Shaq Lawson And 4 Other Prospects Atlanta Falcons Should Target In The 2016 NFL Draft

By Jacob Camenker

The Atlanta Falcons were one of the major disappointments of the second half of the NFL season. However, they are still a young team with a great head coach that should be able to make the postseason in the near future. With that in mind, here’s a look at some prospects they could target in the NFL Draft to help get them to the promised land.

Shaq Lawson And 4 Other Prospects Atlanta Falcons Should Target In The 2016 NFL Draft
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5. WR Kenny Lawler – California

WR Kenny Lawler – California Credit: Getty Images
The Falcons really need to find a complementary receiver to Julio Jones as Roddy White gets closer and closer to retirement. The Falcons may be interested in spending a fourth or fifth-round pick on Lawler, who was a solid top receiver for the Golden Bears and Jared Goff during the season. Lawler has great size, and he could end up taking attention away from Jones and giving Matt Ryan a better secondary weapon.

5. WR Kenny Lawler – California

The Falcons really need to find a complementary receiver to Julio Jones as Roddy White gets closer and closer to retirement. The Falcons may be interested in spending a fourth or fifth-round pick on Lawler, who was a solid top receiver for the Golden Bears and Jared Goff during the season. Lawler has great size, and he could end up taking attention away from Jones and giving Matt Ryan a better secondary weapon.

4. LB Cassanova McKinzy – Auburn

LB Cassanova McKinzy – Auburn Credit: Getty Images
Another mid-round talent, McKinzy had a terrific season for Auburn. He's a do-it-all type of player who can rush the passer well enough on blitzes and is a really great run stopper. The Falcons need to find some better linebackers, and McKinzy could start out as a depth player and work his way up. Dan Quinn would love to have a high upside player on their defense.

4. LB Cassanova McKinzy – Auburn

Another mid-round talent, McKinzy had a terrific season for Auburn. He's a do-it-all type of player who can rush the passer well enough on blitzes and is a really great run stopper. The Falcons need to find some better linebackers, and McKinzy could start out as a depth player and work his way up. Dan Quinn would love to have a high upside player on their defense.

3. OL Vadal Alexander – LSU

OL Vadal Alexander – LSU Credit: Getty Images
The two starters on the right side of the Falcons’ offensive line, Ryan Schraeder and Chris Chester, are both going to be free agents this offseason. If the team cannot retain both, they will have to find a replacement. Alexander may end up being available with the team’s second-round pick, and if he is they should not hesitate to take him. Alexander can play both positions, and he could further improve the team's lackluster protection.

3. OL Vadal Alexander – LSU

The two starters on the right side of the Falcons’ offensive line, Ryan Schraeder and Chris Chester, are both going to be free agents this offseason. If the team cannot retain both, they will have to find a replacement. Alexander may end up being available with the team’s second-round pick, and if he is they should not hesitate to take him. Alexander can play both positions, and he could further improve the team's lackluster protection.

2. TE O.J. Howard – Alabama

TE O.J. Howard – Alabama Credit: Getty Images
Howard is going to be one of the steals of the draft. Despite having immense physical talent, he was never really used much at Alabama. However, during the College Football Playoff people got a glimpse of what Howard could do in a bigger role. The Falcons have needed a tight end since Tony Gonzalez retired, and Howard could end up being a star for the team.

2. TE O.J. Howard – Alabama

Howard is going to be one of the steals of the draft. Despite having immense physical talent, he was never really used much at Alabama. However, during the College Football Playoff people got a glimpse of what Howard could do in a bigger role. The Falcons have needed a tight end since Tony Gonzalez retired, and Howard could end up being a star for the team.

1. DE Shaq Lawson – Clemson

DE Shaq Lawson – Clemson Credit: Getty Images
The Falcons spent a pick on a talent Clemson pass rusher last season, so why not spend another? The team still needs help on the defensive line, and Lawson could team up with Vic Beasley to make a formidable pass rush. Lawson should be a great complement to Beasley and could end up having a huge impact on the Falcons' defense.

1. DE Shaq Lawson – Clemson

The Falcons spent a pick on a talent Clemson pass rusher last season, so why not spend another? The team still needs help on the defensive line, and Lawson could team up with Vic Beasley to make a formidable pass rush. Lawson should be a great complement to Beasley and could end up having a huge impact on the Falcons' defense.

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