Falcons select EDGE in first round of NBC Sports’ mock draft

The Atlanta Falcons have gone 6-5 through the first 11 games of the season, but they still rank dead last in the league with 10 sacks. Even though the team did record a rare sack against the Denver Broncos, it did little to change the outcome of Sunday’s 38-6 loss.

Only six NFL teams have less than 20 sacks entering Week 12. The Falcons have an extra week to get their pass rush off of life support but it’s definitely an area where the team could use an injection of talent this offseason.

The draft hasn’t been kind to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot when it comes to selecting defensive players in the later rounds. Perhaps it’s time for the team to use a first-round pick to address its most glaring need.

That’s precisely what the Falcons do in NBC Sports’ new mock draft. With the No. 20 overall pick, Atlanta selects Marshall pass rusher Mike Green:

If I could buy stock in one prospect right now, it might be Green. The talented pass rusher from Marshall already has 15 sacks this season, boasting a skill set that is sorely needed for the Falcons right now. However, what might impress scouts as much as the sack totals is his mentality taking on blocks in the run game, despite being listed at 248 pounds. — Connor Rogers, NBC Sports

Green’s production has gone way up this season, racking up 15 sacks, eight QB hits and 29 hurries. The Marshall edge rusher has earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 92.2 and a run-defense grade of 91.0.

Considering Green has five more sacks than the entire Falcons defense, it’s an appealing option for Atlanta. PFF’s big board currently lists Green as the No. 63 player in the class, but that will likely change in the coming months.

After their bye week, the Falcons will host the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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