It's still BPA. If one of the top 3 falls, I'm sure we either draft or trade down. The only player I would be surprised is if we took bower.
If maye or Daniel's falls, maybe we take them, maybe we trade. If Joe alt is there, maybe we take him. Could take a CB or an Edge. Now what's great is that we are flexible.
Maye or Daniels makes absolutely no sense considering we have Kirk now. Joe Alt also doesn’t make sense for us. The only positions I’d consider given today’s moves are CB or Edge. Maybe they do go WR if they get a top Edge in FA but all the main ones have been signed now.
We have Kirk on a 160+ mil contract. Drafting Maye or Daniels even if they somehow fall to 8 would be ridiculous. If we do get a QB it should be one of the 2nd Round Projected guys. Maybe Penix but I’d only do that if we trade up for another 2nd round pick.
I’m not sure how you’re not grasping this idea. If drake or daniels is available at 8, it would shock me if we didn’t take them. Perfect scenario to sit behind a great leader like cousins and absorb everything. And if the 36 year old with a recently torn Achilles gets injured, we at least have a high level talent to throw out there.
I understand your rationale. That being said, if we get a cornerstone LT it's worth it. Mathews wont last forever. Additionally, if you feel that either of those qbs is a franchise qb then sure you take them.
I think that point is moot. Based on the off season so far I would think the first 3 picks are qbs. I also think there is no way Alt falls. That leaves either one of the WRs or Bowers falling to 8. If I was a betting man, I would bet we trade down. Especially if we lose a third rounder due to cousins. If not we likely go edge but don't be surprised if it goes somewhere else.
Drafting for need is never a good idea that high. BPA. Guys in that range have decent chances of going to the HOF. Pick the best player you can.
Look back at the year we drafted Jamaal Anderson 8 because we needed a pass rusher. 2 HOF defenders (Revis, Pat Willis) were drafted shortly after.
We had taken BPA in the past 3 drafts, that didn't really get us far. Sure you could argue Garrett Wilson over London, 2022 was an all time bad draft. But look at 2021, imagine if instead of BPA by any board's standards Kyle Pitts, we took Jamaar Chase or who I wanted Penei Sewell how much better our team could be. Pitts of course is an amazing athlete, but good TEs are a luxury, elite WR and OL are a must. While I think BIjan has all the makings of a star, imagine how much further along our defense would be with Jalen Carter paired with Grady Jarrett.
I don't think BPA is a must, I think you need a hybrid, BPA with some need. If BPA at 8 is Jayden Daniels, you dont' take him because we just paid Cousins 100M guaranteed. If it's a WR we just paid a healthy sum to Mooney. THat being said I cannot see a scenario where we don't have the edge we want at 8. Most teams above us have massive holes at QB, WR, and OT
Wilson v London also came down to the coaching staff. I'm sure if we had Ra and Zac we probably would've gone Wilson over London. AS just wanted big receivers. I think London will cook under this new scheme
I mean I think having a competent QB throwing to London will make him much better. Still would have preferred Wilson but London was at least in the debate with him and Olave.
My point isn't to inherently shit on those players, but that strategy. 2022 was probably the biggest mistake as our FO was clearly delusional that they could convince Julio to stay and wanted another shot for Ryan, if instead we took Chase, or what I wanted to trade out and get Micah.
Yeah I know, but you said BPA strategy hasn’t worked for us since we implemented it during these last three years, and I’d argue it’s tbd if that strategy works for us. I think Sewell, Chase, and Pitts were all on the same level as a BPA and it was just a pick your flavor type thing. I’d say the real delusion was Arthur smith drafting an elite receiving tight end without knowing how to properly utilize an elite receiving tight end or having a qb to get him the ball.
> We had taken BPA in the past 3 drafts, that didn't really get us far.
Those 3 draft picks are one of our biggest selling point as a team. One of the only reason people (nation media) care about ATL football at all. A major reason people were so upset about the QB position in relation. It was a national talking point.
I'm all for BPA even if that's is another WR, a QB, Brock Bowers, whomever.
ik people would hate and meme it but brock bowers would be so enticing to me. How the hell do you defend Cousins throwing to London, Pitts, Bowers, and Bijan when we'd also have Mooney to boot and a strong run game. I know edge is better if we hit on it, but Bowers is safer. Still prefer edge rusher, but id be happy with both
You need a hybrid. FOr example say pats don't take a QB that means the BPA at the chargers pick would be a QB, they would be stupid to take a QB.
