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NFL Draft 2018: Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock

By Joe Romano

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 13: Running back Devonta Freeman No. 24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Matt Ryan No. 2 after his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 13: Running back Devonta Freeman No. 24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Matt Ryan No. 2 after his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) runs to make a tackle during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers on January 1, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) runs to make a tackle during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers on January 1, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 2 – Pick 58

Da’Shawn Hand, DT, Alabama

Free agency always hits NFL teams. The attrition based on who a team loses on free agency can dictate where that team goes in the draft. For Atlanta their big loss this season will be defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Atlanta indicated that they are unlikely to bring him back. Poe was with the team for only one season but did wonders for their run defense.

A deep defensive tackle class can help reduce the impact of that loss. In the second round a player like Da’Shawn Hand of Alabama would fit what the Falcons are looking for. Hand has versatility up front, including the ability to play strong side defensive end on early downs.

While he may not be a direct replacement for Poe, Hand possesses ideal NFL strength and size along the line. It is easy to envision him and Grady Jarrett forming a wrecking duo up front that can play on all three downs. With Tak McKinley and Vic Beasley on the outside, the undersized but athletic front four would give opposing teams headaches. Hand is also capable of kicking outside while one of the ends comes in as a rush specialist.

Atlanta has never shied away from taking under-sized players. As the NFL evolves to be more spread out and speed-based than ever before, a player like Hand will be even more valuable.

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