Burns
Hall of Famer
Falcons Add 6 Players in 2017 NFL Draft
Round 1, Pick 24: CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
This pick filled a huge need for Atlanta. After letting Robert Alford walk in Free Agency, the Falcons found themselves scrambling to find a corner to start opposite of Desmond Trufant. There weren't many options in free agency, so enter Marshon Lattimore, the 4th ranked CB in this year's draft. At 6'0 195, Lattimore has good size for the CB position. He's slotted start at the #2 CB slot, opposite of Trufant. Lattimore is hopefully going to be one of the answers for a Falcons' defense that was middle of the pack last year.
Round 2, Pick 56: WR John Ross, Washington
The Falcons turned to the offensive side of the ball in Round 2, selecting WR John Ross out of Washington. Ross is electric. He runs a 4.35 40, and is always finding ways to make plays. Ross will be competing with Justin Hunter to start at the slot receiver position, and with his playmaking ability, he'll have a shot to do great things in this league. Here's what one NFL Scout had to say about him:
"John Ross is probably the fastest player in college football right now and I think he's going to end up being a better pro than Brandin Cooks. (Jake) Browning is a solid quarterback, but Ross is making his life really easy."
Look for Ross to also have a chance to return kicks, an area that the Falcons would definitely like to improve on this season.
Round 3, Pick 88: RB Jeremy McNichols, Boise State
This was definitely a value over need pick for Atlanta. The Falcons are already deep at RB, with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman returning from last season. However, with McNichols still being on the board at this point, there was no way Atlanta could pass him up. McNichols, nicknamed "McWeapon" by his teammates in college, can do it all. He's an every down back who has an exceptional blend of power and speed. On top of that, he's one of the best pass catching backs in this draft, as he caught over 50 passes in both of the seasons he started. Even more, McNichols is a workhorse. He averaged over 30 touches a game over his Junior season. During his Sophomore and Junior seasons at Boise State, McNichols accounted for the most total TDs by a RB in that span. This kid can do it all, and the Falcons feel they definitely got a steal in Round 3. He'll compete with Tevin Coleman for the #2 RB spot, but no matter the outcome of that position battle, expect The McWeapon to get plenty of touches in his rookie season.
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