There's always a lot of value to be found towards the end of the NFL Draft.
While it's important for teams to hit on their early selections and build a foundation with high-end prospects, a good draft class cannot be formed without value picks in the later rounds.
The grades Atlanta received last year reflect this sentiment: Experts thought tabbing Vic Beasley, Jr. at eighth overall was a great move, but the Falcons wouldn't have received high marks if they didn't find Tevin Coleman, Justin Hardy and Grady Jarrett—all of whom have become important contributors—after more than 70 guys were chosen.
Mining talent on Days 2 and 3 will be important this year, too, as Atlanta looks to continue its robust developmental efforts. Here's a look at some players Atlanta could target after the big names are off the board.
Bronson Kaufusi
Position: DE
College: Brigham Young
Scouting Report: At 6-foot-7, 265 pounds, Kaufusi is an imposing edge rusher, one who racked up 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss as a junior. Film shows he has good hand technique, sheds blockers well, is good at stopping the run and is a cerebral player—not surprising, given that his father, Steve, is BYU's defensive line coach. Kaufusi also has rare athleticism for someone his size, which he proved during his time on the Cougars' basketball team.
CBS Sports projects he will go in the third or fourth round.
Thomas Duarte
Position: WR
College: UCLA
Scouting Report: After signing Mohamed Sanu to a long-term contract, the Falcons are unlikely to use a high draft pick on a receiver. That being said, adding a young, high-ceiling project to the mix could be an option. Duarte might fit the bill. The Second Team All-Pac-12 nominee led UCLA in touchdown catches (10) last season and finished second on the team with 53 receptions and 872 receiving yards. With a large frame, consistent hands and big-play ability, Duarte has the tools to grow into a dangerous red zone threat down the line.
CBS Sports projects he will go in the fifth round.
Tyler Higbee
Position: TE
School: Western Kentucky
Scouting Report: A former wideout, Higbee has the makeup teams want to see from a pass-catching tight end. With a 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame, impressive speed and extremely reliable hands, there's a lot of evidence to suggest he'll be good enough to start in the NFL. Higbee finished 2015 with eight touchdowns—tied for the most among FBS tight ends—and 563 receiving yards on 38 catches.
CBS Sports projects he will go in the fourth round.
Joe Dahl
Position: G
College: Washington State
Scouting Report: Atlanta could use some young bodies at guard, and Dahl, whom the Falcons worked out this week, might be a nice fit. Known for his initial quickness, swift lateral movement and strong hands, there's good reason to believe the 6-foot-4, 304-pounder could adjust to Kyle Shanahan's blocking scheme.
CBS Sports projects he will go in the sixth round.
Deion Jones
Position: LB
College: LSU
Scouting Report: Few players improved their draft stock in 2015 more than Jones. After starting just one game in his first three seasons at LSU, the 6-foot-1, 222-pounder burst onto the scene as a senior, earning team-highs in tackles (100) and tackles for loss (13.5). Jones also tallied five sacks and two interceptions—one of which he ran back for a touchdown. As someone who's solid in coverage, has a high football IQ and can play in all defensive situations, he could be a nice addition to the Falcons' linebacking corps.
CBS Sports projects he will go in the third round.
De'Runnya Wilson
Position: WR
College: Mississippi State
Scouting Report: Like Duarte, Wilson is a big receiver who is productive inside the 20s and is still rough around the edges. His 10 touchdown catches in 2015 were the second-most in Mississippi State history; his 60 receptions and 918 receiving yards were second on the Bulldogs in 2015. A former basketball star, Wilson has the size and pure physical skills needed to outperform expectations in the NFL. He should be able to do so with the right approach and instruction.
CBS Sports projects he will go in the sixth round.
