In the lastest
podcast episode of Scout's Honor (the Falcons draft conversation starts at 14:54), Paul Crane and "super scout" Dave-Te' Thomas spend some time talking about the upcoming draft for the Atlanta Falcons and more importantly, free agency.
As is on most minds around Falcons Nation, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is either going to need a new contract or the frachise tag by March 5. If not, there will be plenty of suitors for his services. Thomas mentions that signing Jarrett to a new deal is more vital than anything the Falcons do in the draft, because, let's face it, there's zero chance Atlanta will let Jarrett hit free agency. A franchise tag will cost the Falcons north or $14 million, and that would cripple the team's 2019 budget.
While Jarrett is objective No. 1, the Falcons still need to bolster the trenches in the 2019 NFL Draft. Thomas has been hearing a lof of talk about defensive tackle Ed Oliver, from Houston.
"We keep on hearing 'Oliver, Oliver, Oliver' in Houston," Thomas said. "I tell people to check under the hood with that guy, because you're going to find out that engine isn't running on all its cylinders."
Houston spent three seasons with the Cougars and posted 13.5 sacks, 53 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles.
In case you haven't been watching, Ed Oliver is REALLY good. Where will he head in the upcoming NFL Draft? pic.twitter.com/Mlsxp0BnWE
— PFF College (@PFF_College)
February 22, 2019 If Thomas, who's the publilsher of The NFL Draft Report, doesn't think Oliver at No. 14 for the Falcons is a great idea, who does he think Atlanta should target if a defensive tackle is the right move for the team?
"Outside of Quinnen Williams, I'll take [Dexter> Lawrence over any DT in this draft," Thomas said.
"They're talking about him possibly sliding to the end of Round 1. There is no way in hell Mike Mayock will let him get past him with that second first-round draft pick."
Dexter Lawrence can make moves as a pass-rusher and a run defender.For the full College Film Room Series breakdown on Clemson's star -- : https://t.co/jIeJ0amARM pic.twitter.com/mnKbetScOR
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF)
February 2, 2019 If Lawrence is the guy, Atlanta will have to grab him at 14, because to Thomas' point, Mayock's Raiders have the No. 24 pick as their second first-rounder.
