The Atlanta Falcons had several questions to be answered at the conclusion of the 2019 season. Owner Arthur Blank prioritized continuity and made the decision to retain both GM Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Dan Quinn.
With that being considered, it was absolutely critical that they nailed this offseason. In free agency, they were not shy when it came to spending money on players atop the market. Signing Dante Fowler Jr, Todd Gurley, and trading for Hayden Hurst. They also were able to add some undrafted free agents.
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The Falcons had six selections and were able to snag starting-caliber players with each pick.
Round 1: CB AJ Terrell, Clemson
After being a headline days leading up the draft about a potential trade up, the Falcons stayed at 16. Cornerback was a priority to them and they had their eyes on one specific. AJ Terrell has the athletic traits that the Falcons are looking for and were very happy when he was available for them.
Round 2: DT Marlon Davidson, Auburn
This pick I can firmly say was the crowd favorite. Davidson is a player that the Falcons will be able to kick inside and play next to Grady Jarrett. He played a majority of his snaps as a defensive end at Auburn, so he comes with versatility. Davidson will be able to make an instant impact with what looks to be a very talented defensive line.
Round 3: G/C Matt Hennessy, Temple
Hennessy was regarded as one of college football’s best centers. He is a player who has a chance to come in right away and compete for the left guard position. More importantly, Hennessy is a pick for the future – as he will likely be the heir apparent to All-Pro center, Alex Mack.
Round 4: LB Mykal Walker, Fresno State
This is one of the more interesting prospects that the Falcons selected. Mykal Walker may not be the guy that many expected but he sure fits the prototypical linebacker that Dan Quinn is looking for. He is fast, physical, and can play with anyone. This is a guy who can come in and line up next to Deion Jones at strong side linebacker. We’ll likely see his contributions early as a special teams player.
Round 4: S Jaylinn Hawkins, California
Hawkins is a Keanu Neal “lite” in many ways. This is a 6’2″ safety who is an incredible ball hawk. Hawkins is another guy that felt like he was taken a little earlier than expected, but that is something that has never turned Thomas Dimitroff away. The Falcons have a loaded safety group already, but, it is a group full of guys on contract years.
Round 7: P Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse
This pretty much ends any question about what the Falcons plan to do at punter. I expect Hofrichter to compete with Ryan Allen for the job, but I don’t expect him to lose. You don’t invest a 7th round pick on a punter to cut him.
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Falcons Select Temple C Matt Hennessy with No. 78 pick
Falcons Select Auburn DL Marlon Davidson with No. 47 Pick
Falcons Select CB AJ Terrell with No. 16 Pick
