Tag: NFL Draft pick profile

Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE Kwity Paye

The Atlanta Falcons have a ton of options at No. 4 overall, but Kwity Paye would be an interesting option after a small trade down. 

If the Atlanta Falcons can trade back in the draft to somewhere within the top 10, Michigan’s Kwity Paye would be an interesting option. Paye is a great fit early on as a sub-package pass rusher who can eventually develop into a strong-side defensive end in the base packages. The Falcons’ pass rush would be much improved with Paye added to the roster.

EDGE Kwity Paye, University of Michigan

6-foot-4, 271 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 4 Games Played, 16 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, Second team All-Big Ten

2019: 12 Games Played, 50 Tackles, 12.5 Tackles for Loss, 6.5 Sacks, 3 QB Hurries

2018: 13 Games Played, 29 Tackles, 5.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2017: 9 Games Played, 5 Tackles, 1.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack

Highlights: Vs. Penn State

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7DtRy55e0U

Strengths

Paye’s biggest strength is his athleticism. His great first step combined with his ability to bend the edge and attack the quarterback bending the arc will be an asset to whatever team he ends up with. He’s not a dip-and-rip guy, but his speed-to-power and exceptional ability to bull rush and set the edge come from this high level of athleticism.

On top of this, he has exceptionally heavy hands combined with long arms that will make him tough to get around in the run game. He doesn’t let guys get into his center while he’s rushing the passer either. Paye’s motor will remind you of the Energizer bunny, and he relentlessly gets after the quarterback on every pass rush. He can play any technique from a 1-technique tackle to a 9-technique defensive end effectively depending on formation and scheme responsibilities.

Weaknesses

The former Wolverine has solid overall football intelligence, but is still very raw in his role as a pass rusher and as a run defender when it comes to hand usage and plan of attack. His instincts will help forgive some of this, but he’ll have to work on this. Paye’s lateral mobility limits his positional versatility to a guy who will only ever have his hand on the line.

Leadership

Paye has exceptional off-field abilities as a leader and his teammates recognized him as a captain in the 2020 season. He’s also huge into social justice causes and should fit the Falcons locker room well considering that. His leadership is more of the vocal kind and the Falcons have too many “lead by example” types on the roster.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Justin Smith

Much like Smith, Paye profiles better in the 4-3 than the 3-4, but his best years won’t be until he adds around 10-15 pounds and moves to more of a 5-technique role in a multiple defense like Smith did. Paye’s going to be an asset regardless of where he goes, but he could have real long-term staying power in a more multiple scheme with a 3-down lineman base.

How Paye would fit into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons want to draft Paye, they could probably get away with trading back a few spots first. He’d be a perfect fit for the defense and the Falcons could use him as the end opposing Grady Jarrett in the base defense long-term, but his instant impact will be felt more with the sub-package as a pass rusher on the edge.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE Gregory Rousseau

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of options for the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, but Gregory Rousseau shouldn’t be one of them.

The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of options in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, but Gregory Rousseau shouldn’t be one of them. His fit in the scheme doesn’t bode well for success in Atlanta, however, he is a fine prospect in his own right. The Falcons are likely to run a multiple defense that would really only use him in four-man fronts.

EDGE Gregory Rousseau, University of Miami, Florida

6-foot-7, 265 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: Sat out the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2019: 13 Games Played, 54 Tackles, 19.5 Tackles for Loss, 15.5 Sacks, 7 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Pass Deflection, ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, First Team All-ACC, Second Team All-American, Freshman All-American

2018: 2 Games Played, 5 Tackles, Redshirted due to an injury to close out the year

Highlights: Vs. Virginia Tech – 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xfsfetZAJg

Strengths

Gregory Rousseau has all the talent in the world as a defensive end. His frame, length, strength and agility make him a great prospect for teams seeking an end for a 4-3 scheme. His history as a wide receiver and safety in high school give him a unique view of his role on defense and allows him to see the game differently than most defensive ends.

The raw talent he possesses is immeasurable. His ceiling is that of someone who can be a regular 12-15 sack player in a 4-3 defense. He ideally would match up against right tackles and overpower them with speed-to-power moves or bend the edge against them. Rousseau’s exceptionally high ceiling gives him a shot at being the top pass rusher in this draft class.

