Falcons Should Trade Up for 'Most Dominant' Florida OL O'Cyrus Torrence in NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons are in the market for a guard in this month's NFL Draft.
While taking one with the No. 8 pick is possible, it's more likely the Falcons will focus on defense for their top selection, either in the pass rush or at cornerback.
But when the Falcons are back up on the clock with pick No. 44, Atlanta should look at a guard and cannot hesitate if Florida offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence is on the board.
“I’m the most dominant interior offensive lineman in the draft, and I feel like any team that gets me will get a Day One starter and someone who is ready to play,” Torrence said via NFL Media. “Somebody who is going to take it like a pro and give it all you got.”
It isn't likely that Torrence makes it to No. 44, but the Falcons could make a trade up early in the second round or even late in the first to take him.
With Elijah Wilkinson joining the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, there's a hole in the starting lineup at left guard. While the Falcons could take a tackle and move him inside, Torrence could start immediately at his natural position inside.
The 6-5, 330-pound Torrence was a three-year starter at Louisiana-Lafayette before following coach Billy Napier to Florida last offseason.
Here's Sports Illustrated's scouting report synopsis on the Greensburg, La., native ...
"A hefty lineman that holds down the interior, Torrence can create holes in the run game while simultaneously maintaining pocket depth as a protector," SI writes.
If the Falcons take Torrence, they can continue to establish the running game as one of the most dominant in the league, helping an offense led by second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.
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