The idea of an all-offensive Atlanta Falcons mock draft is obviously ignoring reality. It is an exercise in “what if” understanding it is without foundation.
The Falcons’ focus is going to be on adding an edge rusher and depth in the secondary. While the team is likely going to add offensive pieces they shouldn’t take an offensive player within the first round of this year’s draft.
Atlanta’s strategy in this draft was simple who do they believe is the best offensive player on the board? This is ignoring positions and simply focusing on the best player. The draft predictably started with three quarterbacks coming off the board giving the Falcons a chance to find a surprise fit.
Pick #8 Joe Alt
This pick is a real consideration even if the Falcons weren’t limited to offense only. It took a trade-up for J.J. McCarthy and a surprise selection of Dallas Turner to give Atlanta the chance to make the selection. It was a shocking fall that left Atlanta with only one choice.
Both your tackles are facing clear questions and Joe Alt is as safe of a pick as you can have in this draft. Joe Alt is the only decision here unless the Falcons are willing to trade down.
Pick #43 Adonai Mitchell
Despite the moves at the position the Falcons need at least one contributor and depth at receiver in this draft. While there are better fits for this team Mitchell being on the board was a bit of a surprise and fits Atlanta’s move to add speed. The former Texas Longhorn and Georgia Bulldog has played in a lot of important games and finds a way to make a play. As the third or fourth option, it is hard to have a more talented player.
Pick #74 Jalen McMillan
Another move at receiver is to add a player that should be a great depth piece. The Falcons are going to carry far more receivers this year in Zac Robinson’s system. You are going to have three starting receivers and at least three players on your bench that you believe can step in. The starters right now are Rondale Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Drake London.
Who are your backup options? With these two draft picks the Falcons have added two players to compete with Moore for the third role with the losers serving as important depth pieces for the roster.
Pick #79 Christian Mahogany
When you are limited to offensive players only you have the luxury of adding depth pieces like Christian. The Falcons are locked in at guard with Matthew Bergeron playing well on a rookie contract and Chris Lindstrom recently extended.
However, being prepared for injuries is important and this is exactly what this pick is about. In reality, the Falcons will still be looking for a contributor at this stage of the draft. Despite how nice it would be to have the luxury of the depth that Mahogany would bring.
Pick #109 Braelon Allen
Allen’s athleticism is a great fit as a depth piece in Robinson’s system. Yes, you have Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson as your starting options. As Allgeier is a perfect example of, however, you should select a back in nearly every draft. Give yourself the cheap depth and the chance to find a surprise contributor.
Allen’s role on this team is as the third back and making an already strong position better.
Pick #143 Luke McCaffrey
The third receiver the Falcons take in this draft fixes the position and gives the Falcons a chance to find a surprise contributor. Atlanta will have to make at least one surprise cut with this many options on the roster but it is a welcome problem.
Pick #187 Sam Hartman
The quarterback position is one we know that Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris want to address in this draft. But even with that in mind and in an all-offensive draft, the right pick never seemed to fall their way. Whether it was reaching for Pratt, Rattler, or Nix there just wasn’t a great fit for the Falcons in this mock.
Their best selection wound up being Sam Hartman. Hartman has a lot in his game that is going to be cleaned up at the next level. The most obvious is that he is going to have to learn he cannot outrun the defense and play out of the pocket as often as he did in college. His speed isn’t going to allow this to happen as often. If he can make that adjustment and develop as a pocket passer he could be a surprise long-term backup option.
Pick #197 Tip Reiman
It is fair to debate whether or not Tip could make the roster with the current tight-end depth chart. However, it is the best fit at this stage of the draft and gives the Falcons a piece that could develop into a contributor.
Copyright © 2024
Leave a Reply