NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Pick 27th

Our Community/writer mock draft is winding down and the Atlanta Falcons are up. They had a great season with Matty Ice under center, but were absolutely dominated by the eventual champion Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Michael Turner seemingly tries to carry the running game on his back, while Roddy White carries the receiving corps. Tight end Tony Gonzalez is getting older and so is John Abraham on the defensive line. To put it simply, the Atlanta Falcons still have a bit of work to do before they can start sniffing a Super Bowl.

For the community, Kj197728 makes the selection and I have selected for the writers.

The New England Patriots are on the clock for a second time in this first round (way to go Raiders). Draft will be selecting for the community and Cardsfan08 has the pick for the writers. Email Jess Root (ROTB.SBNAZ@gmail.com) with your picks (he will be back) and make sure your choice was not previously selected. Please feel free to comment below on what you think of the picks.

Kj197728:

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Last year in the playoffs Green Bay destroyed the Atlanta defense with a huge passing game. There was no pressure up front from the defensive line to get to Rodgers. Jamaal Anderson never became a good DE like he should have and Sidbury hasn't helped out either. John Abraham has been great on one side of the line but has nobody to bookend him. In steps Adrian Clayborn to add a big, physical three-down lineman. He isn't an elite pass rusher but does enough to get pressure and sacks when needed. He is a top 15 talent that falls a bit with one character concern and a bad shoulder.

Me:

Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

For my pick for the Atlanta Falcons, I chose to go with Torrey Smith, the wide receiver out of Maryland. The guy is purely a field stretcher, as his speed is the greatest of all receivers left on the board. I chose him simply because of watching Roddy White get double teamed all the time last year. With Smith, they will have a reliable #2 which can take pressure off of Roddy. He is a guy that has been compared to receivers such as Reggie Wayne from the Indianapolis Colts. If he can get his route running to become more crisp and improve his blocking skills, he will be a receiver to be reckoned with for years to come. Note: I would have gone Clayborn or Cameron Jordan with this pick if they were still there, but they are already off the board. Ayers was a possibility too, but I feel that Atlanta really needs another good WR.

Results of the mock draft:

Draft assignments and team needs for the New England Patriots, according to drafttek.com