Atlanta Falcons: 2016 mock draft

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Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Kolby Listenbee (7) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trae Elston (7) and LaKedrick King (28) during the third quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

7th Round Pick: Trae Elston, Ole Miss

No 5th or 6th round picks for the Falcons this year, so we’ll have to skip to the end of the draft to take a flyer on a strong safety.

Trae Elston was quite a ball hawk for the Rebels. Not only did he have four interceptions in 2015 (two of which were returned for a TD), but he defended a total of 14 passes.

In his four-year career, Elston totaled 23 passes defended, five INTs, 11 TFL and had at least 60 tackles every year dating back to his freshman season in 2012.

While the Falcons defense was much improved in 2015, they still have a ways to go before they are up to the standards Dan Quinn in looking for. Having some good depth at strong safety would be a huge benefit, and Trae Elston would give that coming from a good team in a great collegiate conference.

If the Falcons are able to secure some solid players that meet the needs of the team in the 2016 NFL Draft, coupled with the key free agent signing they’ve put together, it may be enough to get back to a winning record this fall.

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