The Falcons continue to scout the top pass rushers in the coming NFL draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Philadelphia.
The Falcons recently had a private workout for Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett, according to NFL Media.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/851771476755828737
Barnett projects as the third best pass-rusher in the draft. He likely won’t be available with the Falcons select with the 31st pick.
Here are the other defensive ends that the Falcons have scouted during the pre-draft process:
• Keion Adams, DE, Western Michigan
• Mikey Bart, DE, North Carolina
• Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio
• Darius English, DE/3-4 OLB, South Carolina
• Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE/3-4 DE, Villanova
• Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State
• Isaac Rochell, DE/DT, Notre Dame
• Kermit Whitfield, WR, Florida State
• Darrell Williams, OT, Western Kentucky
• Stanley Williams, RB, Kentucky
After consulting with NFL scouts, here’s our list of the top 10 pass rushers in the NFL draft:
1. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M: He's considered the No. 1 overall player in the draft. "I think Myles Garrett has the most upside of any pass-rusher in this draft," Mayock said. "When healthy, he's easy to do on tape. He's (6-foot-5), 262 pounds. He's got outside edge (rushing) ability."
2. Tim Williams, Alabama: He had nine sacks, 16 tackles for a loss and 31 tackles for the Crimson Tide. He may drop because of off-the-field issues.
3. Derek Barnett, Tennessee: He had 33 sacks over 39 game career for the Volunteers.
4. Solomon Thomas, Stanford: He made 62 tackles with 15 for a loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble.
5. Takkarist McKinley, UCLA: Most believe that he's best suited to be an outside linebacker for a team that runs a 3-4 defensive alignment.
6. Taco Charlton, Michigan: He mainly was a backup until last season, when he recorded 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles and 13 tackles for a losses. Teams like his speed and strength.
7. Charles Harris, Missouri: He made 61 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, two passes batted and two forced fumbles in 2016 for the Tigers. Harris had one of his better games against Georgia, when he had seven tackles and three sacks.
8. Carl Lawson, Auburn: He's lightning fast off the edge and is strong enough to stay on his path to the quarterback. His medical evaluation at the combine will be key. He has experienced major knee and hip injuries.
9. Tarell Basham, Ohio: He was the Mid-American Conference's defensive player of the year. He made 50 tackles with 16 tackles for a losses, 11.5 sacks and two passes broken up for the Bobcats in 2016.
10. DeMarcus Walker, Florida State: "With 45 tackles for loss over his career, Walker has first-round production," Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com said.
About the Author
