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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #17: Atlanta Falcons – Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

Former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will surely be looking to add defensive talent in his second year at the helm in Atlanta. After a 5-0 start last season, the Falcons stumbled to a 3-8 finish, due largely do a lack of talent on defense.

Billings has one of the highest ceilings in the draft, and at just 19 years old (he turns 20 March 6th) he’s only starting to tap into his potential. A full time starter since his sophomore season, Billings tallied 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He possesses a rare blend of power and quickness, able to shed blockers with his sheer strength or beat them off the snap with his burst.

At a stout 6’1″ and 310 pounds, Billings is built remarkably similar to Brandon Mebane, who excelled primarily at the nose tackle position in Pete Carroll’s defense, which Quinn ran from from 2013-2014. Look for Quinn to try and duplicate that success with Billings in the middle for years to come.

Next: On the clock: Indianapolis

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