PFF names one early and late round pick for the Falcons

The first pick is a guy I have featured for the Falcons in my latest mock draft — Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon. Here’s what PFF had to say:

The Falcons need major defensive upgrades. Rather than force a defensive line selection at No. 8, a top-tier cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell would give them a great duo.

Here’s my scouting report on Witherspoon:

Round 1, Pick 8: CB Devon Witherspoon — Illinois

My big boards haven’t come out yet, but they’re starting up soon. Devon Witherspoon is my clear cut CB1 for multiple reasons. A lot of Falcons fans don’t like the idea of a cornerback with the 8th pick, but if you look at guys like Pat Surtain II and Sauce Gardner both making All Pro teams, how could you not want to potentially pair someone like that with AJ Terrell?

Witherspoon has some of the best tape for any position in this draft. He’s a physical, sticky corner that is violent at the line of scrimmage and has very impressive ball skills. He’s a good tackler that can play special teams — something the Falcons always covet. The Falcons have a lot of money to spend in free agency, so if they properly add some pieces to their pass rush and run defense, Witherspoon can be the final piece of a truly good defense — something Atlanta hasn’t had in forever. If you have your doubts about Witherspoon, just turn on the tape — I promise.

2022 Stats: 41 Total Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 14 Passes Defended, 3 Interceptions

Next, PFF likes Brenton Cox for the Falcons, who I’m naturally not a fan of. I’ve seen enough low-motor pass rushers for two lifetimes.

Later in the draft, Cox provides intriguing pass-rush potential, posting 21 pressures in eight games this past season.

I could see an upside play for Cox WAY later in the draft, but this draft is DEEP with pass rushers. I’d rather roll the dice on someone with a hot motor and better athletic testing, even if it comes earlier in the draft.