Even without a head coach, the Atlanta Falcons were busy in Mobile, Ala. during the Senior Bowl. Scouts were in town evaluating the action, as was general manager Thomas Dimitroff and a handful of coaches. There are few pre-draft workouts better for scouting potential draft picks.
While at the Senior Bowl, the Falcons met with a number of prospects. Whether it was a quick discussion to informally get to know the player, or a true interview-type meeting, Atlanta spoke with tight ends Nick Boyle and Devin Mahina, receiver Phillip Dorsett, linebackers Denzel Perryman and Jordan Hicks, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and cornerback JaCorey Shepherd, according to the website Walter Football.
The Falcons won't draft solely from people they met with at the Senior Bowl -- they might not draft anyone from their meetings or observations in Mobile -- but there was some good talent on display; players that could fit well with Atlanta.
Here are five players from the Senior Bowl that the Falcons might target:
Nick Boyle, TE -- Delaware
Boyle was one of the players that did the most for his draft stock while at the Senior Bowl. He came into the week as a potential late Day 3 pick, but now has surely move into the early portion of Day 3, possibly even Day 2.
The loss of Tony Gonzalez hurt the Falcons' offense. It's growing clear that if the team wants to find the type of pass-catching tight end that can change games, they'll have to look outside because no one currently on Atlanta's roster fits that role. Boyle could develop into that guy.
Not only did Boyle show good route-running capabilities, he caught the ball well (both easy passes and some balls he shouldn't have been able to pull in) and showed some good run after the catch skills. Boyle also blocks very well, meaning he wouldn't have to come off the field on running downs and the Falcons could get more creative with their play calling. I
'm not sure I'm keen on the Falcons taking a tight end in the first three rounds, especially with their early pick in the third round. But that could be an option if Boyle continues to shine in pre-draft workouts. If he's available on Day 3, he showed enough at the SeniorBowl to be an exciting pick.
Stephone Anthony, LB -- Clemson
The Falcons need to seriously upgrade their linebacker corps, and not just in terms of pass-rushing. The middle of Atlanta's defense was an area where running backs found gaping holes, and receivers hauled in numerous passes.
Anthony did a lot at the Senior Bowl to improve his draft stock. He was good in pass coverage in 7-on-7 drills, and showed a ton of extra-gear speed when closing on the football. He worked hard all week to make sure he was constantly around the football.
Za'Darius Smith, DE -- Kentucky
Odds are the Falcons will take a pass-rusher with their first-round draft pick. This isn't the spot where Smith should go, however.
After exploding in the East-West Shrine Game, Smith was added to the Senior Bowl roster and placed on the North squad. He did well in practices -- especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, possibly before fatigue set in -- and can get after a quarterback. He showed quickness off the snap and an ability to swim past offensive tackles into the pocket.
The Falcons might not stop after one pass-rusher in the 2015 draft. Smith could make a intriguing middle-round option.
Dezmin Lewis, WR -- Central Arkansas
Roddy White is not going to be around forever. Eventually the Falcons will need another receiver to stand next to Julio Jones. Atlanta got really used to its triple threat of pass catchers (Gonzalez at tight end included). Now that the trio is a duo, it's important not to let Jones show up to work one day as a solo act.
Lewis is a Day 3 prospect that really wowed at the Senior Bowl. He isn't the best route runner yet, but he has the natural tools to develop, and he made circus catch after circus catch in workouts.
Another thing Lewis has going for him is size. His 6-foot-3-inch frame will create mismatches all over the field. And at 215 pounds, he's able to break tackles and run after the catch.
Adrian Amos, DB -- Penn State
Because of injuries and a general lack of depth, the Falcons had trouble at the safety position in 2014. The fight and determination of the guys that manned the middle of the defensive backfield each week got the unit through some tricky situations, but there's still reason to upgrade and add manpower.
Amos played both corner and safety at Penn State, and he showed at the Senior Bowl both an ability to make the right decisions in terms of attacking a ball carrier, and that he can be a benefit to the Falcons in coverage (he had three interceptions last season).
With the athleticism and speed to move around anywhere in the secondary, and an all-around game to play center field or come down into the box, Amos is an intriguing safety prospect for the Falcons.
