Here are the top five special-teams prospects (with projected round):
Phillip Dorsett, 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, PR/KR, Miami (first/second): The speedy receiver could make an immediate impact as a returner. He returned 25 kickoffs for 477 yards (19.1 yards per return) and had a long on 37 yards in college. He returned 25 punts for 136 yards (5.4 yard per return).
Justin Manton, 6-3, 196, P/PK, Louisiana-Monroe (fifth/sixth round): Manton twice earned All-Sun Belt honors as a punter and kicker. He primarily focused on punting at the scouting combine. In the Senior Bowl, Manton made two of three field goals and placed two of his three punts inside the 20-yard line. He also had a 62-yard punt.
Kyle Loomis, 6-2, 221, P, Portland State (seventh): He averaged 46 yards per punt in 2014, again leading the nation and this time earning consensus All-American honors. The Army veteran was invited to the Senior Bowl. He's also a kickoff specialist. He averaged 57.8 yards per kickoff attempt in 2013.
Sam Ficken, 6-1, 191, PK, Penn State (seventh/undrafted): He handled kickoffs and field goals over his final three seasons. He overcame some struggles early in his career.
Trevor Pardula, 6-4, 227, P, Kansas: (seventh/undrafted): He earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors at punter in 2013 after booming punts of 50 yards or more 24 times. He had a career-long of 78 yards and averaged 43.7 yards per punt. He also placed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Teams in need: San Diego, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Green Bay and Washington.
Need area for Falcons? No. The Falcons signed punter Matt Bosher and long-snapper Josh Harris to contract extensions last season. Also, kicker Matt Bryant was re-signed in free agency, and returner Devin Hester returns. The Falcons finished fourth in the league in special teams in 2014.
Top five seniors for 2016 draft: 1. Marshall Morgan, 6-2, 200, PK, Georgia. 2. Austin Lopez, 6-0, 187, PK, San Jose State. 3. Jaden Oberkum, 6-2, 187, TCU. 4. Jamie Keehn, 6-4, 220, LSU. 5. Peter Mortell, Minnesota, 6-2, 192.
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