In hist latest mock draft, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has the Falcons bypassing all three of the Clemson defensive linemen with first round grades – Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence and Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams -- in order to select Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver with the 14th overall pick in the draft.
Oliver interviewed with the Falcons at the scouting combine and is expected to have a private workout for the team.
The Falcons signed four offensive players in free agency, which signaled that they are set to have a defensive-minded draft, while also trying to bolster their offensive line.
The Falcons hold the 14th pick in the draft, which his set for April 25-27 in Nashville, Tenn. With compensatory picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, the Falcons have nine picks in the draft.
“Ed’s a guy who is very talented, of course,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said at the combine. “He’s athletic. (He) can get up (the field). Disrupt. He can rush. He can also play the run. He’s going to have a lot of eyes on him, I’m sure, at a really attractive spot in the draft.”
Kiper has Ferrell going 16th to the Panthers, Wilkins going 17th to the Giants, Williams going 18th to the Vikings and Lawrence going 19th to the Titans.
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