SBNation NFL Mock Draft, Pick 48: The Atlanta Falcons Select...

No. 48

Pick by The Falcoholic Tracy Porter Cornerback Indiana

The Atlanta Falcons traded star CB DeAngelo Hall to the Oakland Raiders this off-season - part of the reason why they've made so many picks in this mock draft - so, in order to replace Hall, the Falcons have used their fourth selection in the top 50 to take Indiana CB Tracy Porter.  Dave the Falconer, the busiest GM by far in this draft, joins us once again to explain his selection of Porter:

  Small school, big talent. Tracy Porter has flown under the radar in this draft despite an excellent career and impressive numbers at the combine. You might not have known, for example, that he put up at 4.37 40 at the combine, or that he has 16 interceptions in his career. The lack of press for Indiana football hasn't helped him in that regard, but I'm thrilled he's still on the board for the Falcons.

Though I like some of the young guys in our corps, the loss of DeAngelo Hall increases the need for a capable young corner. Porter's major knock is pure coverage skills, something he'll have plenty of time to hone as a nickel or dime back in his first year in the NFL. A rebuilding team can afford to take on a high-potential, ballhawk corner like Porter and let him learn by exposure.

With this pick, the Falcons have now hit their most critical positions of need in four picks. Moving into the later rounds, I would look hard at safety and tight end while still eyeing the needy offensive line.  Through two rounds, however, this team is on the right track.
 
Matt Miller, host of this site as well as owner of New Era Scouting, provides his analysis below:

If a person were building a new team from scratch, the three positions that most would fill are left tackle, quarterback and then either defensive tackle or cornerback. Atlanta has grabbed the best OT in the class, a very good QB with tons of potential and now an underrated corner who can start as a rookie. He has speed, enough size and enough toughness to compete right away.

Grade: A  ::  Tracy Porter Scouting Report - New Era Scouting :: Matt Miller's Top Five Prospects Remaining: 1.  LB Shawn Crable, 2.  RB Jamaal Charles, 3.  WR Earl Bennett, 4.  TE Fred Davis, 5.  QB Chad Henne

Moving on!  The Philadelphia Eagles, represented by Bleeding Green Nation, are now on the clock.