ESPN guru Mel Kiper Jr. released his updated mock draft this morning. He joins the many analysts who predict the Falcons will select a linebacker with the No. 17 overall pick.
Kiper goes with Alabama's Reggie Ragland, who is the second-most popular pick for the Falcons in mock drafts behind Ohio State's Darron Lee. Kiper had the Falcons selecting Lee in his previous mock but now predicts the Dolphins will select Lee at No. 13.
Related headlines
Writes Kiper about the Falcons selecting Ragland:
“You could make a case that Ragland is as ready to contribute on Sundays as any defender in this draft. Yes, he's an instinctive tackling machine at the line of scrimmage, but Ragland can cover ground. Atlanta can put him to work immediately.”
The NFL Draft begins on April 28.
For what it's worth, Kiper's final mock before the 2015 draft had the Falcons selecting Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree with the No. 8 overall pick but they instead took Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley. Dupree lasted until the Steelers selected him at the No. 22 pick.
About the Author
