NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons need help on the inside of the defensive line. They get some big help, both literally and figuratively, here.

At 6-foot-5, 340, Vea has mammoth size for the defensive tackle position. Much like former Falcons’ defensive tackle Dontari Poe, Vea can play both nose and defensive tackle, which is what he would primarily play in the Falcons’ 4-3 scheme.

Vea is big, but he moves well for his size. His flashes are undeniably bright on the field. He has the raw talent to steamroll opposing linemen, and  he has the girth to blanket runners and effectively suffocate plays. But while his upside is enormous, Vea needs to work on his consistency, as I wrote in a previous article featuring Vea.

NFL Draft: Why the Redskins should NOT select a defensive lineman in Round 1

"Between every good play by Vea, you’ll see at least four plays where he gets neutralized at the start of the snap. If the opposing offensive lineman gets his hands on Vea, then the play is essentially over. Vea will fight it, but he’s not quick enough to slip out and cause a problem on a consistent basis. There are some plays where Vea punches the lineman once, and gives up when he doesn’t get through."

At this pick, Vea would provide good value for the Falcons, who desperately need a big body to fill the void at the center of their line. Vea is a good player when he’s on the field, and perhaps he can improve his conditioning and his consistency with NFL coaching.