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2018 NFL mock draft: Saquon Barkley heads to Giants

By Brad Weiss

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies looks across the line of scrimmage prior to a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies looks across the line of scrimmage prior to a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

26. player. 44. . Defensive Tackle. Washington. Vita Vea

Coming off the worst blown lead in the history of the Super Bowl, many expected the Atlanta Falcons to struggle early in the 2017 season. Well, the Falcons did just that, though they were able to right the ship before the season was lost. In the playoffs, Atlanta won their Wild Card round game, only to go to Philadelphia and lose in the Divisional Round, with a shot at the NFC title game on the line.

Still, it was a solid season for Atlanta, who continues to show that they are one of the best teams in the NFC. Quarterback Matt Ryan is an absolute stud, and Julio Jones may be the best wide receiver in the conference. Add to the offense a running back tandem that is one of the best in the game, and you have an elite offense that very few teams in the NFL can hold a candle to.

On the defensive side of the ball, the unit continues to improve, but they still need help up front. Drafting a player like Vita Vea from Washington would give the Falcons the kind of run stopper they need in a very tough NFC South. In addition, Vea has done a nice job pushing the line in college, getting after the quarterback with his big body. The Falcons are going to be a Super Bowl contender next season, and Vea would be a great addition to their defense.

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