Weaknesses

Part of his issue with playing defensive end is his lack of experience in the role. This shows up in how he defends the run and the lack of angles he takes. When he’s rushing the passer, his hands aren’t as heavy as you’d like or used with as much technique as they should be. This hurts his projection at the next level as an instant impact player.

His first step also leaves one wanting. Though, this looks more like a technique issue than a true athleticism issue. The burst is there at times and shows up when he uses proper technique. The issue of versatility within the scheme comes from his questionable scheme fit for a 3-4 team. He’s not really ideal for linebacker coverage but is a good fit for a hand down lineman.

Leadership

Rousseau has a perfectly fine motor on the field, but off the field, he’s not exactly a vocal leader. He’s more of a follower type who will put in the effort in the gym and the work in the film room. That’s all well and good for a unit led by Grady Jarrett.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Myles Garrett

Keep in mind, this is a best case scenario. Rousseau is an amazing talent when at his peak. He has the potential to be a game-changing pass rusher in the NFL. Adding around 10-15 pounds of muscle to his frame could help him be the run defender that Garrett is as well. But with a full season removed and his tape picked apart, teams will only have a late-first to mid-second grade on him.

How Rousseau fits into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons were to draft Rousseau, it would likely be at the top of the second round as a value pick. As a 6-foot-7 defensive end, Rousseau would likely have to bulk up to around 280-285 pounds to play in Atlanta’s defense. He’d play either a strong-side five-technique role on the ground in three-man fronts or would align as a pure defensive end in four-man fronts.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

The Atlanta Falcons could solve a nearly decade-long deficit for a premiere pass rusher with the selection of Azeez Ojulari. 

The Falcons could solve a nearly decade-long need for an elite pass rusher with the selection of Azeez Ojulari. The former Georgia Bulldog was a highly productive player and is hoping to turn a ridiculous showing in the Peach Bowl into a first-round selection. Atlanta would be a great schematic fit for Ojulari as well.

EDGE Azeez Ojulari, University of Georgia

6-foot-3, 240 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 10 Games Played, 30 Tackles, 11.5 Tackles for Loss, 8.5 Sacks, 16 QB Hurries, 3 Fumbles Forced, 2 Pass Deflections, Second Team All-SEC

2019: 14 Games Played, 36 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 5.5 Sacks, 18 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced

2018: 3 Games Played, 4 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, Redshirted due to injury recovery after two games

Highlights: Vs. Auburn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ft4QC9Wb8

Strengths

In terms of overall athleticism, Azeez Ojulari has a ton of raw explosiveness and lateral agility. He’s able to turn that, along with his ability to turn speed into power, into a ton of pressure on quarterbacks. He can beat anyone off the line and attack the quarterback with the best of them. His non-stop motor helps him create plays when he does get stone-walled initially.

He also has exceptional football intelligence that allows him to make the right decision off the snap to either set the edge for a run or attack the quarterback. This helps him make plays against the run by attacking from the backside or setting the edge efficiently in the run to either force plays inside or cause short losses.

Weaknesses

In coverage, Ojulari is extremely raw. His lack of hip flexibility in coverage can be a bit alarming, and he shouldn’t be used as a man coverage linebacker in any way. He’s also needs to add some more pass rush moves to his game. Ojulari’s intelligence and motor will allow him to be successful in pass rushing situations, but adding some better moves would really help.

Size and length are going to be considered weaknesses for him if teams are looking at him as a 4-3 defensive end. At just 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, he comes off as small for that role, but a 3-4 team might be okay with him on the edge. He may need to move to an unfamiliar role as an inside linebacker for some teams.

Leadership

As a redshirt sophomore, Ojulari was voted a team captain multiple times. He’s a true leader and makes the guys around him play harder. His energy in the Peach Bowl played a big part in the Bulldogs winning that game.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Shaquil Barrett

Ojulari reminds me of Shaq Barrett coming out of school, but with better overall athleticism. He’s super raw as a pass rusher, but has the potential to be great for the team that drafts him as a stand up edge rusher. Worst case for him early on will be as a nickel rusher attacking from multiple angles.

