2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Falcons could take in Round 1

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown with Matt Ryan #2 during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Calvin Ridley #18 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown with Matt Ryan #2 during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Mock Draft
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 22: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes the quarterback behind the block of Brenden Jaimes #76 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 22, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 56-10. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Rashan Gary

Gary is definitely one of the hardest guys to project in this draft. As such, mocks have him going all over the first round. Some people believe he’s a top 10 pick, but more judicious mock drafts have him going right around the No. 15 slot.

Part of the difficulty in evaluating Gary comes with how he was used at Michigan. Their coaching staff used him almost exclusively as a defensive tackle. The vast majority of NFL coaching staffs feel like his future is going to lie at defensive end at the professional level.

The fact that the Falcons can use help both places only increases Gary’s potential value in Atlanta. He could easily play outside on run downs and then slot inside to help the Falcons’ pass rush improve on more obvious passing downs. That’s an increasingly valuable skill in today’s NFL.

Any concerns about his ability to rush the passer from the edge were squelched at the Combine when he ran a blistering 4.58 40-yard dash. It’s possible that time will push him into the top 10, but the Falcons will hope he slips into their hands at No. 14.