Atlanta Falcons

GM: @Rumfordjohnny – 1 CB, 1 LB, 2 OL, 1 WR, 1 DL, 1 TE, 1 RB –> 8 Picks

27. Atlanta* (13-3) – @Rumfordjohnny – Brandon Harris, CB – Miami’

2.27 Atlanta* (13-3) @RumfordJohnny – Dontay Moch, OLB

3.27 Atlanta* (13-3) – @Rumfordjohnny – John Moffitt, C/OG/OT – Wisconsin

4.27 (124) Atlanta : Cecil Shorts III, WR – Mount Union

5.27 (158) Atlanta Falcons: Martin Parker, DL – Richmond

6.27 – 192. Atlanta Falcons: Rob Housler, TE – Florida Atlantic

7.26 – 229. Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Locke, RB – UK

7.27 – 230. Atlanta Falcons(f/NE): Rich Lapham, OT – Boston College

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Trade Log:

No Trades

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The Falcons stayed put at #27 and selected Brandon Harris, a good but not great cornerback who should be able to beat out Chris Owens for the nickel job.

In a perhaps more unconventional pick, Atlanta took speedy pass rusher Dontay Moch late in the second round. A college defensive end, Moch looked out of place playing linebacker at the East-West Shrine Game practices. He’s got the athleticism to make it work; the question is whether he’ll develop the instincts necessary to play the position at a very high level.

The selection of John Moffitt in the third round was a bit of a reach. Though he possesses many of the positive qualities you expect to see in a Wisconsin o-lineman, Moffitt isn’t particularly agile and will struggle against quicker defensive tackles, including ones who play for the division rival Saints and Buccaneers. Also, Mount Union receiver Cecil Shorts‘ disappointing week against the big boys at the Shrine Game practices suggests he may have been a reach in the late 4^th round.

However, the Falcons made up for some mid-round missteps by getting great value later on. In the fifth round, the team made an excellent choice in picking Richmond defensive tackle Martin Parker, who could be a very effective rotational player for the Falcons. In addition, they brought in a intriguing tight end in FAU’s Rob Housler and what could be one of the true steals of this draft in seventh round running back Derrick Locke.

Locke’s small in stature and has battled a series of injuries, but he’s also one of the most explosive weapons in this year’s draft. With Jerious Norwood set to hit free agency, Locke is a perfect replacement as the speedy complement to Turner & Snelling.

Grade: B

Graded by Aaron Aloysius – @AaronAloysius