This year, the Falcons have to get it right.
In the past few years of the NFL Draft, the Falcons got yearly consolation gifts of a high draft number after a disappointing season, and they got it again this year with the number eight draft pick. They have a big issue they need to address (again) this year…defense.
Ironically last year, the Falcons cashed in its number eight pick, not to get the quarterback or a pass-rusher they needed, but a running back, Bijan Robinson. Although that pick obviously paid off, it left two gaping holes in the Falcons roster. With two lackluster passers and a shaky defensive line made worse by the Grady Jarrett season-ending injury, the team was left with another losing season, which brings us to this point.
The Falcons have their franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins, so another quarterback isn’t so high on the Falcons’ must-have list. But defensive help still is. And this may be the year the Falcons finally lasso in a defensive playmaker.
They have eight chances to get that playmaker.
The Falcons 2024 Draft Picks are…
Round 1: #8
Round 2: #43
Round 3: #74, #79 (that last one came from the Jacksonville Jaguars Calvin Ridley trade.)
Round 4: #109
Round 5: #143
Round 6: #187, #197 (that last one was acquired from the Cleveland Browns Deion Jones trade.)
Keep in mind that although the highest priority obviously is the top pick, #8, the Falcons can use the lower picks to fill their needs with solid prospects as well.
The Falcons’ biggest needs in this draft are Edge, Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, Safety, and Quarterback.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot made it clear yesterday that the Falcons will pick the best available player…for them. If they see a talented prospect that fits their needs outside of #8, they may pick up the phone and wheel and deal with another team for that person, not just stand pat at number 8. That’s why the list of potential Falcons picks is more than just one prospect and may not be at their current draft pick number. A quarterback frenzy in the top echelons of the draft board could further shake favorable prospects toward the Falcons’ reach.
Here are some of the top prospects for the Falcons’ top pick Thursday night:
- Dallas Turner, Alabama (Edge) – Many mock drafts had Turner going to the Falcons. He’s the top-edge rusher on the board. If he is on the eight-slot, the Falcons will likely stick with him knowing they need the best pass-rusher they can get, and not make any trades. But, the stock on many of the below prospects has been rising lately, so don’t be surprised if Fontenot strikes a trade conversation with another team before the Falcons are officially on the clock. Fox Sports College Football analyst Joel Klatt thinks Turner is a sure bet for the Falcons.”This is an easy one,” he said. “I would be really surprised if this wasn’t the pick.” Turner had 29 sacks last season at Alabama.
- Laiatu Latu, UCLA (Edge) – In the upper teens, the Falcons would have to trade down to get him. Reports say the Jaguars and the Saints are hot in pursuit of Latu. NBC Sports Kyle Dvorchak says the Falcons will take the plunge for Latu. “There are medical red flags and concerns with his size, but he has an elite production profile that features 12.5 sacks and 21.5 FTLs in his final season,” he said.
- Jared Verse, Florida State University (Edge) – Will have to trade down to get him, but he’s there in case the Dirty Birds can’t get Turner or Latu. He had 23 sacks last season at FSU.
- Byron Murphy II, Texas (Defensive Tackle) – The Falcons need a DT, and Murphy is tops on that skill. If the Falcons think he’s the best they can get, they may have to trade down for him if he doesn’t land at #8. Falcons Senior Reporter Tori McElhaney thinks the Falcons will do just that, trading their #8 and #79 picks to Denver for #12 on her mock draft to get Murphy II. She believes Murphy II would gel well with defensive vets Jarrett and David Onyemata. “A formidable trio that would be: Jarrett, Onyemata and Murphy. I can see it now,” she said. Murphy totaled five sacks for Texas in 2023.
- Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo (Cornerback)-If the Falcons are looking for a cornerback, speedy and tough Mitchell could be the answer.
- Terrion Arnold, Alabama (CB)-He and Mitchell are the top two CB’s on the board.
- Chop Robinson, Penn State (Edge)-Not the top edge prospect, but a consideration if the other edges fall off the board prematurely.
One of those prospects could find themselves wearing a Falcons jersey after the Draft on Thursday night. Time will tell whether the gamble the Falcons will take with the picks will make the team winners on the field next season. Stay tuned.
by Brian Allen
Publisher, Sports In The ATL
