The Atlanta Falcons selected offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield out of Michigan in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, No. 68 overall.
Mayfield can play multiple positions but primarily played right tackle in college. Kaleb McGary, a 2019 first-round selection, currently mans that spot, so Mayfield could potentially compete for the starting role at left guard.
Atlanta struggled to run the ball and consistently protect quarterback Matt Ryan last season.
Draft profile
Ideal position: Right tackle, guard
With just 15 career starts under his belt, and two of those coming in 2020, Mayfield is a bit of a project. The tools are there, though, as most 20-year-old linemen don't possess his level of natural power. Plus, he moves quite well for his size at the second level. Mayfield's primary focus moving forward will be to clean up his technique, aligning his hands and feet in both pass protection and run blocking. With a solid offensive line coach in the pros, that's certainly doable. Mayfield can stick at tackle, but his average athleticism and raw strength lead us to believe he can thrive inside.
