2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons final grade

By John Buhler | Apr 30, 2017

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Takkarist McKinley (UCLA) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he holds a photo of his grandmother as he is selected as the number 26 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) reacts with defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Round

Duke Riley

Linebacker, LSU Tigers

Atlanta only had one pick on day two of the 2017 NFL Draft on Friday night. The Falcons had traded away their own No. 95 pick in the third round to the Seahawks to move up to grab McKinley out out UCLA at No. 26. Entering day two, Atlanta only had their No. 63 pick in the second round, but traded that to the Bills to collect more assets.

For No. 63, Atlanta received No. 75, No. 149 and No. 156 from Buffalo. At No. 75, the Falcons opted to take Deion Jones’ former linebacking buddy at LSU in Duke Riley. Riley replaced Jones in Baton Rouge, who in turn replaced Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander. LSU produces an absurd level of defensive talent. Riley can make a difference right away in Atlanta.

Inside linebacker was a position group that Atlanta did need to improve in the draft. Last year, they massively overhauled that unit by drafting Jones in the second round and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in the fourth round. Both started in Atlanta’s defense last season that made it to the Super Bowl.

Riley is unique in that he plays with a strong motor, which will allow him to play in any linebacking position. In short, Riley is a player that cannot be schemed off the field. Atlanta’s linebacking corps just got significantly more versatile and explosive with the addition of Riley.

Home/Atlanta Falcons