Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons: Fresh 2017 Full Mock Draft

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

I have a confession:

I’m addicted to mock drafts. Which also means that I think there is never a bad time for one. Seven weeks into the 2016, the Falcons are sitting at 4-3 with a productive offense, a defense that is still growing and a work-in-progress, and a roster from top-to-bottom that is without a doubt better than it was at this time last year. However that doesn’t mean that the roster is still in need of an upgrade at key positions.

At this point of the season, some of the key positions that are in need of upgrade or may possibly seen an upgrade during the offseason are defensive end, offensive guard, offensive tackle, and defensive interior linemen.

So with the Atlanta Falcons close at the halfway point of the 2016 season, let’s unwrap a fresh 2017 mock draft for the Atlanta Falcons.

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA;Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Harris

Defensive End, Missouri

Coming in at 6 foot 3 and 255 pounds, Harris is the boost that the Falcons need in the pass rushing department. While it seems that 2015 first rounder Vic Beasley is turning the corner and becoming that edge rusher that head coach Dan Quinn envisioned, a running mate is needed for the long-term future. Veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney has been a solid signing so far but of course, he’s not in the long term blueprint for the defense. Harris will come in and fill the LEO position on the defense and allow Beasley to fully make the conversion to strong-side linebacker. Harris has a quick-twitch first step and his speed around edge along with Beasley’s dangerous speed will have quarterbacks panicking and the sacks accumulating. Harris needs to work on his run defense as well as fine tune his pass rushing technique but proper teaching can sharpen those attributes. The addition of Harris teaming with Beasley will give Atlanta a pair of dangerous pass rushers and enhance the defense greatly.Next: 2nd round, 58th overall

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) celebrates the win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the second overtime at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeated the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Evans

Free Safety , Texas A&M

Quinn’s defensive scheme requires a free safety that is capable of handling arguably the most important role of the entire defense. A safety that is reliable in both pass coverage and run support equally. Current starter Ricardo Allen has been ‘ok’ in both aspects since winning the job in training camp prior to the 2015 season. While he has made a few plays here and there, he has also given up his fair share also with coverage lapses. Evans changes all of that. Taking Evans in the second round provides a playmaking safety with size (6’1 200 lbs), hard hitting ability, and athleticism to provide plenty of range as a deep safety. The presence of Evans will improve the secondary considerably.Next: 3rd round, 90th overall

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels offensive lineman Caleb Peterson (70) celebrates after a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Peterson

Offensive Guard, North Carolina

Atlanta’s offensive line as a whole has performed very well this season which in large part is due to the addition of center Alex Mack in free agency. At the guard spot, starters Andy Levitre and Chris Chester have been good enough to tread water but the two veterans are beyond their best days and it may be time to insert a dose of youth at the position. Peterson has started 42 games in his career including 30 straight before his season ended a couple of weeks back due to a back injury. At 6’5 300 pounds, Peterson fits the mold that the Falcons are looking for on the offensive line. He is a better run blocker than he his a pass protector currently but he isn’t a liability in that department. The Falcons use an early pick to on a solid offensive linemen which at the very worst adds quality depth which the team will need sooner than later anyway.Next: 4th round, 128th overall

Sep 26, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) celebrates in the end zone with wide receiver Jordan Fieulleteau (88) and offensive tackle Jon Heck (71) after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels defeated the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens 41-14 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Heck

Right Tackle, North Carolina

Once again, the Falcons dip into the North Carolina program for another offensive lineman. This time, they take another 6’6 prospect at the offensive tackle position. Current starter at right tackle, Ryan Schraeder, is an unrestricted free agent. Although Schraeder’s 2016 season has not been as great as his 2015 season, he is still a solid tackle to partner with left tackle Jake Matthews. What we have been proven in recent seasons is that free agency is a beast that can be untamed at times and anything can happen. While I expect the Falcons to attempt to bring Schraeder back, there is always “what if?” In that case, Heck provides a solid option in the case that Schraeder is no longer a Falcon in 2017. The longtime starter at right tackle for the Heels needs a little more development but has the tools to be a consistent starter at the NFL level.Next: 5th round, 168th overall

Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jarron Jones (94) leaves the field following the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Jarron Jones

Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame

The play of Grady Jarrett and Ra’Shede Hageman has strengthen their future within this defense. Veteran defensive tackle Tyson Jackson is still under contract until 2019 although I wouldn’t be surprised if his contract is restructured this upcoming offseason. Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux has been that consistent rock for the Falcons defensive line for years although it may be the end of the line for the longtime Falcon. So here in the fifth round, the Falcons take an interior disruptor with the possibility of losing Jackson, Babineaux, or both this offseason. Jones is 6’5 315 pound interior lineman with powerful upper body strength, length, and a pension for being disrupting in the run game. He does have an injury history but if he can overcome that, he is a steal this late in the draft.Next: 6th round, 204th overall

Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Josh Reynolds (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Reynolds

Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

This selection shouldn’t alert the masses. The wide receiver corps for the Falcons has performed pretty well so far this season. However, the selection of Reynolds is intriguing because the 6’4 deep threat can add a different element to the team. Receivers Aldrick Robinson and Taylor Gabriel have answered when called upon but neither have the size that Reynolds possesses. During his time at Texas A&M, Reynolds has averaged 17.4 yards per reception and has been a big play machine for the Aggies. Reynolds can bring some competition in training camp next offseason which is never a bad thing. As far as ceilings go, the 200 pound wide out added with the dynamic Julio Jones can make for one lethal passing game. Next: 7th round, 244th overall

Oct 22, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders cornerback Jeremy Cutrer (8) breaks up a pass intended for Missouri Tigers wide receiver J

Jeremy Cutrer

Cornerback, Middle Tennessee State

With the Falcons last selection of the draft, the team selects an intriguing cornerback with length and solid coverage ability. Cutrer is 6’2 with a wiry frame at 170 pounds but don’t let the thin frame fool you. Cutrer is active and aggressive in run support as well as dependable in coverage. The Falcons have a clear-cut #1 corner in Desmond Trufant while the #2 corner, Robert Alford, will be a free agent this offseason along with Trufant. The signing of Trufant to a big money deal is pretty much imminent for the Falcons. Alford on the other hand may not be as lucky. The team is hoping that Jalen Collins take a big step in year two while Brian Poole has been a great find as an UDFA. Cutrer provides depth with solid potential to be a key piece to the puzzle in the secondary.

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