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Ranking the Atlanta Falcons’ 2015 Draft Picks From Worst to First

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2015 NFL Draft: Ranking the Atlanta Falcons' Picks From Worst to First

Vic Beasley Clemson
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A second straight losing season led to the firing of head coach Mike Smith, and new head coach Dan Quinn has taken on the task of rebuilding the Atlanta Falcons' defense.

Here's my ranking of the Falcons' 2015 draft picks, from worst to first.

7. Jake Rodgers, OT, Eastern Washington-7th Round, #225 Overall

Jake Rodgers NFL Draft
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

7. Jake Rodgers, OT, Eastern Washington-7th Round, #225 Overall

Jake Rodgers NFL Draft
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Rodgers was originally a tight end at Washington State, before becoming an offensive lineman, transferring and settling at left tackle. He's a developmental prospect for sure, and may start his career on the practice squad.

6. Akeem King, S, San Jose State-7th Round, #249 Overall

Akeem King San Jose State
Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

6. Akeem King, S, San Jose State-7th Round, #249 Overall

Akeem King San Jose State
Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

King is a converted wide receiver, but his size (6'3", 212 lbs.) makes him an intriguing prospect if he can continue to develop.

5. Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina-4th Round, #107 Overall

Justin Hardy East Carolina
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5. Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina-4th Round, #107 Overall

Justin Hardy East Carolina
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Hardy finished his career at East Carolina as the NCAA's all-time leader in receptions (387), and he's the favorite to immediately be Atlanta's No. 3 wide receiver.

4. Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson-5th Round, #137 Overall

Grady Jarrett Clemson
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

4. Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson-5th Round, #137 Overall

Grady Jarrett Clemson
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Jarrett had 29.5 tackles for loss over his three seasons as a starter at Clemson, and he had been considered a potential Day 2 pick. The Falcons got good value here, particularly if Jarrett proves worthy of a significant role right away.

3. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU-2nd Round, #42 Overall

Jalen Collins LSU
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3. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU-2nd Round, #42 Overall

Jalen Collins LSU
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Collins only started 10 games during his career at LSU, but his size (6'1", 203 lbs.) and speed (4.48 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) give him substantial upside.

2. Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana-3rd Round, #73 Overall

Tevin Coleman Indiana
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana-3rd Round, #73 Overall

Tevin Coleman Indiana
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons needed to add a spark to their running game and they drafted Coleman, who topped 2,000 rushing yards (2,036) while averaging 7.5 yards per carry last season. Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith are still in the mix for touches, but Coleman should be atop the depth chart when the season starts.

1. Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson-1st Round, #8 Overall

Vic Beasley Atlanta Falcons
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

1. Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson-1st Round, #8 Overall

Vic Beasley Atlanta Falcons
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

A pass rusher had to be at the top of Atlanta's draft needs, and I think they got the best pass rusher in this year's class. The perfect marriage of need and a top-end talent to fit it.

Brad Berreman is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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