FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- After trading back into the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected former Washington offensive tackle Kaleb McGary with 31st pick. McGary is the second offensive lineman the Falcons have selected in the first round, after the team drafted offensive guard Chris Lindstrom at No. 14
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WHY HE FITS
The Falcons were certainly intent on addressing their offensive line woes from last season, using two first-round picks to grab a guard and a tackle. Physically, McGary has the length and size to play tackle in the NFL. McGary was a four-year starter for the Huskies, and he was twice named a first-team All-Pac 12 player.
SCOUTING REPORT
McGary has a good base as a pass protector, and he has the strength to move defensive linemen in the run game. There was some inconsistency with McGary at Washington, but he's an experienced player who should continue to improve with NFL coaching. McGary appears to be more of a power player than a finesse guy on the outside, which is something the Falcons could benefit from.
DRAFT GRADES
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
- Grade: C+
- Comment: "I understand why they wanted to do it. They don't have a long-term answer at right tackle. Maybe he goes in and plays right tackle next year. The Falcons said they've gotta get better on the offensive line. I like this move paired with Lindstrom earlier."
Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report
- Grade: C+
- Comment: "Sometimes, both writers and NFL evaluators can get carried away with the "he's overcome adversity" angle and overrate a player because of his personal history. But you know what? I want McGary on my team because of what he endured and how he came out of it with determination, grace and good humor. Plus, he's 6'7", 317 pounds, and can play. In fact, I like McGary so much that I'll go easy on the Falcons for trading up to select him when they have critical defensive needs that must be addressed and higher-upside line prospects are still on the board. But not too easy."
NFL COMPARISON
Cam Robinson: "Robinson was one of the most roller coaster evaluations I've ever done for an offensive tackle. On one series, he'd look like the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The next possession he'd look like an undrafted free agent with a severe lack of balance in pass protection or accuracy at the second level. That essentially describes McGary, a large, long, highly athletic tackle with a major boom or bust game." - Chris Trapasso, CBSSports.com
