FALCONS NFL DRAFT 2020

Falcons Draft Recap

BY LOS MEDINA

AJ Terrell - Clemson 6'1 195 - (31st overall ranking) (1st round — 16)

Pros: Plays primarily in off-coverage but will play press. Mirrors receivers down the field with his speed. Carries the receiver across the field with ease. Breaks on the football on in-breaking and comeback routes. Features long arms that allow him to deliver a jam at the line of scrimmage. Does not lose technique as his makeup speed allows him to stay in his backpedal longer than slower corners. Has no issues with breaking on the ball and delivering a hit.

Cons: Susceptible to the jump ball. Takes false steps on comeback routes against better receivers. Better in man than in zone. Does not play the ball well in terms of attacking the catch to the end of the play. Will have to improve as a physical run defender when he's isolated on the outside by offensive formation.

Marlon Davidson - Auburn 6'3 302 - (36th overall ranking) (2nd round — 47)

Pros: Recorded career highs in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (11.5) during 2019 senior season. Played on both sides of the line of scrimmage, inside and outside on the defensive line and as a standup rush linebacker. Power player who is constantly moving forward. Did contribute as a pass rusher during his career. Can play in a multitude of schemes because of his size and athletic ability. Can give you an outside pass rush at end despite being built like a three-technique defensive tackle.

Cons: Where to play him will be a team to team decision. Can be pushed around by bigger offensive lineman. Is not explosive off the snap. Can have his pass rush stalled out by a quality punch. Will lose track of the football in the running game. Did not play as much in obvious rushing downs.

Matt Hennessy - Temple 6'4 307 (3rd round — 78)

Pros: Technician. Drops his anchor and becomes a tough player to move in the middle of the offensive line. Does a quality job of walling-off defenders and using his strength to keep them out of play in the running game. Keeps his eyes up, identifies stunts by the defensive linemen. Looks to keep his feet light and mirrors his opponent until the pass rusher makes his move. Solid athlete, showed up in combine testing. Can work to the second level in the running game and use his size to wall-off defenders. Allowed 0 sacks in 2018. Remington Trophy finalist. Recognized as being one of the toughest players on the Temple roster.

Cons: Can be beaten by quicker players moving across his face. His tested agility doesn't always show up on tape when he's forced to move to his left or right quickly. Doesn't use his size well against smaller players, seemingly looks to envelop them rather than blow them up. His shorter length arms (32 inch) do not allow him to strike and measure players as some of the bigger prospects fan. Will need to get stronger to realize his full potential. Center only projection, made just one college start at guard. FALCONS NFL DRAFT 2020

Falcons Draft Recap

BY LOS MEDINA

Mykal Walker - Fresno State 6'3 230 (4th round—119)

Pros: Was used in Fresno State's defensive system as an outside linebacker/edge player. Clear coverage skills as he moves well near the line of scrimmage in the passing game and has a feel for adjusting his zone while reading the quarterback and the receivers on the field. Runs and moves well. Can shoot gaps in the running game and cause issues at the line of scrimmage. Displays quickness in his game in space. Stat stuffer in college, including blocking kicks on special teams.

Cons: Shows up on tape, then disappears for drives. Athleticism has not led to consistently good play. Is not a run-and-hit type of guy. Does not look to deliver a strike to the ball carrier. Becomes very stiff when defending the run as if he doesn't have a comfort level with it. His playing speed slows down in the running game. Special teams and backup linebacker who can contribute mostly in the passing game.

Jaylinn Hawkins - Cal 6'1 208 (4th round — 134)

Pros: Plays as both a deep safety in Cal's two-deep coverage and will move into the slot on some dime packages. Looks to attack the ball carrier in the screen game. Looks to deal out punishment in the run game. Does not stay blocked for long. Will go up in the air and get the football. Does a good job of being in the spots he needs to be to create takeaways on errant throws. Should help immediately on special teams. Former offensive player who moved to safety.

Cons: Not an explosive player. Lacks the speed required to cover larger zones. Tackling can be an issue. Looks to strike ball carriers rather than wrap them up and drive them to the ground. Has a history of targeting penalties during his college career.

Sterling Hofrichter - Syracuse 5'10 196 (7th round — 228)

Profile: The Greek god of hang time. A special teams weapon. Can also kickoff and kick field goals if an emergency situation occurs.