2020 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons select K’Lavon Chaisson

The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a position Detroit Lions fans may be familiar with. They’re coming off back-to-back 7-9 seasons. The Lions, of course, suffered the same fate in 2016 and 2017, leading to the firing of Jim Caldwell and subsequent hiring of Matt Patricia.

Unlike the Lions, the Falcons haven’t quite hit the reset button. Of course, under current head coach Dan Quinn, they also made the Super Bowl a mere four seasons ago, so we’re nto exactly comparing apples to apples here.

Anyway, the Falcons are up in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft and they have a tough decision ahead. Our interim general manager is commenter nrs001. Let’s hear what the decision is:

“With the 16th overall pick the Falcons select K’Lavon Chaisson from LSU. The Falcons have three pressing needs following free agency: cornerback, edge, and interior lineman. I was really hoping CJ Henderson would fall to Atlanta, however no such luck. I did consider LSU teammate Kristian Fulton or Alabama’s Trevon Diggs. However, the talent gap between Chaisson and the two CBs was too great.

Right now, Atlanta has Dante Fowler and Takkarist McKinley to provide a pass rush. Fowler had his best numbers last season. McKinley has been consistent, but has struggled to live up to his first round selection. With McKinley coming off and injury and Fowler’s first year on this squad Chaisson will certainly find snaps on this squad.

His talent is superior to any CBs on the board, and talent always finds a way onto the field. Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is on a seat that is warmer than most, and he needs playmakers. K’Lavon Chaisson is a playmaker when healthy. Chaisson has good flexibility and has a variety of pass rush moves at his disposal. He is gifted athletically and will certainly give him an edge. He has work to do defending the run, but he will certainly provide Atlanta with depth at one of the most important positions. Many big boards have him in the top 10, and when skilled guys are available you have to scoop them up.”

Catch up with all the picks from our POD Community Mock here.