Free agency has cooled off and the NFL draft is a month away. That means it's time for the experts to tinker with their mock drafts. SB Nation looked at 91 mock drafts to figure out the consensus pick for each team. For the Falcons, 33 percent of the mocks predict they will take Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee and 20.5 percent project they'll pick Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland.
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Here’s a look at some selected mock drafts along with analysis:
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
"Ragland is considered a two-down linebacker, who can help teams shut down the run. That's an issue for the Falcons, who gave up 20 rushing touchdowns last season, which tied for tops in the league. Falcons linebacker coach Jeff Ulbrich, who was at Ragland's Pro Day, would have to develop his coverage skills."
Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
"Atlanta has a lot of needs, with some improved linebackers being one of the most important. The Falcons could use a thumper, difference-making, physical defender who will bring an identity to their defense. Ragland would fit the Falcons' mold off the field as well."
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
"Capable, versatile leader for the middle of Dan Quinn's revamped defense."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"There will be nearly a dozen players out of Ohio State drafted in the first 100 picks. Lee is fourth on my list and could end up being the best of all of them at the next level. He's a bit small on first sight and doesn't look like a traditional NFL linebacker (235 pounds), but Lee flies all over the field and can rush the quarterback. Dan Quinn wants competitors and if ever there was one, it's Lee. Compared favorably to Lavonte David, he could be a force in Atlanta."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"Dan Quinn came over from Seattle last year and pieced together a few nice wins, but needs to get his defensive footprint more deeply rooted for greater success. Lee possesses the speed to contribute right away and Quinn likely won’t be scared away by the concern some scouts have about his size."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"Fallout from the early free-agency window has shifted some focus on the Giants’ No. 10 selection to Lee, a rangy playmaker who could thrive behind New York’s remade line. The Falcons have even more need for him. They are painfully shy of athleticism in the second level."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"HC Dan Quinn loves speed on defense, and Lee gives him that, as well as scheme versatility. He will be a three-down player."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"Lee, a former high-school quarterback, still needs a little refinement as a linebacker, but he has been blessed with an elite combination of speed (4.47 40-yard dash) and athleticism. When he's freed up and doesn't have to take on blocks, Lee displays an upper-echelon closing burst getting to the ball carrier."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"Dan Quinn has the Falcons' defense on the right track after drafting speedy edge rusher Vic Beasley in the first round last year, but the Falcons still need more playmakers in the front seven. Ohio State's Darron Lee had an excellent showing at the Combine, testing at or near the top in the 40-yard dash (4.47 seconds), vertical (35 1/2 inches), broad jump (11-1), three-cone (7.12 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.20 seconds). The redshirt sophomore is an athletic, rangy linebacker versatile enough to drop back into coverage, attack ball carriers or blitz the quarterback. He may be considered a bit undersized at 6-2, 228 pounds, but he has the instincts and the tools to be a solid pro."
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
"One reason Dan Quinn's Seattle defenses were so dominant was due to the multi-faceted abilities of the linebackers. It's an area where the Falcons are sorely lacking, but Lee could instantly change as a rangy asset who's effective on all three downs."
Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
There is no such thing as too much pass rush and after drafting a Clemson pass rusher in the first round last year (Vic Beasley), it wouldn't be a surprise if they added Lawson, who flourished in Beasley's old spot for the Tigers.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
"It's too bad Darron Lee is gone in this mock since he would be perfect for them. I don't think Reggie Ragland runs well enough, so I will give them his teammate with the Crimson Tide."
Keanu Neal, S, Florida
"The Falcons need an enforcer on defense. There’s no finesse with this guy. He has a presence."
Josh Dockston, WR, TCU
"With the contract Atlanta just handed Mohamed Sanu, I acknowledge that this has very little chance of actually happening, but since this is a mock of what I would do, I would put in place a backup plan for that move. Doctson would very quickly become Atlanta’s No. 2 receiver, giving them a legitimate threat opposite Julio Jones and allow Sanu to battle it out for the third receiver role, which is where he belongs."
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