2020 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Draft Report Card
Outside of Deion Jones, the Atlanta Falcons do not have an impressive linebacker group. Bringing in Mykal Walker is an attempt to add a versatile piece that can fill a number of roles in sub-packages. The only problem with Walker is he is a tweener that doesn’t necessarily project favorably to one spot. He is a developmental prospect with athleticism. As my 214th overall prospect, this is a major reach that doesn’t possess much more value than a special teams body anytime soon.
Grade: D+
Defensive back depth is something the Atlanta Falcons haven’t been comfortable with in years. In the 2020 NFL Draft, however, they addressed that concern with Jaylinn Hawkins. A rangy deep safety with excellent ball skills, Hawkins is an excellent fit with what this defense is missing. His tackling discipline is something to be concerned with, but that willingness to be physical will serve an important role as he will see the field early on special teams with an upside to start on defense.
Grade: B
A punter? It’s often surprising when your team takes a specialist. As an evaluator, I don’t go out of my way to look at the punter position, so this name was new to me. I did my research and analysis. Sterlin Hofrichter is a really impressive punter. He has the leg power that made him the kickoff specialist for the Orange for four years and was brought in to attempt (and make) a 52-yard field goal because he had a bigger leg than their kicker.
With multiple punts in his career over 60 yards, there is no question he has a booming leg, but he has very impressing touch as a punter as well. In 270 punt attempts in his career, Hofrichter has pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line 99 times while only causing 13 touchbacks. For every touchback, he is pinning them deep 7.5 times.
Grade: C+
2020 NFL Draft Grade: B-
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The Atlanta Falcons failed to bring in many intriguing names as undrafted free-agents. The only notable name to watch is Vanderbilt’s tight-end, Jared Pinkney. After an impressive junior season, he disappointed with a new quarterback running the offense in 2019. He followed it up with a disappointing combine which has led to his fall. On the tape, he still shows flashes of being a viable depth piece for an NFL offense and could make the 53-man roster.