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Tabeek's 2020 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Explosive edge rusher to Falcons

Feb 26, 2020 at 01:55 PM

Matthew Tabeek

It's no secret that the Atlanta Falcons need to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2020.

The Falcons produced only 28 sacks last season, which was tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. They already announced that they plan to part way with former first-round pick Vic Beasley and now they are "still deciding" whether or not to pick up Takk McKinley's fifth-year option. McKinley, the Falcons' first-round draft pick in 2017, underwent shoulder surgery this offseason and registered 3.5 sacks in 2019.

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Atlanta currently has needs at edge rusher, cornerback and offensive line. Depending on what happens in free agency, the Falcons could have more holes to fill at linebacker, tight end and running back.

But I think they'll address the edge rusher position first come April and, in my latest mock draft, they find a versatile, athletic and explosive ballhawk from Wisconsin who tallied 12.5 sacks last season. Falcons fans, start doing your research on Zack Baun, who can line up on the edge, drop back in coverage and is a sideline-to-sideline wrecking ball on defense.

So, without further ado, here is mock draft 4.0. Let me know how you feel about the pick here. A new version will drop every Wednesday between now and the NFL Draft. Enjoy.

CIN

QB Joe Burrow, LSU

Small(er) hands or not, the Bengals need a quarterback and take the former LSU star.

WAS

DE Chase Young, Ohio State

Young could easily be the first pick – he’s that good. Redskins will pounce on him.

DET

DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

The Lions could go in a number of directions, but Brown is too good to pass up.

NYG

OL Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama

The Giants must protect their young QB and take Wills, an immediate upgrade.

MIA

QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

The Fins finally land Tagovailoa, who appears to be on track for a healthy return.

LAC

QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Now that the Rivers era is over, the Chargers are thrilled to land the ex-Oregon star.

CAR

LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

With a major void to fill at linebacker, they take the ex-Clemson star with freakish skills.

WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Rumors are swirling that Kliff Kingsbury is eyeing an outside threat for Kyler Murray.

JAX

CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

They could go O-line, and with Simmons off the board they take the top corner in this class.

CLE

OL Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

The Browns must address their line and they take Wirfs, who can play both tackle and guard.

NYJ

DE K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The Jets need a difference-maker coming off the edge and Chaisson provides immediate help.

WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

Jon Gruden knows his offense needs more speed and the former OU star checks that box.

IND

DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

The Colts will likely sign a veteran QB and opt to bolster the D-line with Kinlaw, a force inside.

OL Mekhi Becton, Louisville

QB is a consideration, but they must do a better job protecting whoever is behind center.

DEN

WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

The Broncos add some much-needed speed in Ruggs to team up with Courtland Sutton.

ATL

DE/LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin

Versatile, athletic, a quarterback's nightmare. Baun is a sideline-to-sideline wrecking ball.

DAL

S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Big D bolsters its secondary, snags who many think is the best safety in this class.

MIA

OL Josh Jones, Houston

Rebuilding the O-line is a priority and Jones is string and athletic.

QB Jordan Love, Utah State

There's a lot of talk about them moving on from Derek Carr and there's a lot to like about Love.

JAX

LB Patrick Queen, LSU

They missed out on Simmons but they gladly pounce on Queen, an explosive, instinctive LB.

PHI

CB C.J. Henderson, Florida

Philly must address its secondary and take the former Gator star, who is a true ballhawk.

BUF

WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

It was painfully clear in 2019 that the Bills need some outside weapons and add one in Higgins.

DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa

This makes sense. The Pats will find a WR in free agency and won’t pass on the ex-Iowa star.

WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado

Shenault is 6-foot-2, physical and fast – and should draw attention away from Michael Thomas.

MIN

CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama

They could have some holes to fill in the secondary and snag the star from Alabama.

MIA

DE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

Miami goes defense and takes Lewis, a tall and physical game-wrecker on the edge.

SEA

DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

Gross-Matos is a physical specimen with tons of upside – a nice fit for the Seahawks.

BAL

LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

C.J. Mosely’s departure left a void in the D and they tab Murray as the guy to fill it.

TEN

QB Jacob Eason, Washington

The Titans go QB here and take Eason, who has a big arm and possesses tons of upside.

TE Hunter Bryant, Washington

The Pack give Aaron Rodgers a weapon at tight end; Bryant is a matchup problem.

OL Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

The 49ers could go corner or safety, but Super Bowl showed help inside is needed.

CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

K.C. could take some hits in the secondary in free agency and Fulton can step and start.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here belong to Matthew Tabeek and and do not represent the opinions of the Atlanta Falcons' front office staff, coaches and executives unless noted otherwise.

Tabeek's 2020 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Explosive edge rusher to Falcons

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