Georgia fans will enjoy this recent NFL mock draft prepared by Falcons Wire of USA TODAY Sports.
In Matt Urben’s mock draft, the Falcons begin to rebuild their franchise next month now that quarterback Matt Ryan is in Indianapolis.
Urben projects Atlanta to select Liberty quarterback Malik Willis at No. 8 to be Ryan’s replacement.
And to provide Willis with some firepower around him, Georgia wide receiver George Pickens joins the Falcons’ draft class with the No. 43 overall pick in the second round.
Pickens’ college stats are deceptive. He finished his career with 90 receptions for 1,347 yards, and 14 touchdowns, but he is more talented than his numbers show. A large portion of his career at Georgia was filled with inconsistent quarterback play and injuries.
Via Urben of Falcons Wire:
Pickens is the kind of big-bodied wideout the Falcons desperately need. I wasn’t going to draft a receiver in round two out of necessity, but with future No. 1 WR potential, Pickens could be an ideal building block to pair with Malik Willis. Despite suffering two serious injuries at Georgia, Pickens proved he still has 4.4 speed at the scouting combine. His overall ball skills, physicality and run-blocking ability make him a solid option here at pick No. 43.
