The 2023 NFL season is officially over. It is draft season! The Atlanta Falcons had a disappointing 2023 season. They lost some heartbreaking games due to dumb turnovers and questionable playcalling. Head coach Arthur Smith has been fired, and Raheem Morris is now leading the team. The team does have some quality draft capital to improve an already talented roster. Here is the Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft guide.
Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Atlanta Falcons have seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Round 1: No. 8 overall
- Round 2: No. 43 overall
- Round 3: No. 74 overall
- Round 3: No. 79 overall (via Jacksonville)*
- Round 4: No. 110 overall
- Round 5: No. 142 overall
- Round 6: No. 199 overall (via Cleveland)
The Atlanta Falcons have quality draft capital. Another top-ten pick on this team could be enough to win the NFC South. Four picks in the top 100 give this team flexibility to nab some top-tier talent. The biggest question is whether they will try to get a quarterback with their top pick or try to sign someone in free agency.
*This pick is conditional from the Calvin Ridley trade. If he signs a contract extension with the Jaguars, he becomes a second-rounder. Reports indicate the team is looking to move on from Ridley, so we are treating it as a third-round pick for now.
Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft Needs
The Atlanta Falcons need the following positions: EDGE, QB, WR, CB, DL
Atlanta needs a pass rush. In this league, if you cannot put pressure on the quarterback, it is tough to win. This could be a direction the Atlanta Falcons decide to go in the draft. As I mentioned before, the quarterback is an interesting position. I would expect the team to take one, but the question is when. From there, the team needs another wide receiver to complement Drake London.
On the defensive side of the ball, the team could use another cornerback to help shut down the glut of wide receiver talent in the league. Defensive line depth is something that basically every team needs. The good news for the team is the division is wide open, and with a solid draft, they could take the division crown in 2024.
Mock Draft
Mock drafts are done on NFL Mock Draft Database. No trades were executed. Obviously, teams tend to wheel and deal, but this is meant to give a look at what the team can do with the draft capital they currently have.
Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft
- Round 1: No. 8 overall Dallas Turner EDGE Alabama
- Round 2: No. 43 overall Xavier Worthy WR Texas
- Round 3: No. 74 overall Javon Bullard S Georgia
- Round 3: No. 79 overall Mike Sainristil CB Michigan
- Round 4: No. 110 overall Marshawn Kneeland EDGE Western Michigan
- Round 5: No. 142 overall Jordan Travis QB Florida State
- Round 6: No. 199 overall Jordan Jefferson DL LSU
Mock Draft Analysis
The value at quarterback isn’t there in this mock draft. I have the team finding a quarterback via free agency or trade. Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, or Russell Wilson would all be successful with this roster. What the team does get is one of the best edge rushers in the draft in Dallas Turner. They follow that up with Worthy, who is a perfect complement to London.
I do have the Atlanta Falcons grabbing a quarterback in the fifth round. Jordan Travis had a solid year before getting injured. They can draft and see if he can become anything. If he doesn’t, a failed fifth-round pick is a lot easier to deal with than a missed first-round pick.
There is no shortage of talent on the Atlanta Falcons. Can they maximize that talent into wins on the field?