Late-Round Steals the Falcons Should Target in the NFL Draft

Zach Brunner
Three late-round steals the Falcons should target in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Three late-round steals the Falcons should target in the 2020 NFL Draft. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images
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The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a disappointing 2019 season, dealing with a slew of injuries that limited their success. This offseason is about getting healthy and adding depth.

However, adding depth via free agency can become a bit pricey. In order to combat this, the Falcons can aim to add a lot of depth to their roster in the later rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. With that in mind, here are three of the late-round steals Atlanta should target.

1. Scottie Phillips, RB, Ole Miss

Scottie Phillips is a powerful running back.
Scottie Phillips is a powerful running back. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

This offseason, the Falcons released starting running back Devonta Freeman. To replace him, they were able to sign the newly-available running back Todd Gurley. However, Gurley's contract is only for one year and the depth behind him is questionable. Drafting Scottie Phillips would give Atlanta a physical, quick back to complement whoever they have at starter. He could also become the short yardage back in order to lessen the stress on Gurley's knees.

2. Trevis Gipson, DE, Tulsa

Trevis Gipson is a terrific late-round pass rusher.
Trevis Gipson is a terrific late-round pass rusher. / Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

The Falcons signed Dante Fowler this offseason, but losing Vic Beasley and De'Vondre Campbell still puts them at an overall loss on the defensive line. There is also no such thing as having too much depth at pass rusher, especially in the NFC South. Trevis Gipson proved he can be a viable pass-rushing threat, totaling eight sacks and two forced fumbles last season.

3. James Proche, WR, SMU

James Proche can compete for the starting slot wide receiver job.
James Proche can compete for the starting slot wide receiver job. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

In one of the most talented wide receiver drafts of all time, the Falcons can pick up starting level talent even on the third day. James Proche caught 111 passes for 1,225 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, and his junior season was just as impressive. He has the makings of a terrific slot receiver, and he certainly can compete with Russell Gage for the starting job in Atlanta.


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