2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0: Free Agency Week Edition

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines fullback Joe Kerridge (36) catches a third quarter pass and is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43). Ohio State won the game 42-28 at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines fullback Joe Kerridge (36) catches a third quarter pass and is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43). Ohio State won the game 42-28 at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Awkward questions aside, the Falcons need to solve some problems, and linebacker is a big one.

Ohio State’s Darron Lee was a fringe first rounder entering the combine.  After a great performance which saw him place near the top of four separate categories, including being the fastest linebacker in the group, he has established himself squarely on the radar of every team needing a linebacker in the first round.

It’s dangerous to compare players, but Lee looks a lot like Ryan Shazier did coming from the Buckeyes, and the Steelers can attest to how well his selection has turned out.

Lee fills a huge area of concern for the Falcons, and could become the brains of the defense in just his first season in Atlanta.

Previously:  Emmanuel Ogbah – DE – Oklahoma State

Next: 18. Indianapolis Colts

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