GOOD DEAL: Falcon and NFL insider reveal Falcon have traded for a new franchise QB for Atlanta

In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons have fallen far short of expectations. Atlanta enters their bye week with a 4-6 record and is expected to pick in the top ten of the NFL Draft. There has been plenty of coverage of this team’s issues and the possibility of a coaching change heading into 2024, but what about the offseason? Can a strong draft class solve this team’s problems?

It’s time for me to take my first stab at a Falcons 2024 mock draft. Obviously, Atlanta now has the 9th overall pick, but don’t forget that the team is also expected to receive an additional third-round pick as a result of the Calvin Ridley trade.

It’s still too early for a full mock—I honestly don’t know much about any of the Day 3 prospects at this point—but I’ve gathered enough information to create a three-round mock for Atlanta. Before we begin, here are the picks I believe the Falcons will make in 2024:

Round 1, Pick 9;

Round 2, Pick 42;

Round 3, Pick 73;

Round 3, Pick 89 from Jaguars; Calvin Ridley trade;

Round 4, Pick 110;

Round 5, Pick 144;

Round 6, Pick 200;

Round 7, Pick 144;

Round 7, Pick 200;

Round 8, Pick 144;

Round 7, Pick

Round 1, Pick 9: LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels

While Desmond Ridder has a non-zero chance of turning things around in the final seven games of the season and leading the Falcons to a miraculous playoff run, Atlanta will almost certainly be looking for a new long-term signal caller heading into the 2024 season. Ryan Tannehill will be a popular name, as will trades for other veteran quarterbacks, especially if Arthur Smith remains as head coach. At this point, that is also an open question.

The best way for the Falcons to fix their never-ending QB carousel is to draft a top prospect in the first round, and it’s finally time for this team to commit to doing so. Fortunately, the 2024 class is deep, and Atlanta may be able to remain at 9 and have their pick of a number of prospects. Behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, there is a tier of prospects who could all theoretically be available in this range: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

McCarthy screams Patriots QB to me, so I think he’s a lock for the Patriots. That leaves Penix, Nix, and Daniels, and Daniels is currently my favorite of the group when Penix’s medicals are taken into account. Daniels is a dynamic dual-threat with five years of starting experience and a deadly deep ball. Daniels slowed down a bit after an outstanding freshman year at Arizona State in 2019, and eventually transferred to LSU for the 2022 season.

This resulted in his best-ever season, which he accomplished against far superior competition in the SEC. Daniels has since amassed an incredible 30-4 TD/INT ratio to go along with nearly 1,000 rushing yards (8.1 YPC) and 8 touchdowns. Daniels needs to bulk up on his 6’3 frame, but he’s improved in every aspect of his five-year career and appears to be a potential NFL franchise quarterback.

I know what you’re thinking: “He’s going on Day 2 in my simulator!” The simulators are incorrect. You can bet Jayden Daniels will be a first-round pick by the time the Combine rolls around. He’d be a perfect fit for the Falcons, whether with Arthur Smith or not.

J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State, Round 2, Pick 42

With the Falcons having to address quarterback in the first round, edge rusher is clearly pushed down the board once more. It’s not ideal, given the team’s desperate need for pass rush help, but they do have a high second-round pick to throw at the position. This is a good spot to be in because a number of high-upside edge rushers, such as Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloau, could be available here.

Tuimoloau is a logical fit for the Falcons, who are presumably sticking with Ryan Nielsen’s defense and thus prefer prototypical 4-3 ends. He’s big (6’4, 270), long, and as strong as an ox—he’s one of the draft’s best run defenders. The traits and motor are all there for a pass rusher. He has a great first step and can explode into the backfield to make plays, as well as surprising flexibility.

He, like most Day 2 pass rushers, needs to work on developing additional counter moves and honing his technique. Tuimoloau has shown some incredible flashes on tape and has taken over games, but he hasn’t done so consistently.

Tuimoloau would be an instant starter for the Falcons due to his dependability against the run, and he would also have the highest pass rush ceiling of anyone on the team.

WR Troy Franklin, Oregon, third round, pick 73

I’m not sure who will be calling plays for this offense in 2024, but there is one obvious gap that needs to be filled right now: WR2. Drake London is good at his job, and Kyle Pitts should see more targets in the future, but the Falcons lack dynamic playmaking ability when Pitts plays inside. A versatile inside/outside player with deep speed is exactly what Atlanta requires to complete the offense, and Troy Franklin of Oregon appears to be a perfect fit.

Franklin checks the size/speed boxes: he’s 6’3 with a great frame and has reportedly run in the mid-4.3s. Franklin’s low weight is an issue, as he has typically played under 190 pounds. That’s not shockingly low, but it’s noticeably thin for someone his size. The most impressive aspect of Franklin’s athleticism is his overall athleticism: he has elite speed, high-end explosiveness, and dynamic short-area movement skills. He’s a threat every time he touches the ball and can make big plays off short throws with just a little space.

Franklin’s problems stem from a lack of physicality, as you might expect from his size profile. He’s simply too light to withstand much contact and can struggle when pressed by larger, more physical corners. I doubt Franklin will ever develop into a top-tier possession receiver like Drake London, but the Falcons don’t need him to do so. If he can just get up to around 200 pounds, he should be able to excel in an offense with a lot of other higher-priority targets. Franklin could be an excellent addition to Atlanta’s current roster.

Round 3, Pick 89 (Jaguars): Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat

While the Falcons took significant steps to address their defensive line in 2023, and those steps certainly paid off when everyone was healthy, Grady Jarrett’s injury has highlighted Atlanta’s interior depth. David Onyemata is excellent, but Ta’Quon Graham has underperformed, and the team has yet to find a nose tackle for base packages. When LaCale London returns, he may take over that spot, but if not, this draft class has a number of intriguing prospects.

T’Vondre Sweat from Texas is one of my favorites, and it’s easy to see why. Sweat stands 6’4, 362 pounds and plays with more athleticism than expected. Sweat, as one might expect at his size, is extremely difficult to displace in the run game and, despite his height, plays with effective leverage. He’s a dominant run defender who knows how to use his hands to create chaos and close gaps. His burst off the line catches many centers off guard, allowing Sweat to swallow up runners in the backfield. He’s having a breakout senior season so far, with 7.5 TFL and 2.0 sacks.

Sweat should probably not play in the NFL at 362 pounds, and he should be closer to the Vita Vea/Paul Soliai/Dontari Poe range at around 340 pounds. If he can do that, I believe he will appear even more athletic and may even show some pocket pushing ability as a pass rusher. Still, he’ll most likely be an early down and short-yardage package player for Atlanta early in his career, but he has the potential to be a great one.

What are your thoughts on the Falcons’ potential draft class? Fill in the blanks with some of your own draft takes.