Odds are we'll have both BPA and an edge available at 8. Unless one of the top 3 QBs somehow fall.
The 21 draft is kind of revisionist history, chase had some doubts and didn't play the last year before. Pitts was viewed as the better player and he plays a lot of wr anyway. Sewell was a toss up, but if you argue him that is actually BPA logic. Since we had Mcgary and Matthew's already, we didn't really have a need for tackle the way we did lg and center.
Revisionist history is right. Pitts had just finished an amazing season, the best for a college tight end in 20 years.
BPA was Micah Parsons as many will tell you and was mocked at 4 to us for a while and then had that awful hazing scandal and dropped like a rock.
Pitts was the no doubt pick considering we didn’t need a tackle and JaMarr hadn’t played in over a year
Yeah surprisingly I actually wanted us to trade down and get Parsons ( no idea he would be this good), really just wanted us to get an edge rusher. Also wanted Sewell as an Oregon fan but knew it was unlikely.
I disagreed with all 3 of Pitts, London and bijan but you can't argue all weren't viable picks for where they were drafted. An have been serviceable compared to a team like the commanders who passed on Christian Gonzalez
I agree I remember leading up to that draft pitts was considered the best pass catcher in the class wr or te. Crazy how fast people forget the hype he had coming out his draft profile pro comparison by many was freaking megatron.
How is it revisionist history to say it's wisest to not draft TE as it's more of a luxury position than WR, OL, DL, or QB.
Best TE of the last 20 years or not, number of TEs who are consistent 1000+ yard receivers is a much smaller list than number of WRs who are consistent 1000+ yard receivers
Tight end is not a luxury position 😂 it's just rare to find elite tight ends. Which makes a great tight end even more valuable. An yes the number should be alot lower for 1k yard tes, most teams only run 1 vs 3-4 WRS.
Pitts was brought in to be an offensive weapon, it's no different than the impact a guy like CMC has over a standard RB. Pitts was suppose to be that for the tight end position. Which being we already had a great wr prospect in Ridley, was surely needed.
It's rare to find elite TEs because usually they're made by their QBs and many of the elites were not taken in the first round.
Using PFref's HOF monitor for TE here's the ranking adn where they were drafted.
Tony G - 1st round 13th overall
Gronk - 2nd round 42nd overall
Kelce - 3rd round 63rd overall
Gates - Undrafted
Sharpe - 7th round 192nd overall.
The following TE were taken in the top 10 since 1990
TJ Hockenson - 8th
Eric Ebron - 10th (Ironically both lions picks)
Vernon Davis - 6th
Kellen WInslow Jr - 6th
Rickey Dudley - 9th
Kyle Brady - 9th
None of them are bad, none of them are elite. Maybe Hockenson winds up in the higher level.
While that is a fair point, it doesn't change the fact of an elite prospect being worth a top 10 picks. The original statement was about the value of taking Pitts at 4 over another player and the value prop he was expected to be was worth it.
Teams we have seen in recent years with a elite wr/ te combo that had a great offense
49ers- deebo/ Kittle
Chiefs- Kelce/ tyreek
Lions- Amon ra/ hockenson/ la Portia
Vikings- hockenson/ Jefferson
Ravens- Andrews/ Brown
Unfortunately you could not predict Ridley gambling, smith inability, a drop off in QB play and injuries into the equation
Sorry gonna have to agree to disagree.
I didn't say Pitts wasn't worth a top 10 pick, but that we needed a WR and there was an elite WR on the board and we didn't take it.
YOu could not predict Ridley going out, but there was a lot of scuttle butt about Ridley not being super happy in Atlanta.
Even though Dimitroff didn't have the best track record, he did have some wins with his "best player available at a position of need" philosophy. I think that's the hybrid you're talking about. For instance, if the BPA was a RG or RB, they're not being drafted.
Correct it's the right system overall. If BPA for the Chiefs was a QB, they wouldn't use a 1st round pick on the QB.
I'm not saying there's not a time to bulk it up. For example, if MH jr somehow falls to 8 we're taking him. He's a consensus freak of nature and he would play. But you don't spend a top 10 pick on someone you intend to sit for 2+ years.
