2023 Record: 7-10, missed the playoffs
Draft picks by round
1st Round: No. 8
2nd Round: No. 43
3rd Round: No. 74
3rd Round: No. 79 (from the Jaguars)
4th Round: No. 109
5th Round: No. 143
6th Round: No. 187
6th Round: No. 197 (from the Browns)
Main needs
EDGE
Corner
Offensive line
Defensive line
Wide receiver
The Falcons’ big move in free agency was signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. They have also added speed to their receiving corps with multiple signings. While the Falcons have a “best player available” mantra, there are still major needs on defense, and whatever new head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson do with Cousins and the offense will have limited impact until the Falcons can be competent on the other side of the ball.
Best adjustments in the first round
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Best Day 2 Fits
Maason Smith, DT, LSU
Christian Haynes, OL, UConn
Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
How they made the last draft
The Falcons earned a B-minus last year and that grade seems good considering some of these players are in play to be long-term starters for the team. Running back Bijan Robinson, guard Matthew Bergeron and cornerback Clark Phillips will be a big part of their immediate and potentially long-term future.
Dream Fantasy Draft Pick
Atlanta’s fantasy prospects can be written in ink now – the Falcons have stocked the fridge with fun, skillful talent over the last three drafts, and Kirk Cousins arrived in March to finally fill the quarterback chair. Darnell Mooney was also a key addition, giving the team a critical WR2 to support Drake London. Maybe Atlanta will take a positive swing at an offensive player on the second or third day of the draft, but the first few picks later this month won’t be tied to immediate Fantasy prospects. Most mocks expect the Falcons to target an edge rusher in the first round, with Alabama’s Dallas Turner being an obvious choice. – Scott Pianoowski