How he fits into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons were to trade down in the first round, Ojulari should be one of the top targets for them in the mid-first. He’s a top-flight pass rusher that the team hasn’t had in years. Combining him with Deion Jones, Foye Oluokun and Grady Jarrett on nickel downs would give Atlanta at least four pieces of a disguised blitz package that Dean Pees likes to feature in his defenses.

Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE/LB Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is one of the best edge defender prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons radar at No. 4 overall.

Micah Parsons is one of the best edge prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons’ radar at No. 4 overall. While he’s listed as a linebacker, Parsons’ best fit in the pros is at edge defender.

EDGE/LB Micah Parsons, Pennsylvania State University

6-foot-3, 245 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: Opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2019: 13 Games Played, 109 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 5.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 4 Fumbles Forced, 5 Pass Deflections, All-American, First Team All-Big Ten, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP

2018: 13 Games Played, 83 Tackles, 5.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, First Team Freshman All-American

Highlights: Vs. Michigan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpF7k-Pjbq4

Strengths

Micah Parsons’ biggest strength is his ability to get after the passer. His ideal fit would be in a multiple defense that allows him to move around the formation and attack the passer. Parsons is able to shed blocks with ease and has the ability to wrap up on any quarterback or running back and close plays out.

Against the run, he’s one of the smartest defenders coming out of the draft. He knows the angles to attack and is tough to block out of plays. Even if he gets blocked, he’s able to stack-and-shed as a linebacker against the run. He sets the edge effectively and can even play the run well when lined up as a true off-ball linebacker.

The versatility he has to play either edge defender or inside linebacker will help him see a lot of playing time too. Big, strong and fast, Parsons’ athletic profile should be right up there with the Von Millers and Khalil Macks of the world. The difference from guys like Vic Beasley is he’s extremely competitive and has a non-stop motor.

Weaknesses

Over-aggression is something that Parsons will have to overcome at the pro level if he ends up with the wrong defensive coordinator. He’s not a true read-and-react kind of guy, but more of an attack-and-conquer kind of linebacker. Parsons needs more discipline, which definitely shows up in coverage. He’s got the raw abilities to be effective in coverage, but he doesn’t have the instincts yet.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Clay Matthews III

Parsons could be a good fit early on rushing the passer and playing the run while continuing to work on his coverage skills. His best attribute is how well he can rush the passer from a multitude of angles. Much like Clay Matthews III, he will be a pass rusher primarily early in his career, but towards the middle of it, could slide into more of a true Mike role.

How Parsons fits into the Falcons’ plans

The Atlanta Falcons could take Parsons in the first round as early as fourth overall, and it would still be a good pick. He could instantly start on the edge in Dean Pees’ defense. Once he improves in coverage, the Falcons could use him as part of a three-man LB unit that’s always out there on the field with Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: QB Zach Wilson

The Falcons could very well draft a quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick, but they don’t need to reach for one with Matt Ryan in place.

The Falcons could very well draft a quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick, but they don’t need to reach for one with Matt Ryan in place. Using that top-five selection on BYU quarterback Zach Wilson is not the right move for this team, though.

The idea that a quarterback is needed is questionable on its own, but spending that pick on a lottery ticket like Wilson doesn’t make a lot of sense. Nonetheless, here’s my scouting report on fast-rising prospect.

QB Zach Wilson – Brigham Young University

6-foot-3, 210 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 12 Games Played, 247-of-336 (73.5 percent), 3,692 Yards, 33 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, 70 Carries, 254 Yards, 10 Touchdowns, 2 Catches, 32 Yards, 2020 Boca Raton Bowl Offensive MVP

2019: 9 Games Played, 199-of-319 (62.4 percent), 2,382 Yards, 11 Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions, 67 Carries, 167 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 19 Yards, 2 Tackles, 2019 Hawaii Bowl MVP

2018: 9 Games Played, 120-of-182 (65.9 percent), 1,578 Yards, 12 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, 75 Carries, 221 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl MVP

Highlights: Vs. Boise State – 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uab8plGdqMI

Strengths

The best part of Zach Wilson’s game is his ability to avoid sacks in the pocket and buy time for his throws. This should be useful for him if he has to play behind a mediocre offensive line early in his career. Wilson has a pretty release that allows him to get the ball out quick. Considering his overall arm talent and pocket poise in the face of pressure, it’s easy to see why he’s such an intriguing prospect.

