The Atlanta Falcons have become a media darling and a dark-horse playoff team after becoming the first team in NFL history to win back-to-back primetime games by 20+ points. Despite the success, the Falcons still have clear areas to improve if they want to become a perennial playoff team and eventual Super Bowl contender. The best place to improve? The NFL Draft, and here are ten prospects from Week 6 of college football who could help the Falcons once April rolls around.
Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama vs. Georgia
Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL – 7:30 pm EST – ABC
The game of the week, without question, is Alabama-Georgia. It’s essentially this generation’s Alabama-LSU, where two of the better teams in the country just happen to be in the same conference and play each other every single year. One of the best plays from this rivalry came from Alabama receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, as he spun away from multiple Georgia defenders to find the end zone for the eventual game-winning score two years ago. But it feels like we’ve been far removed from that six-reception, 177-yard performance. Can Coleman-Williams use this rivalry, which cemented him as one of the better receivers in the country at the time, to push him back into the round-one conversation again? If so, if the Falcons don’t see a tackle they like in the middle to the back end of the first round (remember when we were in the hunt for top five prospects?), Coleman-Williams can add another explosive element outside the numbers to the passing game that Michael Penix, Jr. would surely enjoy.
Elijah Paige, OT, USC @ Penn State
Beaver Stadium – University Park, PA – 7:30 pm EST – NBC
USC has continued to stay in that second tier of Big Ten teams since they joined the conference and have not yet shown they can move up to that first tier. But it’s not because of the players they’ve brought in. Every year, USC produces multiple draft picks, especially in the trenches and offensive tackle Elijah Paige continues that trend. At 6’7”, 315 pounds, Paige shows impressive movement skills, especially in the run game, and also shows promise as a pass protector.
Demari Henderson, S, UCF @ Oklahoma State
Boone Pickens Stadium – Stillwater, OK – 12 pm EST – ESPN2
At 6’0”, 185, Demari Henderson looks to slot in (no pun intended) as a nickel cornerback at the next level, but his ability to find the football is intriguing. He’s got 29 tackles, including 10 in last week’s loss against the red-hot Houston Cougars offense. This week, UCF faces off against dark-horse Heisman candidate Drew Mestemaker and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. If UCF wants to win, it will be behind Henderson and the UCF secondary. While the slot cornerback role is filled for the Falcons right now, there’s always room for guys with a nose for the football on special teams. Henderson could be a solid day-three addition who can add to the depth in the secondary and could be an instant addition on special teams.
Jelani Thurman, TE, UNC @ Pittsburgh
Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA – 12 pm EST – ESPN
The tight end position is a sneaky need for the Falcons, as the third slot behind Charlie Woerner and Kyle Pitts is still open for 2027. Jelani Thurman has burst onto the scene as one of the only consistent parts of North Carolina’s offensive attack, using his massive 6’6”, 245-pound frame and great movement ability to find the spaces in between the defense and win at the catch point.
DJ Coleman, S, Florida vs. South Carolina
Ben-Hill Griffin Stadium – Gainesville, FL – 12:45 pm EST – SEC Network
Sometimes you just need a guy to come out and lay the lumber from the back of your roster. Right now, that’s Demarco Hellams, but you can never have too many of those kinds of guys in your building. Florida safety DJ Coleman is a big (6’0”, 206 pounds), physical safety who is a nightmare for opposing ball carriers when he’s coming downhill.
Junior Sherrill, WR, Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss
First Bank Stadium – Nashville, TN – 3:30 pm EST – ESPN
If you’re looking for a route runner who doesn’t waste any of their steps, Junior Sherrill is the guy you’re looking for. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, Sherrill is well-built for the next level to work out of the slot. He is a technician that understands how to set up his opponents and there will always be a place in an NFL offense for a receiver like that.
