2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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IOWA CITY, IOWA – SEPTEMBER 07: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes before the match-up against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 7, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

16th Overall: Atlanta Falcons – Tristan Wirfs (OL – Iowa)

Team Needs
Cornerback, Edge Rusher, Offensive Line, Running Back, Defensive Tackle, Safety

Picks: 16 (1st), 47 (2nd), 55 (2nd), 78, (3rd), 119 (4th), 158 (5th), 229 (7th)

The Atlanta Falcons have a host of needs, but need to hit a homerun with this pick after blowing two first rounders last season. There will be more than a few strong edge rushers and defensive tackles available on day two, and with three picks on the draft’s second day, the Falcons will also be able to address the cornerback position. Atlanta reached on two offensive lineman in last year’s draft, but landing 2020 NFL Combine standout Tristan Wirfs at 16th overall represents a potential steal. Wirfs is an athletic specimen would would provide a major boost to the talent level of the Falcons much maligned offensive line. If Wirfs is still on the board, there is no other direction the Falcons should go.

Team Impact

The Falcons offensive line has some solid pieces, but no player has as much upside as Tristan Wirfs at this point of their careers. Wirfs projects as being able to play right tackle or either guard position, and may even be able to turn into a starter on the left side. The Falcons could use him anywhere but the left to start his career, which is the ideal scenario based on his game film. Adding Wirfs would give the Falcons enough talent on the offensive line for it to suddenly be considered a strength. The line with Wirfs would boast multiple players capable of being starter worthy players at multiple positions. Wirfs’ addition would represent a massive upgrade for the Falcons rushing attack.

Fantasy Impact

Wirfs would provide a big boost to the run game, and also projects as the team’s top young option in pass protection. He is more talented than both of the Falcons 2019 1st round picks in Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary, and would be an upgrade on either in both pass protection, and in the running game. Matt Ryan would get a mini boost as he would project to see a lower pressure rate with Wirfs as a starter, but would not see his ranking change overall. Devonta Freeman would have received a sizable fantasy floor boost if he was expected to still be the starter in 2020. Instead, whoever the Falcons end up with as their new starter will have a mauler to run behind.

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