The Atlanta Falcons had a rough 2020 campaign, but because of that terrible season, they have earned themselves a top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
What direction will they go with the pick? Who knows. The roster has a lot of needs and the higher-ups should be looking down the line to the future for the eventual replacement to quarterback Matt Ryan. Will that happen? It’s doubtful. Still, many holes can be filled with the fourth overall pick.
Falcons 2021 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 4, TE Kyle Pitts
Round 2: No. 40, S Richie Grant
Round 3: No. 68, T Jalen Mayfield
Round 4: No. 108, CB Darren Hall; No. 114, C Drew Dalman
Round 5: No. 148, DT Ta’Quan Graham; No. 182, DE Adetokunbo Ogundeji; No. 183, CB Avery Williams
Round 6: No. 187, WR Frank Darby
Team needs
Offense: Quarterback/Tight end
Quarterback Matt Ryan has had a fantastic career in the black and red. He’s heading into his age 36 season though and the end of the road is no doubt on the horizon. With the quarterback talent at the top of this draft class, at least one of Justin Fields, Zach Wilson or Trey Lance will be available with your pick at four. Still, Atlanta just restricted Ryan’s deal until 2023, so it’s unlikely they go with a signal-caller here.
The Falcons also need some help at tight end. New head coach Arthur Smith loves running two tight end formations. While Atlanta has Hayden Hurst, a young dynamic tight end could be the perfect fit to start Smith’s tenure.
Defense: Defensive end
The Falcons had an underwhelming pass rush in 2020, with just 29 sacks for the entire defensive unit. It got even worse for the edge rushers when you took a closer look. The top end on the roster brought the quarterback down just three times all season. All of the roster's defensive ends combined for just seven of the team’s 29 sacks.
Dream first pick
With a coach who loves to use tight ends and utilize their strengths as pass catchers, it’s tough to pick anybody other than Florida TE Kyle Pitts here with the fourth overall pick.