With the search for a general manager and head coach underway, Atlanta is in an interesting situation while holding with the No. 4 overall pick. In this article, we’ll articulate a simulation from the PFN Mock Draft Simulator for the Falcons 2021 NFL Mock Draft. This Falcons 7-round Mock Draft presents the most prudent solution for the Falcons this offseason.
Featured | NFL Draft Prospects 2021: Pauline’s updated big board, player rankings
The Falcons entered the 2020 season with some optimism. The team had played great football down the stretch during the 2019 season. Even with an odyssey of an offseason, the Falcons added talent and were a sleeper team for many analysts. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
The team started off 0-5 and finished with a 4-12 record. Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were let go midseason by management. First, what do the Falcons need to address in the offseason?
Falcons Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft
- Round 1, Pick 4: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
- Round 2, Pick 35: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
- Round 3, Pick 68: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 99: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
- Round 5, Pick 132: Adetokunbo Ogundeji, EDGE, Notre Dame
- Round 6, Pick 163: Quentin Lake, FS, UCLA
Falcons 2021 NFL Mock Draft pick-by-pick analysis
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
I know the popular take right now is drafting a quarterback here, and I get it. However, at pick No. 4, it seems unlikely any of the big three of Lawrence, Fields, or Wilson will be available. After them, it’s a steep drop off to the rest of the class. With Matt Ryan’s contract being what it is, it just seems unrealistic for them to move on from him.
Thus, the team will likely look towards the best player available. Luckily for them, that method matches one of their biggest needs. Penei Sewell is an outstanding tackle prospect with tremendous upside. Furthermore, he’s the best tackle in the draft class and can start right away for the Falcons.
By drafting Sewell, I’d imagine the Falcons will move Jake Matthews over to right tackle and Kaleb McGary inside to guard. Matthews played right tackle for three years in college and originally started in Atlanta at right tackle in training camp.
The Falcons could move either Chris Lindstrom or McGary into that left guard spot or double-down and take another guard to fill that spot. By drafting one player, the Falcons give themselves the flexibility to improve their offensive line.
Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
With the offensive line addressed, Atlanta turns to the defensive line in this Falcons 7-round Mock Draft. Ossai is a long, explosive, physical pass rusher who fits in any defensive front. The Falcons’ pass rush has been lambasted by fans as soft or gives up too frequently. But, it’s impossible to say that about Ossai. Ossai’s motor is constantly running hot and he flies all over the football field. There isn’t a play that occurs that he gives up on.
The preference at pass rusher will ultimately depend on the next coaching staff in Atlanta, but Ossai will appeal to any scheme.
Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
While A.J. Terrell has been a solid rookie corner, but he needs a running mate in the secondary. Jobe is a physical, feisty cornerback (almost to a fault at times).
He’s produced some excellent film this year, working opposite of potential top-10 pick Patrick Surtain II. Jobe has kept opponents to just one touchdown this season. At 6’1″, 190 pounds, Jobe uses his size and length well to compete at the catch point and disrupt passing lanes. As a result of his skill set and opportunity, Jobe led the SEC with 11 pass breakups on roughly 50 targets this season.
Jobe’s been a consistent presence in the Falcons’ arena, given who he plays for. So, he should fit right in at home.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
With an improved offensive line up front, Atlanta may look to add talent to their running back room in this Falcons 7-round Mock Draft. Todd Gurley is out, and the Falcons need that physically dominant athletic runner. Rhamondre Stevenson is a 245-pound running back, but he moves with the smoothness of a 200-pounder. He’s a fluid athlete who can also catch passes out of the backfield.
There are a couple of things that may push him down. Stevenson served a six-game suspension for marijuana use before the playoff game against LSU in 2019. Stevenson also turns 23 years old in February. Age will likely push him down some boards, despite not having a ton of tread on his body.
Adetokunbo Ogundeji, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Falcons could add a different position like receiver here, but the pass rush is such a concern that they should double-dip to address it. While they will likely re-sign Jacob Tuloti-Mariner, the team will still need to build up pass rushing depth. Also, Ogundeji has a Senior Bowl invite.
Ogundeji is a hybrid player, as he can kick inside or play outside in a defensive front. His length and pop as a pass rusher make him an intriguing Day 3 player in this Falcons 2021 NFL Mock Draft. He’s a rawer pass rusher, but the traits are worth getting excited about.
Quentin Lake, FS, UCLA
The son of Carnell Lake, Quentin Lake has carved out a nice career for the Bruins. The Falcons have loved versatility in their room of defensive backs with guys like Damontae Kazee and Ricardo Allen. Thus, with the number of holes in their secondary, a versatile player like Lake would be a sound investment. While Lake isn’t a flashy playmaker like Keanu Neal is with his huge hits, Lake is a sound football player.
Atlanta could lose over 2,000 combined snaps in their secondary this offseason, justifying the approach of adding an abundance of secondary talent in this Falcons 7-round Mock Draft. Lake won’t completely solve those issues by himself. However, his fundamentally-sound approach and versatility will let him fill the void in a variety of roles.
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