Atlanta Falcons

2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Final 7-Round Mock Draft

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:22 p.m. ET

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With the 2017 NFL Draft fast approaching, it's time for the Atlanta Falcons to turn a new page in our final seven-round mock draft.

As much as they would like to rewrite history, the Atlanta Falcons cannot change the past. However, they can allow their tragedy to inspire a great comeback tale. On Thursday, April 27, the first day of the 2017 NFL Draft will commenced.

Coincidentally, Thursday is also Tell a Story Day. As such, the Falcons will open with a prelude by introducing six new characters. They'll join those already established, such as the reigning MVP in Matt Ryan, as well as Julio Jones and Vic Beasley.

We won't know what the Atlanta Falcons' picks will be until each day of the draft. And we won't know the outcome of their story until much later in 2017. However, we do know that the Falcons are determined to pen a classic redemption tale following their Super Bowl LI collapse. So how do they make that happen in the 2017 draft?

This is how the new chapter starts, at least in our final 7-round mock draft for the Falcons.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 31: Derek Rivers, DE/OLB – Youngstown State

Defense wins championships, and there is plenty of room left for the Falcons to improve on that side of the ball this season. Given that the Falcons are eager for a championship and that this year's draft is defense-heavy, I see the Falcons selecting Derek Rivers with the No. 31 pick. While they need a safety just as much as a defensive end, they should use their initial draft pick to boost their first line of defense.

Furthermore, with his speed and burst from the line, Rivers can compliment Vic Beasley from the start and help bring the quarterback pressure that the Falcons need to succeed. With Rivers and Beasley, the Falcons could get on the right side of turnovers, forcing them and capitalizing from them.

Rivers didn't play much during his freshman year at Youngstown State, but as his playing time increased, his stats did as well. Rivers accumulated an impressive 37.5 sacks in 49 games (making him YSU's all-time leader in sacks), 173 tackles, 56.5 tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles during his college career.

Derek Rivers will have to improve his coverage skills in order the play outside linebacker and perhaps bulk up a bit, but he possesses speed and flexibility that cannot be taught. He has the versatility that Dan Quinn loves and would fit right into the defense.

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Dion Dawkins speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2, Pick 63: Dion Dawkins, OL – Temple

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As well as Atlanta's offense performed last season, the Falcons team couldn't establish equilibrium between their passing and rushing attacks. Defenses stifled the Falcons run game by forcing running backs Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman to settle for minimal gains, if not simply stuffing them at the line. In the regular season, the team was tied for fifth in the NFL with 62 negative rushing plays.

The departures of Chris Chester (retirement) and Patrick DiMarco (free agent signing with the Buffalo Bills) leave gaping holes in Atlanta's offensive line. Therefore, Atlanta Falcons will simply need to do better. And they can do that by drafting Dion Dawkins in the second round (63rd overall pick).

Weighing at 314 pounds, Dawkins is slightly larger than most teams would want but his good footwork and quickness will allow him to meet the Falcons' need for speed. In addition to bringing these skills to the field, Dawkins also brings versatility as he can play right guard. In terms of being a tackle, if that's where Atlanta would like for him to play down the line, he'll need to further develop his technique and footwork on the outside. However, Dawkins could slot in at guard right away to help bolster the Falcons run game.

Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) makes a reception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Pick 95: Jake Butt, TE – Michigan

The tight end position isn't at the top of the Atlanta Falcons' list of need,s but Jake Butt could add significant value to the team's offensive line with his ideal size (6-5, 246 pounds), ability to beat zone coverage and create separation from defenders, blocking skills, and versatility. He has tremendous upside and would be a steal at No. 95 for the Falcons.

His stocked dropped after he sustained a torn ACL in the Orange Bowl. But before that, he proved to be a reliable target for his quarterback as he recorded 546 yards on 46 receptions, scoring four times last season. He was the recipient of the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Award and also named first-team All-Big Ten.

