2014 NFL Mock Draft, Complete 1st Round, V 4.0
6. Atlanta Falcons
Anthony Barr
Outside Linebacker, UCLA
Nov 23, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly (10) is chased down by UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) in the first half of the game at the Rose Bowl. Arizona State Sun Devils won 38-33. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Barr is a favorite among Tennessee Titans enthusiasts who want to see the team draft a pass-rushing outside linebacker with pick No. 11. The problem? Almost every one of the 10 teams drafting ahead of them could use an edge-rush specialist. Maybe nobody needs an edge-rusher more than the Atlanta Falcons, a team who’ll look to transition into a 3-4 defense. Expect Atlanta to fill one of their two biggest needs with this pick: OLB or OT.
I’m leaning toward Barr as the third DE/OLB taken in the first six picks. I do question whether a Falcons team in win-now mode would want to take on a project linebacker who may need a couple seasons to reap the benefits over an offensive tackle who could immediately protect Matt Ryan.
Realistic Preferred Options if Fell:
- Khalil Mack, DE/LB
- Jadeveon Clowney, DE