Falcons Draft Georgia National Champ? Insider's Latest Mock Says ...
The Atlanta Falcons can still go in a number of different directions with the No. 8 overall pick in next week's draft.
Cornerback, pass rush, offensive line and even running back makes sense for the Falcons' first pick.
NFL Network has the Falcons selecting Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith at No. 8 overall.
"Atlanta adds another defensive piece to a unit that's been rebuilt this offseason," NFL Network writes. "An explosive combine opened some eyes in the media to Smith, but NFL teams have been high on the former five-star recruit for the last few years."
Atlanta really likes Smith - there's been plenty of conversations had about him, and he's flown up draft boards to the point where he's firmly in play to be a top-10 pick.
The question with Smith is where he plays on the Falcons' defense - at off-ball linebacker, Atlanta has Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss under contract for the next three years in a two-linebacker league.
Among outside linebackers, the Falcons spent second- and third-round picks on Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone, respectively, just last year, and liked the progress both made. The team also re-signed Lorenzo Carter, who started every game off the edge last season, to a two-year deal. Bud Dupree could also play a role in that rotation after signing a one-year deal.
The need is obvious considering the Falcons' pass rushing woes the past few seasons, but with that position already addressed in free agency, the chances of drafting Smith slightly decrease. That being said, the Falcons' recent draft history suggests that the team doesn't care as much about the player's position, but rather if he is the best player available.
And if Smith is atop the Falcons' board at No. 8, Roger Goodell could be calling his name home.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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