Round 1 (8th pick): Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky
The Falcons' pass rush was nonexistent in 2014, as Kroy Biermann led the team with 4.5 sacks. Offseason acquisitions O'Brien Schofield and Adrian Clayborn will aid this struggling front seven, but this is still a need area for Atlanta. Dupree is a high-motor edge rusher capable of consistently wreaking havoc in the backfield and putting quarterbacks under duress. Dupree can make an immediate impact for the Falcons as a run-stopper. He is fundamentally sound at shedding blocks and can stymie running plays with his physicality and his 6'4"/269 lb-frame.
Round 2 (42nd pick): Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Because he is recovering from an ACL injury, Ogbuehi could fall out of the first round and into Atlanta's lap at 42nd overall. Ogbuehi was a star on A&M's O-line (much like the Falcons' first rounder last year, Jake Matthews). Ogbuehi is 6'5"/306 lbs and possesses some serious versatility. He can play essentially anywhere along the line and would be able to contribute right away on a unit that has been woeful of late. The Falcons allowed 31 sacks last season, so this pick figures to be an offensive lineman if they take an edge rusher in the first round.
Round 3 (73rd pick): Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
The Falcons made a clutch offseason move in re-signing Antone Smith, who is easily one of the most underutilized backs in the league. Meanwhile, Devonta Freeman showed some promise in his rookie campaign and figures to see more carries in 2015 given the departure of Steven Jackson. That said, Ajayi would be an outstanding addition to a rushing attack that has been wildly disappointing ever since the days of Michael Turner in his prime. Ajayi recorded a staggering 2358 yards from scrimmage in his final season at Boise State.
Round 4 (107th pick): Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
The Falcons were dead last against the pass last season. Kemal Ishmael stepped into a more prominent role in his second season, but Atlanta could benefit from drafting a couple of safeties seeing as Dwight Lowery and Josh Wilson are no longer in town. Holliman is as productive as they come (14 INTs, 44 total tackles in 2014). He is a true ball hawk who would bolster this secondary and could be molded into the Falcons' free safety of the future.
Round 5 (146th pick): Chris Hackett, S, TCU
The Falcons waived Zeke Motta in early April, so there is a possibility that Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn will double up on safeties in the draft. Additionally, William Moore has only played two full seasons since being drafted by the Falcons in 2009. Depth at the position is crucial for Atlanta, and one of TCU's finest defensive playmakers may still be on the board by this pick. Hackett may not be a thumper, but he displays noticeable football instincts and could be an asset to this secondary in the future.
Round 6 (185th pick): Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
Like Ogbuehi, Thompson has tremendous athleticism. He would be able to play in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's zone blocking scheme, a system in which quickness is emphasized and the big boys up front are asked to do a bit more running. Thompson springing Ajayi for a big gainer would be a dream come true for Falcons fans.
Round 7 (225th pick): Bryce Hager, ILB, Baylor
Similar to Hackett, Hager could grow and develop without being thrown into the fire right away. Hager could slide in behind Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu on the depth chart at middle linebacker. At 6'1"/234 lbs, he has an ideal linebacker build.
Round 7 (249th pick): Deion Barnes, DE/OLB, Penn State
With their final selection, the Falcons could snag another edge rusher and finish the draft like they started it. Barnes has a similar build to that of Dupree and is capable of playing with his hand in the dirt or standing upright. Barnes is an intriguing player who could develop into a viable option in Richard Smith's defense, regardless of whether it is a pure 4-3 alignment or if there is some 3-4 action mixed in there.
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