Rhett Lewis has Falcons drafting Clemson edge rusher at No. 8 overall 

• Date: April 11
• Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
• Selection: Edge Myles Murphy, Clemson

Analysis: The Falcons have been searching for an impactful edge presence since Vic Beasley led the league in sacks in 2016, so why not turn to another talented Clemson product? Murphy has flown under the radar during the pre-draft process due to a hamstring injury that prevented him from participating in the NFL Scouting Combine and the Tigers’ official pro day, but his ability and impact was easy to see throughout his collegiate career.

• Date: April 11
• Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
• Selection: Edge Nolan Smith, Georgia

Analysis: It’s edge rusher or cornerback here, as the Falcons have clear needs at both positions, even after all their signings in free agency. They had just 21 sacks last season, which ranked second-to-last in the league. While Smith would fit better in a 3-4 defense, I see new coordinator Ryan Nielsen — who came over from New Orleans — figuring out ways to get him on the field to rush passers. Nielsen could vary his fronts. Smith is an explosive player with a ton of upside, and people in the league rave about his leadership ability.

• Date: April 11
• Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
• Selection: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Analysis: It’s hard not to fall in love with Witherspoon with how he plays, and Arthur Smith is going to take him here. Maybe he’s not the biggest guy, but it’s a tough ask to find someone who plays harder than Witherspoon. There’s nothing more dangerous than a smart football player who is a hardcore competitor.

• Date: April 11
• Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
• Selection: Edge Myles Murphy, Clemson

Analysis: The Falcons need a lot of help everywhere, so this could be a wild card. How confident am I about the Myles Murphy pick to Atlanta? Not very, but to me, it fits. He’s absolutely value right there, and he’s a wonderful player.

• Date: April 10
• Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
• Selection: OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

Analysis: I didn’t love this spot for Atlanta. I would have happily taken any trade on the table, but no offers materialized. I am simply lower on the players who others would see as great values here, so I took the best player on my board and will play him at guard to start. Skoronski allowed just five pressures all last season at tackle, but he may project inside at the next level anyway due to his 32.25-inch arms.

• Date: April 9
• Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
• Selection: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Analysis: The Falcons let CB Isaiah Oliver walk in free agency,…