NFL Draft: Full Round 1 mock with trades, April Fools’ version

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: Defensive lineman Rashan Gary of Michigan checks his time after running the 40-yard dash during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: Defensive lineman Rashan Gary of Michigan checks his time after running the 40-yard dash during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

44. . Defensive Line. Michigan. Rashan Gary. 14. player

The Atlanta Falcons defense, particularly up front, is in quite a bit of flux heading into 2019. Atlanta has watched edge rusher Vic Beasley underperform in each of the last two seasons, and up-and-coming pass-rusher Takkarist McKinley has yet to reach his full potential.

Adding some strength to the defensive line should be a priority, especially if the Falcons can find someone with a lot of versatility.

That’s where Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary comes into play.

Gary is pretty explosive, and the Wolverines lined him up at a number of different spots over the past two years. He’s capable of rushing off the edge, acting as an interior disruptor and can do plenty at stopping the run, too.

So, if Atlanta elects to make some defensive-front changes over the next year or two, having a movable piece like Gary around would make the process all the more easy.