Falcons: Mel Kiper says new prospect is gaining steam ahead of NFL Draft

There haven’t been many surprises when it comes to draft prospects connected to the Falcons… until now.

For the most part, there’s been a tight-knit group of defenders that have been linked to Atlanta — Mike Green, James Pearce Jr., Mykel Williams, and Shemar Stewart. But how about Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant?

In the latest ESPN mock draft by Field Yates, Mel Kiper admitted that Mike Green, Yates’ pick for the Falcons, makes sense, but added Grant is gaining some late steam and could replace Grady Jarrett.

“The Falcons had 31 sacks last season, second fewest in the NFL. They brought in Leonard Floyd in free agency, but there is still a lot of work to do on the pass rush. Green led all FBS players with 17 sacks last season and has the scheme versatility to play with a hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end or standing up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Scouts from other teams took notice of Atlanta’s significant contingent on hand at Green’s pro day workout,” Yates wrote.

“Kiper’s notes: Atlanta is a tough one. Green makes sense. But Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is gaining some late steam, and I’ve been told he could come off the board in the middle of the first round. Grant is explosive and instinctive, and he could slide into Grady Jarrett‘s vacated spot on the interior.”

Grant is a freak, appearing at No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List at The Athletic. As far as a floor, he would slot in as a run-stuffing interior defender, an area that has been a weakness for the Falcons. As far as the ceiling, Grant had 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for losses during his final two seasons at Michigan.

Falcons fans might not love the idea of a run-first defender being taken in the first round, but anything to improve that side of the ball should be welcomed. I still would be shocked if Atlanta’s pick wasn’t one of Green, Pearce, Williams, or Stewart.

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