2024 NFL Draft: Which Path Is Optimal For Falcons?

The Atlanta Falcons have made some notable changes already this offseason. Raheem Morris gets his next chance as the new head coach. Kirk Cousins is hoping to bring in more stability at the quarterback position. Additionally, there is some added hope surrounding Atlanta, in terms of them making noise in the NFC South division. Now entering the 2024 NFL Draft, which path is going to be the most optimal for the Falcons?

Currently, the Falcons are slated to pick eighth overall in the first round. If they stay and select from that spot, it will be the third straight year in which Atlanta has picked eighth overall. To boot, this would also be the fourth straight year in which Atlanta will have picked in the top ten, if they stay at eight.

But depending how the board falls, Atlanta could certainly trade back, if a team sees a quarterback they like that is still available. For the Falcons themselves, though, their own decision is going to be quite fascinating. Do they add to their playmakers on offense by selecting another offensive weapon? Or, will the Falcons take a crack at infusing a premium part of their defense? Let’s kick it off.

Why A Trade Back Could Make Sense

This may not be the most optimal path for the Atlanta Falcons to take in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, this option could still make some sense. Atlanta does already have four picks in the top 79 selections, including two draft choices in the third-round. But if other teams get antsy, the Falcons could help themselves out by listening to any trade calls.

There could be some teams that feel like they need to move up for an offensive tackle. In what is being described as a deep offensive tackle class, the Falcons may find a trade partner interested in moving up for a premium blocker. Outside of the offensive line, could there be a team willing to move up to take the first defensive player off of the board? Perhaps.

And as mentioned above, what if the board falls in a way in which one of the top four quarterbacks is somehow still available at eight overall? A team in the middle part of the first round may feel the pressure to move up and get them. In this scenario, there could be at least a few different teams to watch. Either way, the Falcons trading back could still offer Atlanta a chance at adding more assets, while squeezing other teams out of their own.

Why Another Wide Receiver Could Make Sense

Lack Of Depth

If the Falcons do choose the path of staying at eighth overall, adding another wide receiver may be an optimal path. Overall, Atlanta has a solid set of young playmakers in Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. But outside of London, more uncertainty still lingers at the wide receiver position. They signed Darnell Mooney in free agency. And while he offers some upside, Mooney may be a slot only type that is asked to win specifically in the intermediate to deep passing game. Rondale Moore also came over from Arizona as part of the trade package for Desmond Ridder. But as a top pass catching threat, it would be a bit over the top to expect much consistent production from Moore.

Beyond London, Mooney and Moore, the Falcons leave a lot to be desired on the wide receiver depth chart. Filling out the rest of the position group are names like Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Josh Ali, Chris Blair and Austin Mack. It is safe to say that another reliable pass catcher could really allow this Atlanta offense to take the next step with Cousins.

Draft Board Could Fall Right In Atlanta’s Lap

If the board falls in a way in which the first seven picks include four quarterbacks, there is a good chance that one of the top three wide receivers falls into Atlanta’s lap. Now, that should not be considered a certainty. The Tennessee Titans are viewed as an offensive tackle spot at seven overall. But, could they shock us with their own wide receiver pick or have someone trade up for a wide receiver? It is possible.

In the end, if the Falcons get the chance to draft one of Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, assuming Marvin Harrison Jr. is gone, as he should be, the Falcons should jump all over that chance. Given where Atlanta is at and how open their division ultimately is, getting one of these elite wide receivers would certainly make the Falcons more competitive.

Why A Defensive Selection Could Make Sense

With many offensive stars in this 2024 NFL Draft class, we could possibly see Atlanta make the first defensive selection at eight overall. If they stay there, this is still a potential optimal path for the Falcons to take. For years, it seems like Atlanta has been searching for their next productive pass rusher. A star at that position just has not resonated for the Falcons over the last handful of years. Meanwhile, cornerback is another position of need. When considering some lack of depth there, and AJ Terrell being on the last year of his deal, cornerback is not impossible to imagine at eight overall.

Unique Options At Pass Rusher

When considering this pass rusher class at the EDGE position, there may not be a true bonafide star, compared to prior years. However, there are many different flavors to choose from at the top of the position group. Alabama’s Dallas Turner, Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu each provide unique skill sets. Could one of those names go at eight overall and transform the Atlanta pass rush?

Best Defenders In The Class?

At cornerback, you could argue that both Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama’s Terrion Arnold are two of the top three or four defenders in this draft class. Mitchell and Arnold each have the ability to play like a CB1 out of the gate. It would not be shocking to see the Falcons favor one of these cornerbacks, if they make the first defensive selection. In the end, all of these paths could be optimal for the Falcons moving forward. Which one is the best for Atlanta, though? Time will tell which decision this team feels is best.