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Atlanta has a good base for their running back corps for 2021, but adding a long-term franchise option like Javonte Williams would be ideal.
Atlanta has a decent stable of running backs after signing free agents Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson, but adding a long-term option like Javonte Williams could speed up the reboot under new head coach Arthur Smith.
While looking for a primary long-term solution at running back, the Atlanta Falcons should consider the highly productive Chuba Hubbard.
While looking for a primary long-term solution at running back, the Atlanta Falcons should consider the highly productive Chuba Hubbard. They might be able to get him much lower than expected, but he could provide more than what his draft position would suggest. Hubbard would be a great fit for the zone-based blocking scheme that Arthur Smith runs.
The Atlanta Falcons need a long-term option at running back with Mike Davis only signed up for two years. Jaret Patterson could be that guy.
After signing free agent Mike Davis to a two-year deal, the Atlanta Falcons need a long-term option at running back. Jaret Patterson could be that guy without having to invest a ton of money or draft capital. He’s a boom-or-bust prospect that could be the next great NFL draft steal if he lands in the right situation.
After losing Alex Mack to the 49ers, the Atlanta Falcons could consider bringing in a center like Landon Dickerson.
After losing Alex Mack to the 49ers and releasing James Carpenter, the Atlanta Falcons could consider bringing in an interior offensive lineman like Alabama center Landon Dickerson. The Rimington Trophy winner would give the Falcons a versatile option to pair with second-year lineman Matt Hennessy, who’s capable of playing guard and center.
6-foot-6, 325 pounds
2020: 11 Games Started at Center, Rimington Trophy Winner, Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner, First-team All-American, First-team All-SEC, National Champion
2019: 13 Games Started at Right Guard (4 games) or Center (9 games), Second-Team All-SEC
2018: 1 Game Started at Center
2017: 4 Games Played at multiple positions including Left Tackle, Left Guard and Right Tackle
2016: 7 Games Started at Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tACIX7r3eaI
In the run game, Landon Dickerson shows a ton of balance and power when he’s creating lanes to run the ball. Dickerson has great pop off the snap and can drive defenders 10 yards down the field. His power is bone crushing when he hits guys at the second level. His ability to duo block and then reach out to the second level is impressive.
As a pass protector, Dickerson is the anchor in the middle of the line. In a phone booth, he’s tough to get around. When he doesn’t have someone aligned across from him, he’s more than willing to look for work and keep his quarterback clean. His punch is like a boxer’s, and his footwork allows him to keep his body centered in front of a pass rusher.
His experience is his biggest strength. He’s shown capable play at all five spots along the offensive line and has the versatility to be a super sub at worse at the next level. He’s one of the smartest players in the draft of all of the offensive line. His ability to make line calls and continue the communication on the offensive line is impressive.
The biggest weakness for Dickerson is his lack of availability. He’s seen a lot of injuries throughout his time in college. Because of it, his flexibility and athleticism has taken a hit. His speed to the second level, and his overall lateral mobility is at a below-average NFL level. He barely has the requisite athleticism for guard or center.
Dickerson only knows one way to play: angry. On top of that, he’s a vocal and emotional leader for any team he’s played for. He was a captain for both seasons he was at Alabama, and he’s universally loved by all of his teammates. When he got hurt in 2020, the entire team came out to thank him. They even carried him on the field for the final snap during the title game.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Alex Mack
The talented lineman from the Crimson Tide compares best to one of the best offensive linemen in history. Mack made his bones as one of the best centers of all time because of his exceptional blocking in the middle of the line. Dickerson is much like Mack in how he can snap, block and be amazing at line calls with his high level of intelligence.
If the Falcons want Dickerson, they can take him at the top of the second round. Or they can trade up into the bottom of the first to secure his services. In Atlanta, he and Matt Hennessy could compete for the starting center role, or he could slide over to left guard and earn that role as well. Atlanta would have a much better line with him on it.
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One possibility for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL draft would be selecting an offensive tackle like Liam Eichenberg in the second round.
One possibility for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL draft would be selecting an offensive tackle like Liam Eichenberg in the second round. Eichenberg could be a piece that allows Jake Matthews to move inside to left guard and gives the Falcons five talented offensive linemen again. A true left tackle might not seem like a need, but the Falcons may be shifting things up front.