Wilson’s mobility is one of his biggest strengths, drawing comparisons to guys like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, but with more height. He is able to find holes when he needs to take off but also knows how to buy time for a receiver to get open. His accuracy is solid, especially when he’s on the move.

Weaknesses

While he does have solid accuracy at times, Wilson isn’t as good when he stays in the pocket. His footwork is too wide and that leads to the ball being underthrown far too often. This is something he absolutely must correct at the NFL level. Teams will also be frustrated with how often his deep balls are short, forcing his receivers to come back to the ball.

Wilson will be able to read NFL defenses, but his decision-making is sometimes questionable. He’ll pass up an easy throw to try for a riskier play, or try to fit a ball in where he shouldn’t. Also, as a small-school one-year wonder, it’s tough to see him be as effective early in his career. These deficiencies as well as injuries are why kept him from starting every game his first two seasons.

Leadership

One of the strengths for Wilson is his off-the-field personality and locker room presence. He was a team captain his last year in Provo. The Falcons will need someone to step up and take on a leadership role when Matt Ryan is gone. However, there are some questions about his true competitiveness.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Tony Romo

While Wilson has talent and NFL potential, he’s not someone worthy of the No. 4 overall pick. He would be a better value late in the first round or early in the second round. I’ll admit that I’m still lower on Wilson than most because some of the throws he makes won’t work at the NFL level. However, there are some real positives to his game and he definitely has starting quarterback potential.

How Wilson would fit into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons want Zach Wilson, they’ll have to hope he falls to them at No. 4 overall. In all honesty, if he’s there, they should look more into trading down with a team that does want him. Despite the hype, Wilson is a huge gamble for Atlanta in the top five. And for every Josh Allen, there are 10 Christian Ponders, 10 Josh Rosens and 10 Blaine Gabberts.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: QB Justin Fields

If the Atlanta Falcons were to draft Justin Fields at No. 4, they would have the perfect quarterback to take over when Matt Ryan leaves.

If the Atlanta Falcons were to draft Justin Fields at No. 4, they would have the perfect quarterback to take over when Matt Ryan leaves. Born in Kennesaw, Georgia, Fields is talented enough to live up to the exorbitant expectations he would receive both as Ryan’s replacement and as the No. 4 overall pick.

QB Justin Fields – Ohio State University

6-foot-3, 223 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 8 Games Played, 158-of-225 (70.2 percent), 2,100 Yards, 22 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions, 81 Carries, 383 Yards, 5 Touchdowns, First Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Champion, 2021 Sugar Bowl MVP

2019: 14 Games Played, 238-of-354 (67.2 percent), 3,273 Yards, 41 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, 137 Carries, 484 Yards, 10 Touchdowns, Heisman Trophy finalist, Davey O’Brien Award finalist, First Team All-Big Ten, Second team All-American, Big Ten Champion

Transferred from Georgia to Ohio State between the 2018 and 2019 seasons

2018: 12 Games Played, 27-of-39 (69.2 percent), 328 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 0 Interceptions, 42 Carries, 266 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 1 Catches, -10 Yards, Freshman All-SEC team

Highlights: Vs. Northwestern – 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiuBL3ikHts&t=16s

 

Strengths

Justin Fields is the best quarterback not named Trevor Lawrence in this draft. His combination of mobility, accuracy and arm strength would make him a No. 1 overall pick in any other draft. He’s got exceptional accuracy on the move and in the pocket. His ball placement combined with his ability to put the proper touch on the ball lets his receivers create big plays after the catch.

Fields’ ability to throw on the run and exceptional release make him a great fit for an offense that will commit to run/pass option plays as well as naked bootlegs in the play-action game. Schemes like those run in San Francisco, Atlanta and even Green Bay would be his ideal fits. His mobility allows him to make big time plays on the ground too.

Fields’ best trait is his ability to stay cool under fire. Whether he’s got a pass rusher in his face, a deficit to overcome or the team needs a big play, Fields consistently comes through. Playing well in critical moments is something the Falcons have been missing in recent years.

