NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Quarterbacks push defensive prospects down board

The Falcons did well to land Dontari Poe on a one-year, “prove it” deal during the 2017 offseason. Poe was a great fit next to Grady Jarrett, and he helps complete the strong defensive front of the Falcons.

However, the Falcons lost Poe to the Panthers in free agency during the 2018 season, and now they don’t have anything next to Jarrett. They have to address that position, and they like Taven Bryan. Luckily for the Falcons, Bryan will be available with this selection.

I’ve long liked the fit of Bryan in Atlanta, and actually mocked him to the Falcons in my NFL Mock 6.0 from a few weeks ago. Here’s what I said of the fit at the time.

"At the Combine, Bryan weighed in at 291 pounds on his 6-foot-5 frame, but he ended up running the 40 in just 4.98 seconds. Breaking the five second mark was big, and his performance in the drills and his 30 reps on the bench press backed up his athletic upside. He should be a solid all-around tackle at the next level. With Jarrett, Bryan, Takk McKinley, and Vic Beasley in the front seven would do a lot to help the Falcons out. Dan Quinn could build a defense similar to the one he had in his heyday as the Seahawks defensive coordinator, and this pick would get them closer to being a real contender again."

Bryan would do a lot to improve the athletic ability of Quinn’s defense. That would be a smart move. Furthermore, Bryan is the best player available and he fills a need. Thus, the fit here is perfect.