As everyone knows, the 2015 NFL Draft has come to a close, and Last Word On Sports continues its series on the 2015 NFL Draft here. Today, the Atlanta Falcons are under the microscope. Here’s who they selected:
First Round, 8th Overall – OLB Vic Beasley (Clemson)
Second Round, 42nd Overall – CB Jalen Collins (LSU)
Third Round, 73th Overall – RB Tevin Coleman (Indiana)
Fourth Round, 107th Overall – WR Justin Hardy (East Carolina)
Fifth Round, 137th Overall – DT Grady Jarrett (Clemson)
Seventh Round, 225th Overall – OT Jake Rogers (Eastern Washington)
Seventh Round, 249th Overall – S Akeem King (San Jose State)
Atlanta Falcons 2015 NFL Draft Review
Best Player: Vic Beasley
With pass rusher as the team’s top need, Vic Beasley was by far the best pick and the best player from their draft. He was clearly one of the top pass rushers in college and he will step in and immediately make an impact. He is a freakish athlete with quick hands to use against blockers. With his explosive first step off the snap, Beasley will be a nightmare against offensive tackles.
The Head-Scratcher: None
The Falcons did an overall excellent job in addressing their biggest needs. With four of their seven selections committed to the defensive side of the ball, the franchise didn’t stray away from their top priorities. Offensively, they found two skill position players in Tevin Coleman and Justin Hardy to build around as Antone Smith and Roddy White are aging.
The Surprise: Not Selecting Multiple Offensive Linemen
Offense wasn’t their main focus in the draft, but the Falcons could have drafted at least another lineman. Their pass protection was much improved in 2014 (surrendering just 31 sacks compared to 44 in 2013), but the run blocking remained subpar, ranking 29th by Pro Football Focus. They will have rely on young interior linemen already on the roster to make big strides in 2015.
The Steal: Jalen Collins
Getting Jalen Collins in the second round was a big-time grab for the Falcons. After being projected to go in the first round after a stellar combine, he fell to Round 2 after reports of multiple failed drug tests at LSU. On the field, he wasn’t much of a concern. At 6’1’’ with 4.48 speed, Collins has the special combination of size and speed that scouts search for. He has the vertical ability to compete for 50-50 balls and knock passes away. Collins also has a knack for using his speed to close down on receivers and running backs in the open field. With time, he and Desmond Trufant can become one of the NFL’s deadliest cornerback tandems.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: Tevin Coleman
Tevin Coleman will be the one who grabs attention at Falcons camp. A Doak Walker Award finalist (awarded to the nation’s top running back), Coleman became the third back in Big 10 history to record 2,000 yards in a single season (Larry Johnson, Melvin Gordon). At 5’11’’, he has the perfect combination of size and speed. Being a north and south runner, Coleman can embrace contact between the tackles and finishes runs strong. With Jacquizz Rodgers now in Chicago and Antone Smith in his thirties, Coleman has a strong chance to beat out Devonta Freeman for the starting job.
The Rest
Offensive tackle Jake Rodgers will ultimately line up opposite of Jake Matthews to potentially form a formidable tackle pair. Justin Hardy will join a talented group of pass catchers and provide Matt Ryan with another target. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and safety Akeem King could become cornerstones for a defense that is in desperate need of talent once they are developed.
The Bottom Line
The Falcons arguably had the best draft of the league’s 32 teams. After immediately addressing the defense with their first two picks, they remained consistent throughout the weekend. It would’ve been ideal if they examined their interior offensive line further, but they should be very pleased with their overall approach.
Falcons 2015 Draft Grade: 9/10
Check out our other draft reviews here.
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