OT Liam Eichenberg, University of Notre Dame
6-foot-6, 302 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: 12 Games Started at Left Tackle, Jacobs Blocking Award, First-team All-American, First-team All-ACC
2019: 13 Games Started at Left Tackle
2018: 13 Games Started at Left Tackle
2017: 5 Games Played along multiple spots
2016: Redshirted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Z6tAGoAIE
Eichenberg is a great pass blocker and would be an instant starter at the NFL level. He’s got an exceptional anchor against bull rushers with excellent footwork and hand technique in his pass sets. He’s able to knock back speed and power rushers with his heavy hands. Teams will love how he can neutralize almost any pass rusher in one-on-one situations.
As a run blocker, Eichenberg attacks defensive linemen like they owe him money. He’s ferocious and has exceptional power when he’s smacking around linebackers and defensive ends. His balance both at the line and the pop out of his stance are unmatched in this draft. The way he gets to the second level shows good technique in zone and man-blocking roles.
The instincts that Eichenberg has will allow him to instantly impact a team as a starting left tackle. He might be one of the best left tackles to come out in years as an all-around package that can fit into either scheme. His length allows him to project well at left tackle, and his fit on the blind side might be better than any other player in the draft.
Left tackle is the only position that really fits for Eichenberg’s skill set. While he is a good fit for a lot of schemes, he’s not going to be an ideal fit on the interior for any team, and isn’t a great fit on the right side. His athleticism is good enough, but not off the charts, and that may make him less appealing to zone teams.
Eichenberg was a captain for the Fighting Irish and would be a perfect fit in the locker room for the Falcons. He is an extremely competitive player, and it’s easy to see in his run blocking. He’s got a nastiness that most players at the college level don’t show. He fights to and even beyond the whistle and isn’t afraid to go against anyone.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Ronnie Stanley
Eichenberg is a perfect fit for the Falcons left tackle spot and looks to have a 10-year career ahead of him in that role. Much like Ronnie Stanley, he wins with excellent technique and utilizes his long arms. Both guys are good run blockers who can seal an edge if need be and make blocks at the second and third levels.
If the Falcons want to get Eichenberg in the draft, they may have to trade up into the bottom of the first round to get him. However, if he’s there at pick No. 35, he would be a perfect fit. Atlanta could instantly be able to slide him in at left tackle in the offense and would have to move Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Matthews to guard, but might be upgrading both spots.
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One of the Atlanta Falcons perfect trade down targets would be Alijah Vera-Tucker, an offensive lineman from Southern California.
One of the Atlanta Falcons perfect trade down targets would be Alijah Vera-Tucker, an offensive lineman from Southern California. He played left tackle, left guard and right guard for the Trojans and has shown that he can play any of them at a high level through the years. Teams will love his versatility, especially Atlanta.
6-foot-4, 308 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: 6 Games Started at Left Tackle, First-Team All-Pac 12
2019: 13 Games Started at Left Guard, Second-Team All-Pac 12
2018: 12 Games Played at Right Guard
2017: Red-shirted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Ka1-j88Iw
Alijah Vera-Tucker might be the best fit for any zone scheme as an offensive guard. He’s got the pure pass-blocking technique, power, balance, anchor and kick step to be a great interior player for a zone-blocking team. His pass protection is elite at left guard. Teams will love how he can stand up to anyone’s raw power and how he fights off quickness.
His run blocking is also excellent, and it suits a zone game well. He has the requisite power to move any defensive tackle, but he does better with a lateral step first. His mobility is amazing both laterally and when attacking the second level. Teams will fall in love with his level of athleticism after seeing the results of his pro day.
After playing both guard spots and left tackle at the college level, he’s shown that he has the versatility to play any of those spots at the next level. That being said, he’s a better guard than tackle. He also has excellent football instincts when it comes to stunts and duo blocks. His ability to get to the second level and head off the linebacker’s angles might as well be coaching film.
The biggest issues that Vera-Tucker has in his game comes from his lack of flexibility on the edge of the line. He also doesn’t have the length to play left or right tackle in the NFL full-time. In a pinch, he’d be fine, but that’s not his strength and not where he’d be one of the best five linemen on a roster. His hand technique also needs a lot of work, but he should be able to learn this.
