The Atlanta Falcons made a noteworthy move in a recent seven-round mock draft when they traded up…
The Atlanta Falcons have a strong core in place, but they are in dire need of a quarterback to propel them to the next level in the 2024 season and beyond. While head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot have hinted at their intention to acquire a QB this offseason, their specific strategy remains uncertain.
Will the team pursue a trade for a talent like Justin Fields, explore the free-agent market with options like Kirk Cousins, or opt to make a big move in the 2024 NFL draft? In our latest seven-round mock draft, we envision the Falcons trading up to secure a promising QB prospect before addressing other areas of need.
Falcons are given:
third overall selection (2024)
Patriots are granted:
eighth overall selection (2024)
2025 first-round selection
2024 sixth-round selection
2025 fourth-round selection
Quarterback Desmond Ridder
If you’re a fan of dual-threat quarterbacks renowned for their remarkable touchdown-to-interception ratios, LSU’s Jayden Daniels is a standout candidate. The Heisman Trophy-winning QB showcased his talent in the SEC in 2023, impressively throwing 40 touchdowns against just four interceptions while boasting a completion rate of over 72 percent.
Daniels also made significant contributions on the ground, rushing for 1,134 yards and adding 10 touchdowns last season. Given his stellar performance, it’s unlikely that Atlanta can afford to wait until pick No. 8 if they aim to secure the Tigers QB.
With Drake London as their primary wide receiver, the Falcons lack depth at the position, making Coleman a valuable addition in the second round. Hailing from Florida State,
Coleman possesses the ideal size for an outside receiver, although he also demonstrated versatility by lining up in the slot for a significant portion of the 2023 season. Despite this, Coleman managed to tally impressive stats, securing 50 receptions for 658 receiving yards and scoring 11 touchdowns for the undefeated Seminoles.
Dorlus bolstered his draft prospects with an impressive showing during Senior Bowl week. As a versatile defensive lineman from Oregon, he concluded the 2023 season with notable statistics, including 35 hurries, seven quarterback hits, and four sacks. Pro Football Focus rated Dorlus with a true pass-rushing grade of 82.1, further highlighting his effectiveness on the field.
King’s draft stock took a hit after a disappointing 2023 season at Penn State. However, the Falcons opt to gamble on his potential upside and bolster their depth at outside cornerback in the fourth round. With Jeff Okudah potentially leaving in free agency, this move addresses a positional need.
Considering the potential departure of Calais Campbell, the team looks to fortify their defensive line by selecting Murphy in the fifth round. Murphy boasted an impressive pass-rushing grade of 85.2 last season, along with 21 quarterback hits and eight sacks for UCLA.
Frank Gore Jr. exhibits the qualities of an NFL running back, having surpassed 1,000 rushing yards with over 200 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. While running back may not be a pressing need for Atlanta, Gore Jr. offers valuable depth and versatility, particularly as a proficient zone rusher and pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
Magee presents an intriguing prospect in the seventh round, with potential immediate contributions on special teams and the promise of developing into a defensive asset in the future. As a linebacker from Temple, he demonstrates proficiency in rushing the passer, stopping the run, and effectively dropping into coverage, making him a promising late-round selection for the Falcons.