{"id":61597,"date":"2019-03-18T20:44:34","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T00:44:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=61597"},"modified":"2019-03-18T20:44:34","modified_gmt":"2019-03-19T00:44:34","slug":"atlanta-falcons-options-first-round-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/03\/18\/atlanta-falcons-options-first-round-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlanta Falcons Draft Options Other Than Ed Oliver in the First Round"},"content":{"rendered":"

There seems to be a theme amongst Atlanta Falcons<\/a> fans across the internet. Ask any of them who the team should draft and you usually will get the same answer, Ed Oliver<\/a><\/strong>. While there may be some fans out there who want another prospect the majority of the fan base is banking for Oliver to be there at 14 when the team makes its selection.<\/p>\n

So, what happens if that\u2019s not the case? What if Oliver is not on the board at 14, what are the teams next options? While Oliver does consistently fall in mock drafts seen across the internet, he is still a top five player in this year\u2019s class and could be taken well before the Falcons come on the clock.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons Draft Options If They Don’t Go With Ed Oliver in the First Round<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Option One<\/h2>\n

Of course, the first option is Brian Burns<\/a><\/strong> from Florida State. Again, Burns is another top-five player who could fall out of the top 10. Burns has the best bend in the class and compliments it with great hand usage and counter moves. He added weight at the Combine and still was plenty of explosive, showing he could realistically play at that weight without a problem. Assuming he\u2019s on the board at 14, he should be highly considered for the team. Especially with Vic Beasley<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s future up in the air, the team could use some star talent off the edge.<\/p>\n

Option Two<\/h2>\n

Going back to the interior defensive line,\u00a0Christian Wilkins<\/a><\/strong> is an option as well for the team. A four-year starter for the Clemson program, Wilkins was an all-American during his career and made his name known since the moment he stepped on the field. Talk to anyone within the program and you\u2019ll hear rave reviews about the kid. He has made it known that when drafting him, you are getting much more than a football player. Wilkins’ character off the field is unquestioned. He got his degree in two and a half years and was working on his Master’s during his final year with the team.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t be fooled. Wilkins isn\u2019t only a culture guy. He also happens to be a really good football player as well. He has the makings of a true plug and play starter for any team who drafts him. Best suited as a three-technique but can line up anywhere needed on the interior. He brings a unique combination of quickness and power to the table. He has a good anchor and can drop his hips to hold his gap. He’s also quick to take control of the intended gap and has the change of direction skills to move gap to gap in certain situations. He\u2019s relentless in pursuit and will never take plays off as well.<\/p>\n

Sliding Wilkins next to former Clemson defensive lineman Grady Jarrett<\/a><\/strong> would make a great duo for years to come. Wilkins also has some upside rushing the passer and could be an impact here with further development.<\/p>\n

Option Three<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s always good to have a backup plan and franchises, just like any other organization, tend to do so. Looking at the Falcons depth chart, the team doesn\u2019t have major holes that need replacement from early picks. That is good but puts the team in an interesting position come draft day. If the above options aren\u2019t available, then what direction will the team choose to go? Is trading back or trading up a realistic option? And if so, would we pull the trigger if given the option?<\/p>\n

After Deion Jones<\/a> <\/strong>got injured, it revealed a weakness in the team\u2019s roster. While Jones is one of the best linebackers in the league, the team lacks great depth outside of him. Adding someone else to the position should be a top priority for the team. Looking forward, Michigan linebacker Devin Bush<\/a><\/strong> would be a great fit for the Falcons defense.<\/p>\n

He would be an instant plug and play guy beside Jones playing the weak side. Bush has the range to make an impact on all three levels of the field. He\u2019s a true sideline to sideline defender who can match runners speed getting to the outside or meet them at the line of scrimmage. Not only that, but Bush is excellent in coverage and has the fluid hips needed to turn and run with any slot receiver or tight end. Some may worry about his size but it\u2019s the new trend for linebackers and he certainly fits the mold.<\/p>\n

The Falcons are big into athletic linebackers who can cover, and Bush fits that mold to a T. It wouldn\u2019t be surprising if the team veers off course to select him. They have shown to do so and take the best player available approach instead of taking players outside their true value.<\/p>\n

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