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Atlanta Falcons 2016 NFL mock draft

By John Buhler

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi /
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Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Nick Martin (72) and defensive lineman Sheldon Day (91) celebrate after winning the game against the LSU Tigers in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Notre Dame won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Nick Martin (72) and defensive lineman Sheldon Day (91) celebrate after winning the game against the LSU Tigers in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Notre Dame won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Round: Center Nick Martin, Notre Dame

This is a pick the Atlanta Falcons simply cannot mess up. Thomas Dimitroff has made some highly questionable draft selections in the middle rounds (second to fourth) of NFL Drafts since taking over as general manager in 2008.

While the Falcons’ offensive line has improved under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme, going with Mike Person at starting center has been a bottleneck for the unit since coming down with an ankle injury in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.

Atlanta should look to improve its offensive line on the interior as both tackles Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder have performed well in 2015. The guard play between left guard Andy Levitre and right guard Chris Chester has been respectable for most of the season. It has been center that has hurt the Falcons in pass protection and run blocking.

Going with Notre Dame’s center Nick Martin is an overwhelming safe bet for the Falcons. Martin’s older brother, Zack, stars on one of the best offensive lines in football in the Dallas Cowboys. The older Martin brother was listed as a center too when entering the 2014 NFL Draft, but plays guard next to center Travis Frederick.

The young Martin brother could play any of the three interior offensive line positions for the Falcons. Regardless of if Atlanta sticks with Shanahan beyond this season, Martin could thrive in both a zone blocking scheme or a man blocking scheme. Atlanta would be making a mistake not to take Martin with second round pick if he is available.

Next: Third Round

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