The Atlanta Falcons need to replace Chris Chester at right guard this offseason. While Chester performed admirably enough in 2016, the Falcons could easily upgrade him as a pass blocker. On top of that, Chester is 34 years old, and Atlanta needs to get younger as a team. Chester’s play at 33 was solid, but they should not trust a player who has declined as a pass blocker each of the last three years.

There are quite a few options available in the draft this year, and we’ll be reviewing the best ones here.

First and foremost, they need to be quick off the line and able to get to the second level on running plays. Secondly, they have to be the kind of player who is willing to “look for work,” as my friend Duke Manyweather would say, after helping out on a double-team block. Finally, they would have to be able to hold up in pass protection in one-on-ones against some of the better defensive tackles in the NFL with Atlanta going against Kawann Short, Gerald McCoy and Sheldon Rankins twice a year each.

1. Dan Feeney, Indiana

Out of all of the offensive guards in this year’s draft, Dan Feeney is easily the best. Feeney is a multiple-time team captain and someone who could be perfect for the brotherhood in Atlanta. He’s been working through both gap and zone schemes throughout his college career.

However, the best thing about Feeney is his pass blocking. Few have been able to hold up against talented pass rushers the way Feeney has throughout his college career. He’d be an instant upgrade over Chester there and could turn the Falcons offensive line into the best in the league.

The only real question about Feeney comes from his injury history and ability to power through defensive tackles in the run game in power-based schemes.

2. Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky

One of the names that will be connected with the Falcons this offseason will be Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky. His situation is very similar to that of what Zack Martin had to deal with during the 2014 NFL draft.

Lamp is a guy who played left tackle all throughout his college career and will be looked at by NFL teams as a guard in the NFL. As far as the tools to become one of the best fits for Atlanta in the scheme, Lamp definitely has the size and strength to hold up inside against the likes of Gerald McCoy.

Lamp is a good fit inside in the scheme Atlanta runs based on his traits. However, he’s never played guard in a zone scheme and his learning curve could prove to be the only thing that holds him back early in his career.

3. Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh

Dorian Johnson from Pittsburgh is a prototype of sorts. As a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive guard with 35-1/4″ arms, the former Pittsburgh team captain might be the best second or third round fit for the Falcons. He’s ridiculously quick and has the requisite strength to succeed within the scheme.

The former Panther has great footwork and has shown to be a good blocker as a left guard in college for four years. The only real question for Atlanta with Johnson’s fit will be whether he can make the transition from the left side to the right side. If they feel that it will be a a rough transition, the Falcons could pass on him for someone else.

4. Dion Dawkins, Temple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDVU7XeJSSU

Normally, zone blocking schemes rely on guys who are around 300 pounds and are fleet of foot. Dion Dawkins is a bit heavier than usual for the position, but he’s definitely quick enough to play right guard in the Falcons scheme.

Dawkins played left tackle for the Owls in college and showed great footwork and quickness in their multiple schemes up front. In Atlanta, his size could be an asset against some of the better pass rushing DTs in the NFC South. His technique still has some holes that could cause some issues if the Falcons draft him.

5. Ethan Pocic, Louisiana State

Louisiana State has been good to the Falcons through the years, especially at the center position with Todd McClure being the long-term Falcons center from 1999 to 2012.

Ethan Pocic fits right into Atlanta’s model for what they need out of their right guard despite playing center his entire career in Louisiana. Pocic might be the best center in the draft this year and would be a good fit for Atlanta as both depth at center and starting guard.

The knock on Pocic’s game is whether he can keep his pad level down against some of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.

6. Pat Elfein, Ohio State

The one pick that could make the most sense in the middle rounds would be Pat Elfein out of Ohio State. Elfein is a former high school wrestler and it definitely shows in how he takes on pass rushers and defensive linemen in the run game.

Elfein’s a smart player with a nasty streak and experience at all three spots in the middle of the Ohio State offensive line. The Falcons could use him as a depth player behind Alex Mack in addition to starting him at guard. The Buckeyes base their line around zone blocking as well, which could help the transition from the college ranks to the pros.