2011 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons, Round 1, Pick 27

By Jess Root Apr 16, 2011, 7:00am MST

The Atlanta Falcons are now set to reveal their pick. They have their franchise QB in Matt Ryan, they have a very good running back in Michael Turner, they have an elite receiver in Roddy White. What they lack is a consistently good defense. This is why I have selected this player for them for this year's first round draft choice:

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

At 6-3, 285 pounds, Clayborn is a physical specimen. He is a violent hitter and good tackler who plays against the run very well. He is strong and is very good with a bull rush. He is high energy, with a relentless motor. He does not give up on plays. He is just the player that the Falcons need up front in the defensive front line. His attitude and abilities will help improve a defense that was middle-of-the-pack when it came to yardage allowed.

Next up in the draft are the New England Patriots, with the second of two first round selections.

Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting.

2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:

1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)

2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)

3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)

4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)

5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)

6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)

7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)

8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)

9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)