NFL Mock Draft: Week 14
By Brad Weiss
![Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/255a894702c3dd4568960f15ab02c821f89fe80bca0dad50e2f90eebc5a7090b.jpg)
27. player. 44. . DE. Florida State. DeMarcus Walker
The Atlanta Falcons are going to be right up there with the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks this year, and they may actually be the best offensive team in the NFC. Quarterback Matt Ryan is having an MVP-type season, and Julio Jones may be the best wide receiver in football. Add to that the fact they have two stud running backs, and this team is going to be able to score with anybody.
The issue with Falcons is that they need help on the defensive side of the ball, as they often let teams creep back into games. All the scoring in the world is not going to help you if you cannot get the other team’s offense off of the field. They need to add a playmaker to their defensive line, and Florida State’s DeMarcus Walker would be a perfect fit.
Walker is a beast on the defensive side of the ball, and can absolutely kill you in the run, and passing game. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback, but he is also good at filling gaps and making stops in the backfield. He has been a leader on a very good Florida State defense for the past few years, and would have a huge impact on a Falcons teams who may be one or two pieces away from being a Super Bowl contender for the foreseeable future.