Atlanta Falcons: 2016 mock draft

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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Round Pick: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

The Falcons picked up one former Alabama linebacker (Courtney Upshaw) in the off-season, so why not make it two?

Upshaw is an outside linebacker, so picking Ragland who projects as an inside linebacker will fill the gaping holes Atlanta has in the middle.

Ragland was the star of the Crimson Tide defense in each of the last two seasons. In 2015, he led the team with 102 tackles on their way to a national championship.

For his career, Reggie tallied 17.5 TFL and four sacks. He also had 10 passes defended and four forced fumbles in four years with the Tide.

One huge benefit for picking Ragland are those four years under Nick Saban. He is mature and knows what it means to play in big games. There’s little doubt he’s ready to be a starter in the NFL and be an impact contributor right away.

This will fill a major position of need. If the Falcons are able to get Reggie Ragland, who is projected as a late first-round pick, they’ll already have the LB spot sown up with his addition and Upshaw in free agency.

Next: 2nd Round

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