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5 NFL Draft Prospects Atlanta Falcons Fans Need To Know About

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5 NFL Draft Prospects Atlanta Falcons Fans Need To Know About

Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons have a new head coach, and with Dan Quinn comes the hope of a better season than the disappointing 2014 campaign. While Atlanta has a good salary cap scenario, the 2015 NFL Draft is where they can truly build for the future. Here are five prospects Falcons fans should get familiar with heading into the NFL Combine.

5. Nick O’Leary (Tight End, FSU)

Nick O'Leary, Atlanta Falcons
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5. Nick O’Leary (Tight End, FSU)

Nick O'Leary, Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons are in need of a tough, pass catching tight end, and Jack Nicklaus’ grandson Nick O’Leary fits that mold perfectly. He was consistently a target for Jameis Winston, and in a weak tight end class, the Falcons could find a gem in the 6-foot-3, 250-pound O’Leary.

4. Matt Jones (Running Back, Florida)

Matt Jones, Atlanta Falcons
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4. Matt Jones (Running Back, Florida)

Matt Jones, Atlanta Falcons
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At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Matt Jones is a punishing runner who averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2014. With Steven Jackson likely on his way out, the Falcons are looking to find young talent to create a stable of running backs, and Jones would provide excellent value in the late rounds.

3. Cedric Ogbuehi (Offensive Lineman, Texas A&M)

Cedric Ogbuehi
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3. Cedric Ogbuehi (Offensive Lineman, Texas A&M)

Cedric Ogbuehi
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A torn ACL in the bowl game derailed Cedric Ogbuehi’s first-round hopes, but the former teammate of Jake Matthews would be a perfect fit at guard in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. A move to left guard would also take a bit of pressure of him having to return to tackle duties right away after his injury, and it would give the Falcons one of the best young, left side tandems in the league.

2. Phillip Dorsett (Wide Receiver, Miami)

Phillip Dorsett, Atlanta Falcons
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2. Phillip Dorsett (Wide Receiver, Miami)

Phillip Dorsett, Atlanta Falcons
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With the exception of Julio Jones, the Falcons’ receiving corps is getting up there in age. Phillip Dorsett is the fastest receiver in this year’s draft, and he had an amazing week at the Senior Bowl which has him skyrocketing up draft boards the league over. Bringing him in to be the speed demon of the next generation makes a ton of sense for Atlanta.

1. Dante Fowler Jr. (Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Florida)

Dexter Fowler Jr., Atlanta Falcons
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1. Dante Fowler Jr. (Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Florida)

Dexter Fowler Jr., Atlanta Falcons
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Dan Quinn’s ties to the University of Florida cannot be overstated when looking at this year’s draft, and if Fowler is still on the board when the Falcons come to the podium, he will be the pick. He is one of the top edge rushers in this year’s class, and at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, Fowler has the kind of elite size and speed to make an immediate impact.

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