Vera-Tucker is one of the nastiest players in the draft. However, he’s also known for being a true leader off the field and was one of the captains for the Trojans. He’s an extremely hard worker both on and off the field. The Falcons would love another offensive lineman that could lead the unit after losing the long-time leader of the unit in Alex Mack.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Zack Martin
There’s a lot of comparisons popping up for him, but they all seem to be left tackles. The best position for him long term is probably at left guard. Zack Martin then springs to mind. The long-time left guard from Notre Dame fits as a perfect comp for him both in size, strength, speed comparison and overall stylistic play comparison.
If the Falcons want to get Vera-Tucker, they would be smart to trade down to around 11 or 12 and select him there. They could potentially pick up a future first and a 2021 second with a move down in the draft. A trade like that could set the Falcons up well for the future while also giving them the proper pieces to compete right now.
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The Atlanta Falcons could take a page out of the Green Bay Packers playbook here by taking Alex Leatherwood to play left guard for them.
The Atlanta Falcons could take a page out of the Green Bay Packers playbook by taking Alex Leatherwood to play left guard for them this season. The Outland Trophy winner for best offensive tackle in the country might just be the best fit in the entire 2021 NFL draft to play left guard in new head coach Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme.
6-foot-6, 312 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: 13 Games Started at Left Tackle, Outland Trophy winner, Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, First-team All-American, First-team All-SEC, National Champion
2019: 13 Games Started at Left Tackle, First-team All-SEC
2018: 15 Games Started at Right Guard, Second-team All-SEC
2017: 7 Games Played at multiple positions, National Champion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nuj-v2NCtg
Alex Leatherwood combines a combination of quick feet, efficient kick steps back and smart hand usage into one of the best pass-blocking tackles in college football. His ability to ride speed rushers to the outside and anchor effectively against power rushers gives him an advantage over most linemen. His overall size, a frame that isn’t maxed out even at 312 pounds and long arms makes him an almost ideal left tackle prospect for power-based NFL schemes.
Leatherwood is also one of the best run-blocking offensive linemen in this year’s draft class. He’s able to attack not just the guy in front of him, but can handle dual blocks efficiently and get to the second level and take off a linebacker or safety’s skull with no issues. His “to the whistle” motor and overall nastiness make him a lineman every coach would want.
None of this is accomplished without Leatherwood’s high-level football intelligence and ability to process information quickly. His instincts are amazing for the pro-style scheme he comes from. On top of that, he can play any non-center spot in the NFL depending on scheme, and that’s just because there’s no record of him making line calls or snapping, otherwise it would be all five.
The former Crimson Tide lineman has a lot of talent in every aspect of guard play, but he does have issues with his lateral movement being just average overall. He also has a tendency to lose his balance when he’s going to the second level or after first impact with a defender. He also gets overeager in both run and pass blocking which will lead him to be susceptible to counters.
Leatherwood is a vocal leader from the Crimson Tide. He was voted permanent team captain with fellow lineman Landon Dickerson for the 2020 season. They led the group not just by example by being two of the best offensive linemen in college football, period, but by their words and overall leadership. Alabama had the best line in the country in 2020.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Brandon Scherff
Much like Scherff, Leatherwood played left tackle and guard in the college ranks. Scherff has played right guard at an All-Pro level in a zone blocking scheme for years. Leatherwood’s athleticism is off the charts for an offensive lineman, and his technique is solid as it sits now. Much like Scherff, he has experience in pro-style blocking schemes and should be a quick transition to the pros.
If the Falcons want Leatherwood, they will either have to trade up into the bottom of the first round or hope that he slips to them in the second round. Atlanta has the right mix of need and fit for this pick. Leatherwood would compete instantly for the starting left guard role and fits in perfectly as a left guard with injury-reserve status at tackle.
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The Atlanta Falcons could take a wide receiver as high as No. 4 overall in Ja’Marr Chase, despite him sitting out the 2020 season.
The Atlanta Falcons could take a wide receiver as high as No. 4 overall in Ja’Marr Chase, despite him sitting out the 2020 season. Chase comes off as the perfect receiver to complement Calvin Ridley long term and replace Julio Jones when Jones wants to retire. He’s got that same physicality Jones has but the speed to destroy a defense too.
