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2014 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Donald at No. 6 to Atlanta Falcons?

Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Draft is finally here this week and all of the talk about where Pitt's stars will end up can mercifully come to an end. But hey, while we've still got time, let's take a look at another interesting projection.

We all know Aaron Donald is expected to go in the first round. But one draft expert, says the defensive lineman could go even higher than expected - possibly at No. 6 to the Atlanta Falcons:

Tony Pauline’s sources have informed him that Pittsburgh DL Aaron Donald could be draft as high as No. 6 overall by the Falcons, depending on what happens in the first five picks.

According to Pauline, that in order for this scenario to play out the quarterback prospects would need to fall out of the top-five with the offensive tackle and pass rushing prospects coming off the board ahead of the Falcons.

Donald should be a first-rounder, but all the way at No. 6 would indeed be a surprise. The theory is that the quarterback prospects would need to be bypassed in favor of other players the Falcons could target. With Matt Ryan, Atlanta isn't likely going to be taking a signal-caller that high and if other players they covet are gone, theoretically, Donald could end up there.

In the end, though, it's all a big unknown at this point. The Falcons may like Donald, but do they like him enough to take him that high? That all remains to be seen. Even if they do, moving down a few spots could be a possibility, too.

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