In the most recent version of Sports Illustrated writer Albert Breer's mock draft, he predicts the Atlanta Falcons will select a defensive lineman with the 26th overall pick. Breer projects the Falcons to take Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan with their first pick.
The 6-foot-4, 291-pound Gator declared for the NFL draft after his junior season. He started all 11 games at defensive tackle in 2017 and recorded 40 total tackles, six tackles-for-loss, four sacks and three quarterback hurries.
“While there are some questions about his instincts, Bryan has all the athleticism and toughness that (head coach) Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive linemen, and gives the Falcons a layer of depth there,” Breer wrote.
Drafting defenders in the first-round has been a theme for Atlanta since Quinn took over in 2015. The Falcons’ last three first-round picks are defensive end Takk McKinley, safety Keanu Neal and defensive end Vic Beasley Jr.
The team is looking to get more depth at defensive tackle with Dontari Poe entering free agency leaving Grady Jarrett as the only experienced player at that position on the roster.
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