6-foot-1, 200 pounds
2020: Sat out the 2020 season due to the COVID19 pandemic
2019: 14 Games Played, 84 Catches, 1,780 Yards, 20 Touchdowns, 1 Carry, 5 Yards, 1 Tackle, All-American, National Champion, Biletnikoff Award Winner, First-team All-SEC
2018: 13 Games Played, 23 Catches, Yards, 3 Touchdowns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv6mus7yasc
Ja’Marr Chase’s best attributes are his route running and football intelligence. His understanding of concepts and exceptionally precise routes make him elite when it comes to getting separation. This shows up at the line when he’s trying to release off the press. It also shows up with his hands and how he attacks the football to snatch it out of the air.
He can align anywhere on the field and plays well no matter which side he’s on. His play from the slot makes him especially useful for an NFL team because of his willingness to go over the middle. Chase is unafraid to take a hit, and his ability to take it to the house after the catch comes from his shiftiness and vision while he’s got the ball in his hands.
Most wide receivers aren’t super interested in blocking and have poor technique. That doesn’t apply to Chase, though. He takes great angles and attacks defenders in his blocking paths. He understands how to set the edge of the rushing play and is one of the most physical players on the ball. His blocking has drawn comparisons to Roddy White.
This isn’t as much of a weakness as it is a limitation. Chase has excellent athleticism, but he isn’t a top one-percent athlete. He’s going to likely run a 4.45 and have solid agility scores. He makes his living off of intelligent play and not raw athletic talent. He’s a football player with the athleticism of a top wide receiver, but isn’t a top athlete at his position.
Not much is known about Chase off the field. He’s definitely someone who stays out of trouble, but he’s also not profiled as a captain or a leader. Ideally, he’s someone who can soak in the lessons of his teammates, and his willingness as a blocker is what will show through in the weight room. Guys who block are also normally guys who lift.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: De’Andre Hopkins
The best receiver in the league is arguably De’Andre Hopkins. He’s not the best athlete at the position, but he’s faster than average, bigger than average and stronger than average. He’s also one of the smartest receivers in the league who can win with his route running, exceptional catching and overall will to win. That’s why Chase compares best to him.
If the Falcons want Ja’Marr Chase, they’re going to have to take him at No. 4 overall. He’s not going to last much past that, as it’d be shocking to see the Bengals pass on him. Chase is a great fit for the Falcons’ offense and would play a similar role to what A.J. Brown did in Tennessee.
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The Atlanta Falcons could surprise the world at No. 4 by taking yet another Alabama wide receiver in Devonta Smith, the Heisman Winner.
The Atlanta Falcons could surprise the world at pick No. 4 by taking yet another Alabama wide receiver in Devonta Smith, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner. While the team doesn’t necessarily need a wide receiver, new Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has stated he’s trying to have a best player available strategy. Smith could very well be the best player available when Atlanta is on the clock.
6-foot-1, 175 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: 13 Games Played, 117 Catches, 1,856 Yards, 23 Touchdowns, 4 Carries, 6 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 11 Punt Returns, 237 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 4 Kick Returns, 52 Yards, 0 Touchdowns, 1 Tackle, Heisman Trophy Winner, National Champion, Maxwell Award Winner, CFB National Championship MVP, Walter Camp Award Winner, Biletnikoff Award Winner, Paul Hornung Award winner, College Football Player of the Year, All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, First-team All-SEC
2019: 13 Games Played, 68 Catches, 1,256 Yards, 14 Touchdowns, 2 Tackles, First-team All-SEC
2018: 14 Games Played, 42 Catches, 693 Yards, 6 Touchdowns
2017: 14 Games Played, 7 Catches, 156 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 1 Tackle, National Champion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH3H34k_3s4
Devonta Smith is one of the best all-around wide receivers in the draft. The biggest reason why is his high football intelligence. He reads defenses like a quarterback and kills coverages on option routes. Adding in great route running and hands only makes him a better receiver than most would expect. On top of that, he’s got great athleticism that helps him create separation.
When combining all of that, he destroys zone and man coverages with equal proficiency. Smith is almost impossible to cover one-on-one. His ability to create separation with simple head fakes and consistently excellent footwork is remarkable. His film is basically a coaches film on how to run routes and play the position.
