Atlanta Falcons build up trenches, find a developmental QB late in Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft

Atlanta Falcons build up trenches, find a developmental QB late in Dane Brugler’s 7-round mock draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his 7-round mock draft with a week and a day remaining before the start of the 2024 NFL draft. For the Atlanta Falcons, Brugler decided to build up the trenches, find a developmental QB late and much more.

In this exercise, we discuss each pick and how they could contribute to Atlanta once drafted.

Round 1, Pick 8- EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

There is a good chance we see something this year that has happened just once (2021) in the Super Bowl era: no defensive players selected in the first seven picks of the draft. If that comes to fruition, the Falcons will have their choice of the top defensive player on their board at No. 8 — and I don’t think many people will be surprised if that is Turner.

This isn’t a surprise anymore. According to PFF, the Falcons tied for sixth-worst in total pressures generated last season. If this team wants to take that next step into competing, they must get better at getting to the quarterback. Alabama’s Dallas Turner is a high-upside athlete who could be a great scheme fit for Raheem Morris and the defense he and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake are looking to run.

Round 2, Pick 43 – DT Michael Hall, Ohio State

One of the risers in this year’s pre-draft process, Ohio State’s Michael Hall became a draft darling with his active hands and potential pass rush juice from the interior. He is undersized but shows the quickness and foot speed necessary to make up for his lack of size.

Round 3, Pick 74 – CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Adding physicality at the cornerback position should never be frowned upon. Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter brings an edge and attitude to the position that does not falter, whether attacking the ball in the air or a ball carrier in the run game. That bodes well for a cornerback who will be asked to do more near the line of scrimmage in a quarters-heavy scheme.

Round 3, Pick 79 – WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina

While the smaller, more shifty receivers can work underneath, North Carolina’s Devontez Walker can use his 4.36 40-yard dash to stretch the defense. Walker’s field-stretching ability allows Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London to be used in various ways and formations.

Round 4, Pick 109 – OL Delmar Glaze, Maryland

Offensive line depth is paramount in the NFL. Maryland’s Delmar Glaze gives Atlanta that depth on a 4th-round rookie contract. Glaze utilizes his quickness and strong hands as a baseline to develop into a consistent contributor on the offensive line.

Round 5, Pick 143 – S Tykee Smith, Georgia

Georgia’s Tykee Smith played the Star role in Kirby Smart’s defense, using him as a versatile chess piece in his defense. Smith started playing cornerback at West Virginia, so he has the athleticism and ability to play in space. However, Smith is best when triggering downhill in the run game.

Round 6, Pick 187 – RB Rasheen Ali, Marshall

The Falcons have a terrific one-two backfield combination in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. But Ali would be an outstanding addition because of his big-play potential when given space to operate.

Adding Ali as a potential RB3 into a running back room with Robinson and Allgeier is building on a strength. The ability to one-cut and find space is worth investing in behind an offensive line like the one in Atlanta.

Round 6, Pick 197 – QB Joe Milton, Tennessee

Tennessee’s Joe Milton has every physical trait you could want in a quarterback prospect. Milton has the size to withstand the punishment of the NFL, the strength and speed to create inside and outside the pocket and a rare bazooka of an arm that can make any throw anywhere on the field. His downfall comes with his scattershot ball placement and accuracy, alongside his inconsistencies above the neck. If Milton could be more than just an athlete playing quarterback, there is no telling how high his ceiling could be.