The Atlanta Falcons are in a rebuild. They finished 2020 with a 4-12 record and last in the NFC South. While some of the key pieces are still around (i.e. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Deion Jones) there were some critical offseason departures that if not replaced, could spell even more trouble for the Falcons. So, let’s see what the biggest needs for the Atlanta Falcons are for this year’s NFL Draft.
Safety
Arguably the hardest hit position in the offseason for the team. They lost starters Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal to free agency. Neal was the captain of the secondary and was credited for 100 combined tackles, which placed him third on the team. The pair only accounted for three total interceptions in 2020. Which, at the safety position, interceptions aren’t the deciding factor on what makes or breaks a good safety. Regardless, losing both starters is going to hurt their deep secondary and should be replaced with a solid player ASAP.
First Round Option: Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Center
How do you replace a perennial all-pro center when he is no longer under contract? Right away. Alex Mack will not be returning to the team and he was the best player on the offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons. With the team signing Mike Davis to help their run game. They will need a key player in the center of the line calling out linebackers and making adjustments. Without it, they likely won’t be able to run through the interior of the line.
First Round Option: Landon Dickerson, BAMA (Would be a reach at 4, could be available in second round)
Quarterback
I could have gone tight end here because there is arguably the best tight end prospect in the last memorable time and at 4, he would likely be there. But don’t be surprised if the Atlanta Falcons either trade down or potentially take a quarterback with their first-round pick. This draft is loaded with quarterbacks with four or five projected in the top 15 picks. It wouldn’t surprise me here if they looked to the future and grabbed a young quarterback to study under Matt Ryan. The guy will be 36 this year. His production dipped in the touchdown category, but he still threw for 4,500 yards and 65% completion percentage.
Best First Round Option: Justin Fields, OSU
Personally, I would love to see them take Fields because the kid was born and raised in Georgia, played at UGA before transferring to OSU, and could potentially play professional ball in his home state. But like I said, there’s a chance the Atlanta Falcons take Kyle Pitts with the fourth pick and add even more weapons to that dangerous receiving core. Stay tuned for the NFL draft starting Thursday, April 29th.
