The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine gets underway Wednesday, but first we've got a look at who the experts around the web have the Falcons selecting at No. 8 this week.
Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
"A known commodity since he arrived on campus, Fowler actually frustrated me some coming into the year because the talent looked better than the production. But he really put it together this season and made more plays, finishing with 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He offers the strength to set the edge as a 4-3 defensive end and becomes quick for the position in that role. While he lacks what I consider elite explosiveness, he has great strength and can both set the edge and occasionally drive a blocker backward. The Falcons need this kind of a player, as the pass rush was a weakness all year."
Last Week: No change
Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
"The Falcons need to improve on defense, especially with their pass rush. D-linemen Kroy Biermann and Osi Umenyiora are both free agents. Armstead was a 5-technique defensive end at Oregon and could play a similar role in the NFL, but he's also explosive enough to be a great fit as a left defensive end in new Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn's scheme — similar to the role that Michael Bennett played for Quinn with the Seahawks. I've really liked what I've seen from Armstead's tape; he's an excellent run defender who has a lot of upside as a pass-rusher because of his violent hands and ability to convert speed to power."
Last Week: No change
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
"Roddy White isn't getting any younger, and Cooper would be a perfect complement to Julio Jones. Roll Tide!"
Last Week: No change
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
"Beasley would give the Falcons an explosive rusher to upgrade their sagging defense."
Last Week: No change
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
"I see the Falcons going pass rush with their first-round pick — Kroy Biermann led the team in sacks with a whopping 4.5 last season — and I think Beasley, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, is the guy."
Last Week: Bud Dupree, DL, Kentucky
Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
"Did you see Fowler play in the Birmingham Bowl? He looked fantastic for the Florida defense. This is an athletic defensive end that has shown great versatility. I once saw him in a high school game play quarterback, running back, full back, tight end, wide receiver and all over the defensive front. Yeah, he's pretty darn athletic and I think Atlanta would love him here."
Last Week: No change
Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
"The Falcons have the firepower on offense to compete, but lack difference-makers on the defensive front. New head coach Dan Quinn recruited and coached Fowler while serving as Florida's defensive coordinator before taking over the same duties for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks. Fowler's versatility is his calling card. The 6-3, 260-pounder's unique combination of power, agility and tenacity earns him time at defensive end, linebacker and defensive tackle for the Gators."
Last Week: No change
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
"With Dan Quinn trading his defensive coordinator role in Seattle for the head job with the Falcons, look for Atlanta to overhaul the defensive personnel this offseason to fit his scheme. Beasley would give the Falcons a hybrid pass rusher that fits what Quinn wants to do in the front seven."
Last Week: No change
Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
"The Falcons need pass rushers and they will have choices at this spot. Last week I had Vic Beasley here and now it's Fowler. Fowler is bigger than Beasley but still needs time to develop strength. Go watch the LSU game to get a glimpse of his potential."
Last Week: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
"Dante Fowler is a legitimate top-10 pick, and his combination of athleticism and production makes him a worthy selection at No. 8 overall. He's the type of explosive athlete who can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up in a pass-rushing role. Quinn could see a lot of Cliff Avril in the former Florida Gator."
Last Week: No change
Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida
"New Falcons head coach Dan Quinn may have helped recruit Fowler to Florida, but that's not why this pick is being made. Fowler can line up in a variety of positions and be successful."
Last Week: No change
Leading Vote-Getters
1. Dante Fowler Jr. - 6
2. Vic Beasley - 3
Two others with one vote each
