2011 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Pass Rush Was Lacking in 2010
Atlanta Falcons Must Complement John Abraham
The Falcons could be interested in taking a wide receiver at this spot: they have been looking to find a better second option than Michael Jenkins.
But they'd be better off improving their pass rush.
Aside from John Abraham--who had 13 sacks this year but will be 33 in May--the Falcons weren't consistently able to pressure the quarterback. With two games against Drew Brees and the Saints each year that is a major flaw.
With the wealth of defensive lineman in this draft, Heyward is flying under the radar a bit and he doesn't have great measureables (40-yard dash, vertical). But he faced great competition for four years in the Big Ten and made a major impact in the Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas pro-style offense.
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1. Carolina Panthers: Da’Quan Bowers, DE |
17. New England Patriots: Adrian Clayborn, DE |
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2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB |
18. San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt, DE |
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3. Buffalo Bills: Marcel Dareus, DT |
19. New York Giants: Mikel LeShore, RB |
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR |
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE |
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5. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Fairley, DT |
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, LB |
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6. Cleveland Browns: Von Miller, LB |
22. Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT |
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7. San Francisco: Blaine Gabbert, QB |
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo, OT |
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8. Tennessee Titans: Robert Quinn, DE |
24. New Orleans Saints: Rahim Moore, S |
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9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB |
25. Seattle Seahawks: Kyle Rudolph, TE |
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10. Washington Redskins: Cam Newton, QB |
26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams, CB |
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11. Houston Texans: Jimmy Smith, CB |
27. Atlanta Falcons: Cameron Heyward, DE |
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12. Minnesota Vikings: Aldon Smith, LB |
28. New England Patriots: Jonathan Baldwin, WR |
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13. Detroit Lions: Tyron Smith, OT |
29. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey, G |
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14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR |
30. New York Jets: Justin Houston, OLB |
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15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram Jr., RB |
31. Pittsburgh Steelers Gabe Carimi, OT |
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16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan, DE |
32. Green Bay Packers: Ryan Williams, RB |
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