Instant Analysis: Falcons get punter Sterling Hofrichter

The Falcons drafted a punter named Sterling Hofrichter out of Syracuse instead of going with an actual football player in the seventh round.

The Falcons cut Sam Irwin-Hill the morning before the third day of the draft because they felt they could get the punter they coveted. It turns out that guy is Sterling Hofrichter out of Syracuse. He has a booming leg and gets a ton of hang time.

It’s a bit surprising Atlanta went with a punter over another position, but the team must feel confident in the roster competition that they have right now for those key roles. Since he’s a punter, he’ll likely also have to be the holder and will compete with Younghoe Koo for the kickoff specialist.

Why Sterling Hofrichter instead of RB Darius Anderson or WR Kalija Lipscomb?

This is the head scratching move for me. The Falcons had some need for depth at running back and wide receiver and decided to go with a punter. Darius Anderson could have been a good move for competition at running back while Kalija Lipscomb would have been a smart move for depth at wide receiver.

Maybe they are banking on getting talent at the same level of these two guys in undrafted free agency. But it’s always going to feel a bit odd to see a punter taken during the NFL draft—even in the 7th round.

[lawrence-related id=50449]

[vertical-gallery id=50384]

Instant Analysis: Falcons get versatility from LB Mykal Walker

The Falcons needed some linebacker depth and Mykal Walker should be a good fit for the Falcons defense with his versatility and intelligence.

Mykal Walker out of Fresno State was the Atlanta Falcons‘ early fourth-round selection as the team attempts to find someone who can play their strong-side linebacker role in base defense. Walker is one of the better all-around linebackers as he’s solid in coverage, can rush the passer and plays the run well. But the issue he has is that he’s a jack of all trades, and a master of none.

The versatility is useful for a team like Atlanta, though. Walker should make an impact early with his experience at both middle linebacker and strong-side linebacker in Fresno State’s defense. The Falcons should see him come right in and start on the strong-side with very little competition from Edmond Robinson and LaRoy Reynolds for that role.

In terms of overall depth, the team got a big improvement in their linebacker corps this offseason already with Robinson and Reynolds, but adding a replacement for De’Vondre Campbell was important. Walker will be that guy, and shouldn’t be too much of a drop off from Campbell as a rookie.

Why Mykal Walker instead of CB Bryce Hall or EDGE Curtis Weaver?

Atlanta needed to get someone who could start at strong-side linebacker with De’Vondre Campbell leaving for Arizona. Bryce Hall would have been nice to enhance the cornerback depth, and Curtis Weaver could have been good to add to the pass rush. However, at this point, the Falcons really needed to enhance the mid-level of their defense. Drafting Walker is a great start in doing that.

[lawrence-related id=50413]

[vertical-gallery id=50384]

Instant Analysis: Falcons get disruptive DT in Marlon Davidson

The Falcons needed some more interior pressure to take on Tom Brady and Drew Brees in the NFC South. Atlanta got the penetrator they needed.

[jwplayer j7QLfy9x-ThvAeFxT]

The Atlanta Falcons got A.J. Terrell in the first round on Thursday to address the cornerback position and then turned around and drafted Auburn defensive tackle Marlon Davidson in the second to bolster their rotation behind Grady Jarrett.

The team needed a defensive tackle who could play a decent amount of snaps in nickel and base packages that would complement the pass rush Jarrett provides.

Davidson could also fit as either a 1-technique nose in some sets or a 3-technique under tackle in others. The Auburn standout has heavy hands and is very similar to former Falcons defensive lineman Corey Peters. Atlanta could have surely used Peters the past few years to provide rotational depth.

The Falcons can rotate Davidson in a group with Jarrett, Tyeler Davison, and Deadrin Senat. He could be a perfect long-term solution next to Jarrett in nickel sets, too. Davidson may also surprise some people by playing defensive end in different situations.

If he can play with speed like he did in college, he could also compete for a role at strong-side defensive end. The Falcons’ talent on the defensive line needs to keep improving and it looks like the team may finally have the group they’ve always wanted. It’s almost time to look at the offense, but a strong-side linebacker is still a need.

Why DT Marlon Davidson instead of DL A.J. Epenesa or EDGE Zach Baun?

The Falcons preferred having a guy who can play anywhere from the 1-technique to the 7-technique. A guy that can play in the 3-4 at end or 4-3 at tackle is extremely useful considering how the Falcons play their linemen. A.J. Epenesa just isn’t as good as some consider him to be, and Zach Baun would be more of that true strong-side linebacker for the Falcons.

[lawrence-related id=50257]

[vertical-gallery id=50233]