2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock

By John Buhler | Apr 11, 2017

Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers offensive lineman Forrest Lamp (76) celebrates his teams victory following the CUSA championship game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Round

Derek Rivers

Defensive End, Youngstown State Penguins

So if Atlanta is going to go with an offensive lineman at No. 31, one would think that the Falcons would target a pass rusher at No. 63 in the second round? That should be the right course of action for the Falcons to make.

While they could target a pass rusher like Derek Barnett, Takkarist McKinley, or Charles Harris at the end of the first round, the Falcons could get a top-tier pass rusher to pair alongside Vic Beasley at No. 63 by taking Derek Rivers out of Youngstown State.

In recent years, Atlanta hasn’t had great success drafting guys out of the Power 5. Robert Alford has been good at cornerback, but Atlanta predominantly goes with big time programs with their draft picks. Rivers is worth the exception. He was so dominant in the Senior Bowl and at the Scouting Combine.

It will really come down to if Rivers is an ideal scheme fit for the Falcons in their 4-3 Under base. There may be more versatility in the back-end of the first round with pass rushers, but Rivers could be as productive for the Falcons in that role coming in the second round. Atlanta’s biggest need is guard anyway.

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