Falcons: Potential Falcons First Round Picks - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

[RFlagg]

Just to give us something else to talk about, I've decided to look at Mock Drafts to see people have us taking, and then to do an overview of each player and their potential. Right now, I've got quite a few of these planned because every site I visited seemed to project the Falcons to take someone different. I'm starting out with Purdue DT Kawann Short. Short was a 4 year starter for Purdue, and is currently projected to be a late first round or early second pick (though I have seem him projected as high as 13th to Pittsburgh).

Vitals
Height - 6'3"
Weight - 308 lbs.
Arm Length - 33 3/4"
40 Time - 5.16 (Unofficial)
Squat - 600+ lbs.
Bench - 400+ lbs.

Stats
2009 - 4.0 TFL, 30 Solo Tackles, 47 Total Tackles, 1 Pass Break Up, 2 INTs
2010 - 12.5 TFL, 30 Solo Tackles, 41 Total Tackles, 4.5 Sacks, 8 Pass Break Ups, 2 Blocked Kicks
2011 - 17.5 TFL, 29 Solo Tackles, 54 Total Tackles, 6.5 Sacks, 2 Pass Break Ups, 1 FF, 1 Blocked Kick
2012 - 15.5 TFL, 35 Solo Tackles, 43 Total Tackles, 7.0 Sacks, 4 Pass Break Ups, 1 FF, 4 Blocked Kicks
Totals - 49.5 TFL, 124 Solo Tackles, 185 Total Tackls, 18 Sacks, 15 Pass Break Ups, 2 FF, 2 INTs, 7 Blocked Kicks

Highlights










Analysis
Short has definitely shown some flashes in his college career, and he has the chance to become a good player on the NFL level. Here's what I noticed about him.

Pros
Showed good pursuit when the ball carrier came to his side of the line. Has a good rip move for a first move that can split blocks and allow him to get into the backfield. When he sees the QB attempting to throw the ball, he gets his hands up to try to bat it down.

Cons
Got caught in the wash too many times. If his first move didn't work on pass plays he instead would stand up his blocker and hope the ball was thrown near him to bat it down. Has trouble getting of established blocks.

My Thoughts
I think Short has good intangibles and the potential to be a big time DT in the NFL, however from what I've seen, effort might be an issue. If he's still on the board, I doubt the Falcons pick him for a couple of reasons. 1, the lack of effort he sometimes displays would not sit well with the coaching staff or management. 2, Unless we get rid of both Peria Jerry and Vance Walker, and are planning to let either Babineaux or Peters walk after next season, DT isn't as big of a need as other positions. Unless every other player we are targeting is off the board, I highly doubt Short will be the pick.