The reigning NFC champion Falcons own the 31st pick in the coming draft and their key decision makers, coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff, arrived here at the scouting combine Tuesday hoping to duplicate last season’s draft success.
The Falcons landed three starters and their tight end of the future in the 2016 draft.
Dimitroff doesn’t see any major holes on the roster, but the Falcons will look to fortify both the offensive and defensive lines in the draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Philadelphia. Also, Dimitroff said the team is always looking to improve the pass rush.
Here are five players the Falcons must scout at the combine with ratings from NFLDraftScout.com:
Haason Reddick, Temple: Thirty-first ranked player overall/fourth at outside linebacker. He's 6-foot-1, 237 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.54. He's projected to be drafted in the first of second round. He would be the best player available according to the rankings. League scouts are still buzzing over his strong Senior Bowl performance. He's a former defensive back.
Charles Harris, Missouri: 32/5 DE, 6-3, 255, 4.74, 1-2 round. He led the Tigers in tackles for loss (12.0), sacks (9.0) and QB hurries (10). Also had a pair of forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two pass break-ups.
Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky: 35/2 OG, 6-4, 305, 5.12, 1-2 round. He started 51 games for the Hilltoppers and was mostly a tackle. He's projected to be a guard in the NFL. He had a strong showing against Alabama.
Carl Lawson, Auburn: 39/6 DE, 6-2, 253, 4.67, 1-2 round. There are major health concerns about Lawson, who has a long injury history. He had a healthy 2016 and flashed his pass rushing talents. Medical evaluation at the combine will be key for the Milton High product.
Caleb Brantley, Florida: 50/3 DT, 6-2, 297, 5.05, 2 round. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock believes that Brantley would be a nice player to fit in the Falcons defense next to the emerging defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
https://twitter.com/DOrlandoLED/status/836659755753975808
About the Author
