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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) reacts with linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) after a sack against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) reacts with linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) after a sack against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia. Leonard Floyd. 22. player. 44. . LB

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot going for them this year. Their linebackers, however, are a threat from within, stultifying the efforts of other units on both sides of the ball. Both Kroy Biermann and Justin Durant are so ineffective that the Falcons are in a linebacker emergency. The must use the 2016 draft to rebuild that part of their team.

Leonard Floyd of Georgia will be ready to start and contribute immediately, which isn’t nearly soon enough for the Falcons. Floyd brings durability, speed and explosiveness to a defense. He currently plays a 3-4 scheme, which might not be a bad fit for the Falcons. Their head coach is Dan Quinn the former defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, who relied primarily on a 4-3 scheme but mixed in some Cover 3 and 3-4 features as well.

Floyd is fast enough to be an effective edge rusher. At 6’3″ and 230, Floyd isn’t the biggest guy at his position. He will probably need to gain some weight to maximize his potential in the NFL. In the age of TSA-patdown-style tackling, it’s important to note that Floyd’s technique is solid. Added strength and weight will only make him more effective. He is not a tag-you’re-it tackler.

Competent in pass coverage and as a pass rusher, he is the difference maker the Falcons need.

Next: No. 23 Kansas City Chiefs

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