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NFL Mock Draft: Full 1st round action

By Ben Almquist

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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A big time pass rusher, Lawson could turn around the Atlanta defense. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
A big time pass rusher, Lawson could turn around the Atlanta defense. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Atlanta Falcons: Shaq Lawson – DE/OLB – Clemson

Why?: Everything the Falcons have tried on defense has fallen short thus far.  An NFL-worst 19 sacks is a major reason why.  Shaq Lawson may be the best pure pass rusher in the entire draft.  If he were to go higher than this, it would not be the least bit surprising.  But with the way the board has fallen, the Falcons get the piece they really need.

More defense: The back end of the Falcons defense could use some help as well, especially in the form of a hard-hitting SS.  Many people say Vonn Bell (S – Ohio State) is that guy.  Is he a reach here?  Yes. However, Scott Pioli is a needs-based drafter (Tyson Jackson anyone?) and it appears GM Thomas Dimitroff just does whatever he says.

The Colts are obsessed with fixing their defense…even at the cost of their offense. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts are obsessed with fixing their defense…even at the cost of their offense. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Indianapolis Colts: Leonard Floyd – DE/OLB – Georgia

Why?: The Colts have been trying to fix their defense for a long time now.  Floyd is the pass rusher that the front office covets, and there’s almost no doubt in my mind that he is the pick if he’s on the board.  He shouldn’t be (and I’ll explain that in just a second), but everything about this front office says he will be.

Bad move?: The biggest problem has been offensive line on this team ever since Andrew Luck was drafted first-overall out of Stanford back in 2012, and yet general manager Ryan Grigson refuses to believe that is an issue, barely paying any mind to that group. Don’t be surprised when this leadership group fails again and Luck walks the second he can.

Next: Picks 19-20

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