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2016 NFL mock draft: Final edition

By Matt Verderame

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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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 01: Linebacker Darron Lee
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 01: Linebacker Darron Lee /

Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

Under first-year head coach Dan Quinn, the Atlanta Falcons improved on defense. However, that isn’t saying a whole heck of a lot. The Falcons still ranked in the bottom third of the NFL and clearly need to add more to the front seven. Atlanta has some building blocks in cornerback Desmond Trufant and outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr., but more reinforcements are necessary.

The Falcons would love to land Darron Lee out of Ohio State University here. Lee is a versatile player who can rush off the edge but also does a nice job forcing run plays back inside. In pass coverage, Lee has the ability to drop into space and take on a running back or tight end in the flat or up the seam.

Atlanta has an offense that can rank in the top five. The Falcons have Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman to put the ball in the end zone with, but the defense remains a mess. Last year, Beasley Jr. led the team with only 3.5 sacks. If the Falcons are going to actually challenge the Carolina Panthers in the middling NFC South, they have to find ways to pressure the quarterback.

Next: Colts on the clock

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