His ability to create separation right at the line is amazing as well. He can even take any route to the house with his ability to accelerate to full speed in nearly an instant. Alignment isn’t a problem either, because he has the kind of game-breaking speed to score from anywhere on the field whether aligned out wide or in the slot.
When it comes to weaknesses, Smith’s biggest issues come from his lack of size and his technique as a blocker. Both things can be addressed once the receiver gets into a pro camp and has a true NFL strength and nutrition program. Smith’s blocking shows a willingness, but he doesn’t have the best technique yet.
Smith was one of the best leaders for the Crimson Tide when he was there. He was a captain as a senior and the biggest voice in the receiver room as a junior too. His competitiveness is unquestioned, and he shows it as a blocker, on 50-50 balls and in those clutch end-game situations when he needs to get open for the third down or touchdown catch.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown is a good three inches shorter than Smith is, but he’s the same kind of smaller receiver who can run any route and be effective. Smith can attack the entire field and lead a passing offense with competence as the No. 1 receiver. His speed, catching ability and overall athleticism are better than Brown’s, though.
If the Falcons were to take Devonta Smith at No. 4 overall, it would be to have him learn from Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones for a season or two. It would also be to give Matt Ryan all the best options he could get at wide receiver to close his career out. Smith would be the receiver to have if the Falcons were to move on from Jones.
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The Atlanta Falcons spending a pick on Penei Sewell out of Oregon to strengthen the offensive line would be a smart move.
The Atlanta Falcons spending a pick on Penei Sewell out of Oregon to strengthen the offensive line would be a smart move. While he’s a left tackle in the college ranks, Atlanta would be best suited to move him to guard for his pro career. Sewell would be an instant upgrade over James Carpenter—who should be a cap casualty once the cap is finalized for the 2021 season.
6-foot-6, 325 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: Opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019: 14 Games Started at Left Tackle, Outland Trophy winner, Morris Trophy winner, 1st-team All-Pac 12, All-American
2018: 7 Games Started at Left Tackle
Strengths
Penei Sewell does a ton of things well on the offensive line. Starting in the passing game, he’s able to drop step well and keep his body in proper positioning. His anchor is amazing and strength shows through when someone is trying to bull rush him. He’s able to stop power rushers cold in their tracks and even is able to stand up to the speed-to-power guys too.
He has prototypical size and his raw power makes him a nasty player to go against in the running game. Sewell looks a lot like Eric Winston creating holes, and at times, getting to the second level with ease. In the NFL, this will be a massive strength for him, as he’ll be able to set the edge if he’s a tackle or block a linebacker out of the play if he’s a guard.
On the field, his temperament will remind a lot of Falcons fans of Harvey Dahl. He’s a tough-nosed offensive lineman who is constantly on the attack. He plays right through the whistle and isn’t afraid to mix it up with defensive players from snap to snap. Combined with high football intelligence, this allows him to surprise some blitzing linebackers and knock them around like rag dolls.
Weaknesses
Sewell is a good, but not great athlete. He’s laterally more similar to a Halapoulivaatu Vaitai than a true athlete like Trent Williams at the position in that he wins more with technique than true athleticism. This level of athleticism can hurt when he’s out wide at tackle and hurts his technique when someone truly athletic is lined up across from him.
While he does have positional versatility, playing a left tackle role in a zone scheme may not be his best spot. He’s more of a guard fit for a lot of the wide-zone based teams in the NFL. Missing a year of college football will hurt a lot of evaluations on him too. Opt-outs shouldn’t hurt, but that is something people will keep in mind.
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Joel Bitonio
Penei Sewell is a great football player, but might be best suited to play guard in the NFL. He’s got potential to be a left tackle for a team for a decade if they run the right kind of scheme for his strengths in the run game and minimize his passing game weaknesses. Playing guard in a zone scheme would be his best fit and he has All-Pro potential there.
While most Falcons fans would despise the idea of taking yet another offensive lineman in the first round of the draft, taking Sewell at No. 4 overall would be brilliant. He’s more of a guard in the Falcons’ scheme than a true tackle, but he’d be a guy playing 1000 snaps a year as the starting guard. He’d instantly be an upgrade at guard over James Carpenter.
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