Atlanta Falcons 2016 NFL mock draft
By John Buhler
Third Round: Wide Receiver Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
The Atlanta Falcons could go in several directions with their third round pick. While they may choose to draft non-skill position players in the first few rounds, they may not be able to help themselves and select 2014 All-American wideout Rashard Higgins out of Colorado State.
Higgins has played very well for the Rams his first three years of college. He has thrived under two great passing coaches in former head coach Jim McElwain, now with Florida, and current head coach Mike Bobo, former long-time offensive coordinator of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Atlanta has taken a giant leap backwards in the passing game, as quarterback Matt Ryan rarely targets anybody other than leading receptions leader in the NFL in wide receiver Julio Jones. Long-time wideout Roddy White has maybe a few years left in the tank, if that. Leonard Hankerson has talent, but is almost always dealing with some sort of nagging injury. Justin Hardy is still proving himself as a rookie. Devin Hester is mostly a return specialist. Nick Williams and Eric Weems are there mostly for depth.
The Falcons went with another former All-American in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft in former Indiana Hoosier running back Tevin Coleman, who has at times looked solid in his first year as a pro. Atlanta needs more explosiveness on offense, while also getting a coachable young talent. Higgins seems to satisfy both needs and Atlanta should go wideout in either the third or fourth rounds in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Next: Fourth Round