clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2014 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Select...

Our 2014 community mock draft continues, with BTSC reader Erik Stone representing the Falcons - who just about flipped their regular season record from 2012 (13-3) to 2013 (4-12).

Chris Graythen

With the top QBs, Jadeveon Clowney, and Jake Matthews off the board, the Falcons have a tough choice between two elite prospects who fit their needs. On one hand, Greg Robinson would be a great choice to replace LT Sam Baker and protect Matt Ryan. On the other hand however, the Falcons are really missing a legit pass rusher on defense. For me, the choice is obvious:

With the 6th pick overall, the Atlanta Falcons select Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo.

Head coach Mike Smith says they won't be transitioning to a 3-4 base defense, but their moves suggest they'll at least be using a hybrid scheme. They've signed NT Paul Soliai and DE Tyson Jackson, two guys who have almost exclusively played in 3-4 defenses since entering the league. While the two are good run stoppers, they're still missing an edge rusher. Their best pass rusher right now is Osi Umenyiora, who is aging and probably only going to come in when they go to sub packages.

Usatsi_7526020_154224504_lowres_medium

Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

A number of scouts prefer Mack over even Clowney as the best defender in this draft class. He's certainly the safer pick, given the concerns around Clowney. With Mack, they get a premier pass rusher who fits perfectly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, though he's also versatile enough to play OLB in a 4-3 - in a role that could be similar to what Von Miller does in Denver.

With a healthy Julio Jones and Roddy White, the Falcons can still field one of the best offenses in football. The same can't be said for their defense. They need a blue-chip player on that side of the ball. Heck, they need more than one if they're truly going to compete for a Super Bowl.

2014 NFL Draft Prospects


Team Player Pos School BTSC rep/link to pick
1 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/HOU.png Blake Bortles QB UCF SteelerWolf
2 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/STL.pngviahttp://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/WAS.png Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M Jack Finn
3 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/JAC.png Teddy Bridgewater QB Louisville twault
4 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/CLE.png Jadeveon Clowney DE South Carolina Double-Eagle
5 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/OAK.png Jake Matthews OT Texas A&M diehardsteelerfan625
6 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/ATL.png Khalil Mack LB Buffalo Erik Stone
7 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/TB.png


TheCommish
8 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/MIN.png


VinnySteel
9 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/BUF.png


Sean Geddes
10 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/DET.png


asmith87
11 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/TEN.png


slatts17
12 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/NYG.png


omara891
13 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/STL.png


Jack Finn
14 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/CHI.png


Michael Uhlhorn
15 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/PIT.png


(community vote)
16 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/DAL.png


steeler fever
17 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/BAL.png


Steelers_Fan_to_the_Core
18 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/NYJ.png


DropTheHammer
19 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/MIA.png


steeler_chris_5
20 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/ARI.png


Wichita SunSteeler
21 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/GB.png


(?)barnerburner(?)
22 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/PHI.png


c63tho
23 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/KC.png


WelcomeToReality
24 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/CIN.png


Steel Spike
25 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/SD.png


L-Ray
26 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/CLE.pngviahttp://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/IND.png


AMKrup
27 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/NO.png


Ike Evans
28 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/CAR.png


JDSpartan
29 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/NE.png


furthur56
30 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/SF.png


Collision Course
31 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/DEN.png


alexryan
32 http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/50x50/SEA.png


Thoroughbred of Sin