FanPost

Post Saffold Retainment Mock

With us somehow stumbling in to resigning Saffold, our draft options have opened up greatly. Now, we only have two major holes on the defensive side (Safety and Corner), and one on the offensive side (LG). We also have two minor holes on the defensive side (DT and OLB), and two on the offensive side (C and WR). We could also use depth along both our offensive and defensive lines, as well as at a number of other positions. Taking all of that into account, I've compiled the following mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 6: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

TRADE! The Falcons are spending big to win now. They give up the #6, a 2015 1st, and their 3rd rounder to move up to #2 and grab Jadeveon Clowney.

Watkins provides us with another exciting weapon to compete on the outside. He's the most dynamic receiver in the draft, and could be a major contributor right away. With resigning Saffold, we no longer have need for a tackle in case Jake Long isn't ready.

Round 1, Pick 13: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St

I haven't been a big fan of bringing in a CB this early, but Gilbert is a good value, and now that we've released Finnegan, he's a big need. Gilbert is great in man coverage, and will help our pass rush make it home even more effectively than they already do.

Round 2, Pick 12: Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU

Drafting Van Noy fills our 3rd linebacker position with a dynamic pass rusher who is also a solid 2-down linebacker in regards to run support and coverage. He appears to be a wonderful fit for a Gregg Williams defense. He excels at blitzing and providing splash plays.

Round 3, Pick 6 (ATL): Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State

Bucannon is a heavy hitter and an explosive athlete. He's still a bit raw, but has the upside to be a high-impact player at the next level. With us missing out on a safety in free agency, we need to strengthen that position through the draft.

Round 3, Pick 11: Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor

Richardson had a rough Senior Bowl. He was manhandled by Aaron Donald, and in general didn't perform well. That being said, he has great tape, so he only falls to this point. Sliding him in at LG will help pave the way for Zac Stacy and co.

Round 4, Pick 10: Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor

We follow up one Baylor prospect with another. Things look incredibly grim for Isaiah Pead, as he simply hasn't been able to put it together on the field. So we bring in another athletic back to compliment Zac Stacy. Seastrunk provides a home run threat that we don't currently have in our backfield.

Round 5, Pick 13: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

Aaron Murray has worked with a run heavy offense, and has a lot of talent. His stature and season-ending injury have dropped him down draft boards. However, in round 5 he provides great value and can come in and compete for our backup job.

Round 6, Pick 12: Ricardo Allen, CB, Purdue

Drafting Gilbert still only left us with 4 capable CBs on our roster. We still need depth, and Allen is someone who can provide it. He's a pesky player, similar to Cortland Finnegan, and could contribute on special teams right away.

Round 7, Pick 11: Bruce Gaston, DT, Purdue

We also follow up one Purdue prospect with another. Gaston had a good 2012 next to Kawann Short, but has flown under the radar in 2013. Bringing him in will improve our interior depth on the DL.

NOTE: I didn't include compensatory picks, mostly because I was running out of positions to fill. Our team is getting close to being very, very good, people.