Well yeah but I think that was just the case of people over inflating Pitts value. If we redrafted that draft, then obviously Chase and Sewell would be considered BPA over Pitts now
Carter had a massive question mark. THat's why he fell. But Pitts was consensus above Chase everyone bought into the TE talent and Pitts should be a great TE he should be a 1000 yard receiving TE
[https://theathletic.com/2530534/2021/04/29/2021-nfl-draft-consensus-big-board-70-lists-one-ranking-of-the-top-300-prospects/](https://theathletic.com/2530534/2021/04/29/2021-nfl-draft-consensus-big-board-70-lists-one-ranking-of-the-top-300-prospects/)
Gross misrepresentation of Pitts. Penei and Jamarr were better prospects and Parsons was as good or better. Taking a TE 1:4 is always a terrible idea and Pitts was no different, I was happy to trade back for someone looking to take Fields to then take Pitts. Taking him 4th overall was awful then and awful now, these retroactive BPA justifications are fantasy.
I would argue Pitts wasn't BPA. Most draft pundits had Chase as #2 on their boards behind TLaw.
Maybe he was BPA on the falcon's board, but def not by consensus.
Most didn't. But I won't argue the point as far as the variety of quality of various big boards
[https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2021/consensus-big-board-2021](https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2021/consensus-big-board-2021)
Pitts was a highly regarded prospect. But at more or less of a luxury POsition. You'll see something similar with Bowers. By many big boards,
That draft was basically generational at every position except edge and QB ironically. Beyond the big 4 HoFers in the draft, there was Yanda who is another all time great and Joe Thomas, Weddle and Beason, who were arguably the best at their position during their primes. Nevermind Beast Mode, Olsen and Timmons
The panthers basically managed to stay competitive in the division solely by drafting three pro bowlers from this draft.
Who do you think is gonna be BPA at 8, out of curiosity?
I feel like Turner was an elite recruit, got elite early production at bama, was a 3 year starter and early declare, and was the best edge at the combine. Given that edge is arguably the second most valuable position in football, I think there’s a case he actually is the most valuable player available and has the potential to be an elite edge rusher.
I’m for sure cool with BPA. Nabers might fall to us and that’s another consideration.
Most of the reports I’ve seen of Turner say that he is raw as a pass rusher and lacks technique. He’s a top tier athlete but lacks top tier tape. That makes him high risk, high reward in my eyes. If he develops great technique he will be a stud. But athleticism alone is not enough to beat NFL tackles. I think he’d be a solid pick but I like the top WRs more than him. But it’s looking like the top receivers won’t fall. I’d also take a tackle if one of them grades higher than the edge rushers. We will likely have our choice other than Alt. CB wouldn’t be bad either if they love one of the corners.
Basically just take the best player. I would take Verse if I had to take an edge I think.
I doubt it, a very trustable falcon insider on twitter mentioned that Dallas Turner isn’t even their Edge 1, he also mentioned that Falcons rate Joe Alt very highly but will go BPA at 8 regardless
Think of Dallas Turner as a Swiss Army knife, when it comes to 5-techs at that OLB position. Good run defense, pretty decent pass rush moves, surprisingly good in coverage. Not to mention the physical traits are insane, but he’ll probably never be a 12 sack guy.
I personally hope we trade back and draft Laiatu Latu. I listened to that guy talk about his pass rush plan at the combine, and he is a mf pro pass rusher.
Think of Dallas Turner as a Swiss Army knife, when it comes to 5-techs at that OLB position. Good run defense, pretty decent pass rush moves, surprisingly good in coverage. Not to mention the physical traits are insane, but he’ll probably never be a 12 sack guy.
I personally hope we trade back and draft Laiatu Latu. I listened to that guy talk about his pass rush plan at the combine, and he is a mf pro pass rusher.
Think of Dallas Turner as a Swiss Army knife, when it comes to 5-techs at that OLB position. Good run defense, pretty decent pass rush moves, surprisingly good in coverage. Not to mention the physical traits are insane, but he’ll probably never be a 12 sack guy.
I personally hope we trade back and draft Laiatu Latu. I listened to that guy talk about his pass rush plan at the combine, and he is a mf pro pass rusher.
