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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben

Falcons land FSU EDGE Jared Verse in new 7-round mock draft

The NFC South is arguably the worst division in the NFL this season and the Atlanta Falcons‘ current draft position is proof of just how bad it is.

Last week, the Falcons led the division with a 6-6 record and were slated for the 19th overall pick. After losing to the Buccaneers in Week 14, Atlanta dropped down to pick No. 11 in the 2024 draft order.

In our latest seven-round mock projection, we have the Falcons landing an elite edge rusher and a potential franchise QB with their first two picks. Check out all seven rounds of our latest Falcons mock draft below.

Round 1, Pick No. 11: EDGE Jared Verse - FSU

(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

The Falcons have a good defensive line when healthy, but their three best players are over 30 and it’s time to plan for the future. Jared Verse returned to school in 2023 and had another monster season. The FSU edge rusher had 11 sacks, 14 QB hits and 35 total hurries for the undefeated Seminoles. Verse would be a great fit to replace someone like Calais Campbell if the veteran DL retires this offseason.

Round 2, Pick 43: QB J.J. McCarthy - Michigan

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

It’s debatable whether or not McCarthy will be available in the second round if he enters the draft, but he’s got NFL QB written all over him. He’s a playmaker with good mobility and accuracy on the run. McCarthy has passed for 2,630 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing nearly 75 percent of his pass attempts. The Michigan QB has a PFF grade of 90.7 this season.

Round 3, Pick 75: S Javon Bullard - Georgia

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons secondary has taken some major steps forward this season, but Richie Grant has struggled. It’s probably too early to give up on the former second-round pick, but Javon Bullard is one potential option for Atlanta. The Georgia defensive back has experience playing both safety spots and the nickel position. He’s good in coverage, solid against the run and versatile enough to back up multiple spots as a rookie.

Round 4, Pick 111: DL Michael Hall Jr. - OSU

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ohio State interior lineman is a perfect developmental prospect to sit behind David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett. The Falcons could ease him into the defensive rotation. Hall finished the 2023 season with 19 QB hurries, two sacks and a PFF pass-rushing grade of 85.2.

Round 5, Pick 148: WR Ricky Pearsall - Florida

[Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
The Florida wide receiver had his most productive season yet in 2023, finishing with 65 catches for 963 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Pearsall could provide the team with a versatile slot receiver to would complement Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Pearsall had just two drops this season.

Round 6, Pick 189: EDGE Jaylen Harrell - Michigan

© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Round 6, Pick 202: WR Dominic Lovett - Georgia

Joshua L. Jones-USA TODAY

Round 7, Pick 232: LB Jason Henderson - Old Dominion

Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7, Pick 245: OT Anthony Belton - NC State

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

PFF Draft Grades

Image generated via PFF mock draft simulator
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