NFL Draft 2018: Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 5 – No pick
Atlanta traded this pick to the Denver Broncos for tackle Ty Sambrailo.
Round 6 – Pick 200
Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
Austin Hooper is solid as the Falcons tight end. They need to get him more involved in the offense. He is a dynamic pass catcher that can do more than what this team asks of him. They could use a player behind Hooper to develop. Jordan Thomas of Mississippi State is that guy. Thomas is a ridiculous athlete for his size. He stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 280 pounds.
Despite that size he shows great burst and speed. That is what will get him drafted because he is a flash player with potential. He has potential as a move tight end. He played as a wide receiver for most of this season but will be a tight end at the next level and is a project.
Round 7 – Pick 244
Joel Ostman, EDGE, Central Michigan
NCAA’s leader in sacks this past season was Joel Ostman of Central Michigan. Despite that production he did not get invited to the combine. He will need to impress at his pro day to ensure he gets drafted. Ostman is a undersized edge that wins with technique and a relentless motor. Atlanta will likely lose Adrian Clayborn at defensive end. They have the depth to make up for that loss. A team with a strong roster can take a shot on the ultra productive pass rusher. It is a gamble worth taking late in the last round.
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Round 7 – Pick 256
Tre Flowers, S, Oklahoma State
Another piece added to the secondary could be a safety. Keanu Neal, the former first round pick is cemented in his place. Opposite him is Ricardo Allen, a fine starter. A seventh round pick is likely not going to start but is a developmental player and special teams contributor. That is what Tre Flowers of Oklahoma State can bring to this Falcons team.
Flowers is big and long safety at 6-foot-3. He does not play as strong as his frame suggests. He will need some work in coverage but is a decent tackler and can find a home on special teams with his good straight line speed.