Butt won't be a starter in Week 1. In fact, I don't expect him to start any more than three or four games this season, barring any injuries to Austin Hooper (drafted last year) or Levine Toilolo (re-signed). However, this won't be a wasted pick because, presently, there is technically an empty roster slot from Jacob Tamme's departure. Moreover, there'll  be a need for quality tight ends in the future.

Foresight is imperative to success. Teams must draft wisely in order to strengthen or rebuild it, but also in order to sustain success for several years. The Atlanta Falcons should draft Butt, limit his action until his ACL is healed and while he refines his technique, and then unleash him and let him wreak havoc. Patience is a virtue.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4, Pick 136: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT – Alabama

As I mentioned earlier, the Atlanta Falcons' running game needs to improve in order for their offense to succeed. The team's defense also needs improvement in stopping the run. In the 2016 season, it allowed opposing teams to gain an average of 4.5 yards per carry and consequently finished ranked 18th overall. While the Falcons rank in the middle of the pack, which isn't horrible, there's plenty of room for them to rise up.

The Falcons began their climb by making their best offseason move added a huge piece of the puzzle, defensive tackle Dontari Poe, to Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford, Ra'Shede Hageman, and Vic Beasley. Dalvin Tomlinson could be the final piece the defensive line needs.

In his final year at Alabama, he posted an impressive 62 tackles (5.5 for loss) and three sacks. If he's selected by the Falcons at No. 136 and can transfer that momentum to Atlanta, he could help them become one of the best run defenders on the roster.

Tomlinson isn't quick off the line, but can make a big impact from the interior with his tremendous strength and physicality. We've seen several phenomenal NFL players come out of Tuscaloosa. Tomlinson has the potential to become another one from the Tide and can be the final piece of the puzzle the Falcons need to keep rolling.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) prepares to hit Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Stevie Donatell (87) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5, Pick 174: Eddie Jackson, S – Alabama

As the Atlanta Falcons roll on towards a Super Bowl championship, they should select another Alabama alum, safety Eddie Jackson, at No. 174. He fractured his leg this past October and subsequently saw his stock drop. However, if he is still on the board in the fifth round and the Falcons do pick him, the team could have another defensive stud coming into the fold.

Jackson, like Derek Rivers, is another defensive player in this year's draft class that can help the Falcons this season immediately (if healthy) in addition to having long-term value. Jackson may be one of, if not the, best fits for the Falcons.

His speed, physicality, versatility, and ball-hawking skills are exactly what the Falcons need in their secondary. And they'd complement Desmond Trufant's skills and help the Falcons get on the right side of turnovers. Jackson's athleticism, intellect and sharp instincts allow him to extend his impact past the secondary to the team's first line of defense and assist in defending the run. Eddie Jackson has what the Atlanta Falcons want and need. He appears to be a perfect match for them. So, why shouldn't the Falcons swipe right, so to speak?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7, Pick 249: Nate Iese, FB – UCLA

After Patrick DiMarco left for the Buffalo Bills, the Atlanta Falcons were left with a void at their fullback position. However, not ones to dwell, they picked up Derrick Coleman during free agency and plan on pinning him against Soma Vainuku to see who emerges as their starter. Coleman's blocking skills are better than his competitor's but Vainuku's physicality makes him a serious threat. The Falcons have backup plans in the event that things don't workout with just one of them.

Nate Iese is an attractive option for the team with his athleticism, agility and versatility. If the Falcons implement a running-back-by-committee system this season with Devonta Freeman and Coleman/Vainuku, while also adding Iese to the mix, they may acheive a balance between their game on the ground and that in the air. A third option for the team is having a tight end, such as Levine Toilolo, line up as a fullback. It's not the best option, but the Falcons will have to think outside of the box in order to advance.

With the need to improve the consistency of their rushing game — particularly with Kyle Shanahan now out of the picture and now longer guiding Ryan and the Atlanta passing attack, Iese could be a nice late value find. If not, it's only a seventh-round pick that they're taking a flyer on to see if he's the right fit. Such is life at the end of a team's draft, and just before the end of the draft as a whole.

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