Weaknesses

Teams will fall in love with his traits, but a couple things he needs to work on are his decision making in the pocket and his consistency in his mechanics. He will make some risky throws here and there, sometimes passing on easy first downs in hopes of hitting the big play. His mechanical issues come from inconsistency in his footwork. If Fields cleans this up, he would be an ideal NFL starter.

Leadership

Fields is willing to lay his body on the line and do whatever it takes to win. He takes accountability at all levels of the offense for any issues that may arise. In terms of leadership ability, Fields has it.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Randall Cunningham

While I’m reaching back a few years for this comparison, it feels the most accurate. Randall Cunningham was a quarterback before his time in the NFL. He was someone who in today’s league would have been an MVP candidate with an offense built around his strengths the way Patrick Mahomes has. Fields could very well be Cunningham 2.0.

How Fields fits into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons want to have Justin Fields on the roster, they have to hope he falls to pick No. 4. If he’s there, taking him makes a ton of sense. Even though Matt Ryan is locked in as the starting quarterback for 2021, sitting behind him for a year (or two) to work out the kinks in his mechanics would be useful for Fields.

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Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: QB Trevor Lawrence

One of the more wild scenarios for the Atlanta Falcons in the draft would be to trade up for Trevor Lawrence.

One of the wilder scenarios for the Atlanta Falcons in the upcoming draft would be to trade up for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Clemson star is arguably the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck came out of Stanford in 2012.

QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson University

6-foot-6, 220 pounds

Stats and Awards

2020: 10 Games Played, 231-of-334 (69.2 percent), 3,153 Yards, 24 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions, 68 Carries, 208 Yards, 8 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 8 Yards, Heisman Trophy Runner-up, Third team All-America, ACC Player of the Year, First team All-ACC, ACC Champion

2019: 15 Games Played, 268-of-407 (65.8 percent), 3,665 Yards, 36 Touchdowns, 8 Interceptions, 103 Carries, 563 Yards, 9 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 0 Yards, 1 Tackle, First team All-ACC, ACC Champion

2018: 15 Games Played, 259-of-397 (65.2 percent), 3,280 Yards, 30 Touchdowns, 4 Interceptions, 60 Carries, 177 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 1 Catch, -12 Yards, 2 Tackles, ACC Rookie of the Year, Second team All-ACC, ACC Champion, National Championship game MVP, National Champion

Highlights: Lawrence vs. Notre Dame – 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1-8YFF3-c

Scouting Report

Strengths

When it comes to traits that make up a great NFL quarterback, arm strength and mobility are near the top of the list. Lawrence has both of those in spades. He can make the any throw on the field accurately and with enough room for the receiver to get yards after the catch. He even knows when to take a little off of his throws and use touch.

When it comes to the finer points of quarterbacking, Lawrence has the decision making of a 10-year pro already. He understands how to get through his reads and when to take chances. Other things you notice when evaluating Lawrence are his poise, pocket presence and mechanics. He has great feel for when his pocket is clean and knows when to take off down the field. He has great mechanics in the pocket or on the run with a consistent release point that contributes to his accuracy.

Weaknesses

As for Lawrence’s weaknesses, it’s tough to find any without really nitpicking. He has a slightly smaller build than you would prefer for a guy that’s 6-foot-6. Sometimes, he’ll make throws that are a bit more risky than a team would want to see. Occasionally, Lawrence will stick to who he thought the play should go to on his pre-snap read and not realize that he needs to go somewhere else with the ball quick enough. But again, that’s nitpicking.

Overview

NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Andrew Luck

Lawrence is the ideal quarterback to build a team around. He has a freakishly high ceiling and has the high level athleticism of Andrew Luck with the same kind of football intelligence. His arm is a bit stronger, though. He’s the guy you build a championship team around and can really create some great moments with during his likely 18-to-19 year career.

How Lawrence would fit into the Falcons’ plans

If the Falcons want to draft Lawrence, they’re going to have to give up a ton of picks to the Jaguars. Lawrence would likely also force them to trade Matt Ryan before the season and after June 1, so that they can recoup some of the picks they’ll lose in the future from trading up for Lawrence.

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