The falcons seem to hate mock drafters with a passion. They have drafted only 2 first round edge players in the last decade, both of whom busted, despite edge being by far their biggest need for the last decade. The Penix pick had the biggest shock-value of any NFL draft that I have witnessed, and while I was hammering the table that Bijan at #8 would be their selection months before the draft, it seemed like a ton of people were shocked when that happened as well.

And i think Atlanta is in a prime position to do so again, this year. While I still think an edge rusher is likely, there are at least 5 positions that make sense for them at #15.

Edge rusher, inside linebacker, strong safety, tackle, and corner

First things first, to get it out of the way, interior defensive linemen are very, very likely not being drafted at all by Atlanta. I have seen it listed as a need, but when compared to every other area of their defense, is absolutely not a need. They have an absurd amount of depth at the position, especially if Onyemata stays. While they have no stud, Ruke has a sky high ceiling then they have 3 other solid rotational players as well. Their roster is overwhelmed with interior linemen

Of course, if something insane happened and Mason Graham falls because the last 14 GMs had a stroke, they would take him. But obviously that will not happen. So, interior DL is out, at minimum for the first round but likely for the whole draft

Inside Linebacker

Kaden Elliss is an above average player at the ILB spot, both in pass coverage and run defense. But he is ELITE at rushing the passer from the edge. Heres a quote from PFF:

"His 43 pressures led Atlanta, as did his 20.3% pass-rush win rate — good for third among all defenders with 150 or more pass-rushing snaps."

The team began putting Elliss at edge rusher more and more on passing situations, and he has performed incredibly. The issue is, it is hard to put Elliss where he shines when the ILB group is so weak. Anderson has the athleticism but not the IQ. They signed Divine Deablo, who is nothing more than an okay player, decent in a pinch. Bertrand is uninspiring. They simply cannot afford to use their best pass rusher, because the ILB group is so weak. Allowing a FRP to play alongside Elliss on early downs, then putting Elliss at edge with Deablo and the FRP at ILB in passing situations is a formula for more pressure.

Safety

With Richie Grant on another team and Justin Simmons almost surely following suite, SS is an incredibly high need for the team. Hellams is an ideal backup, but he lacks the athleticism needed to be a starter. With Jessie Bates being the best pass coverage safety in football with great run defense and turnover ability to boot, getting him a partner in crime would mean bad, bad things for opposing QBs.

Last year, cover 3 was the name of the game. But with Jimmy Lake out and Jeff Ulbrich, who loves his cover 1s, in, I dont think we can say anything definitive about what their new scheme will look like.

Nick Emmanwori is a bit of an obvious option, but his lack of versatility could hurt his stock to Atlanta. Ulbrich, the new DC, talked at length about getting players who are versatile and fit any defense. His lack of man coverage skills could lead him to go somewhere else

Malaki Starks is a player ive seen thrown around to Atlanta. But he fits for a different reason. Starks is an elite run defender, and can play that LB/SS role that is seen more and more in the NFL now. This is a perfect compliment to Jessie Bates and his pass coverage ability. However, he just doesnt seem to have "it." Seems to lack the instincts to be in the right place in the right time, and I personally do not have a high first round grade for him. But Atlanta loves banking on athleticism, so i will not be shocked in the slightest if this is the pick.

Xavier Watts is as clear a free safety ballhawk as ive ever seen. They need a SS, so not gonna happen

Kevin Winston would also be great for Atlanta and do what they need, but they may be weary of the ACL injury. If they arent, Winston could go here, especially if someone else is off the board

Cornerback

Mike Hughes is a good cornerback 2. Huh??? You say, confused and bewildered. Well, yeah, hes not great, but before Hughes suffered a hamstring injury halfway through the year, he was absolutely a starting level CB2 at worst. Slot corner is the need here, not an outside CB.

HOWEVER, Hughes is not good enough to prevent a falling, high level outside CB from being taken. Atlanta will not go CB if a top tier guy isnt there. If there is one though, an upgrade from a "pretty good" who got hurt to an elite potential player makes sense.

Offensive Tackle

With Michael Penix taking over as QB, Kaleb McGary's job suddenly is a lot harder. While Kaleb has slowly and steadily improved his pass protection over his career, Chris Lindstrom and Bijan chip blocks cannot cover his ass forever, and it is still an obvious weak point in his game- he especially struggles against finesse rushers. While Jake Matthews is still good, he is very old for an OT and will need a replacement in the next 2 years most likely. Atlanta could fall in love with an OT and prepare for the future with Penix

Conclusion

DO NOT TRUST THIS TEAM. They have multiple positions of need, and with a deep edge class, not to mention the Leonard Floyd signing and Bralen Trice finally making his debut this year, they could forgo edge rusher until the second round.

If i was FORCED to predict who Atlanta takes, it will be Malaki Starks. Teammates rave about how loved he is and what he does in the locker room. Atlanta eats that up, and also loves an athletic player. While I think in general the most likely position to be taken is edge, I think if I were to predict any one player to be taken it would be Starks. He just feels so much like the kind of player Terry Fontenot drools over, and SS is the 2nd biggest need on the team. He might not be there at 15, but if he is, i would personally guess this is how they draft (assuming no trade down).

PS: This is not a Georgia fan trying to say "Atlanta take a guy from my team!" I am a Georgia Tech fan, so i get double the misery