Atlanta Falcons 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Focus is on the defense

Round 4

Sticking with defense, the Atlanta Falcons add tackle machine, Evan Weaver. After moving from defensive end to linebacker his sophomore season, Weaver accounted for 155 and 181 tackles his last two seasons at Cal and lead college football in tackles during 2019. Weaver possesses great fundamentals, work ethic and is a  solid tackler who cannot be under-appreciated at any level.

Weaver was not known to add pressure while at Cal which will not change in the NFL. Weaver lacks the size to be a typical starting linebacker in the NFL and does not possess the speed to make up for his inherent limitations. However, he was a productive college player who could grind his way to a solid NFL career.

After losing starting tight end Austin Hooper to the Browns in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons acquired former first-round pick, Hayden Hurst from Baltimore. Hurst brought in 30 receptions for 349 yards, and two touchdowns in a Ravens offense which heavily relied on tight ends. While Hurst slots in as a starting tight end for the Falcons, here Atlanta adds depth to the position with another high ceiling target for Matt Ryan.

Harrison Bryant finished his junior year at FAU with 662 receiving yards and All-C-USA honors before exploding in 2019. Bryant won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end after a 65 reception senior season with 1,004 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

While he was a busy receiver for the Owls, Bryant is also an effective blocker and can see the field immediately due to his blocking and receiving potential. Bryant can backup Hurst in 2020 with the potential of becoming the starting tight end.

Round 7

With no picks between the fifth and sixth rounds, the Falcons end this mock draft with offensive lineman, Yasir Durant. Durant enrolled at Missouri as junior college guard and played three years at left tackle for the Tigers. At 6-foot-6, 331 pounds, Durant gives the Falcons a back-up option either tackle or guard.