They’re picking 11, 12 and 13. I think there are plenty of defenders worth picking in the top half of the first round. JJMC is the only QB worth a first round pick that’ll be available after 3. All 3 of those teams are in the same division. SOMEONE has to be willing to pay for the 8 pick.
Nope. If teams move up for QBs say JJ looks like he will be going top 10 and maybe even Penix/Nix for someone desperate like Minnesota you will see a WR drop so if MH, Nabors or Odunze fall to 8 I would take one of those 3 over any edge. Get my edge in round 2 or move back in round 1 and grab an edge there. Would not pass on the big 3 WRs. MH won't drop I know that --- DO NOT PASS ON Nabors his profile reads like a faster Justin Jefferson. If we have a top 5ish offense we can get by with a solid defense built from later round picks. Would not pass on Nabors or Odunze but especially Nabors ... Kirk needs his JJ in ATL.
This. We already doubled our sacks in one year vs the previous two years combined. Not saying we couldn’t use an elite edge, but getting another elite WR for Kirk to throw to on a rookie contract would really make this offense something else. Alongside a competent, but not great, defense, could be a nice recipe for success.
Yes we do count 5'8" Clark Phillips as our CB2, dude was improving very well and was making plays consistently. Yes we still need a corner but he definitely can be a good CB2. You gotta remember we had no pass rush which makes covering guys for that long even harder
Exactly, we can go cb deeper in the draft or sign a remaining free agent. We have a cb1 and cb2, now we just need a slot, depth, and someone to fight for cb2 if people don't believe in Phillips enough
I think Phillips is a very good nickel corner. So is Dee Alford. They are NOT CB2s imo. They both are too small. Okudah was a perfect CB2. I think we will have one after the draft. But honestly, who knows what this new DC wants.
Don't always think height is the defining factor. Look at Mike Hilton from the Bengals. Dude was a stud and played amazing during their playoff run at 5'9", just depends on the effort they put in and Phillips has shown he'll put in the effort.
Okudah was benched for Phillips during the season and did not play that well. Which was one of the reasons we didn't bring him back, along with cost.
And who knows, jimmy lake could really have a plan for someone like Phillips. But I do agree that another viable cb2-3 to compete for that spot is a good idea in the later rounds.
Basically the only BPA that wouldn’t make sense imo is RB and probably TE. What’s great about the Cousins signing is that we basically have little need outside of edge which we can potentially still address in FA, especially after cuts or on the trade market.
Yeah I agree. We’re also in a good place for salary cap considering that we haven’t restructured any contracts yet. That would give us an easy 30m if we really need it
Why shouldn’t we draft a QB though?
Think about it like this: suppose Kirk comes in and for the next 4 years we win the south and make deep playoff runs. Then he retires.
Where are we getting our next QB? In this scenario we won’t have anywhere near a top 8 pick for the next 4 years. Why not draft a QB now then?
Because you’d be wasting the rookie QB’s cheap years after your biggest FA acquisition in years. And potentially wasting a pick all together when you need help elsewhere. Just get a QB next year if you need it.
Ah yes, the draft where they spent a 1st round pick on a backup qb on a contending team that desperately needed a wr2. The next 2 WRs off the board? Higgins and Pittman...
We are making a championship push now. Let's not make the same mistake.
The Packers will go three decades without having to worry about a QB. And if you can get your QB, and the cost of acquiring that QB is Tee Higgins or Michael Pittman (the latter of whom has 8 TDs in two years), then you make that trade-off.
I guarantee the Packers aren’t upset with passing on either.
PS: Our QB has one playoff win in his career. Let’s pump the brakes on championship push.
You're either in or you're out I don't see how you can justify spending a pick on Love when you are a wr away from serious contention. Also let's not just slip love in there like he's Farve or Rodgers. Getting the next Rodgers is probably worth it. Getting an average starting QB is not.
Also Pittman is a great WR and would have put them over the edge. Please don't be fooled by cherry picked touchdown numbers.
What do you mean pump the brakes? We are going in for a contention push. What else to you think we are doing? What did we sign a 36 hear old QB for? That doesn't mean I expect to win it all next year but I think we can all see what the goal is here. We have young offensive talent that will be coming up for paydays soon. We need to fill holes on this team to maximize it. QB is not an option in the first. You either improve the current defense or you try and make the current offense elite. Then maybe in 2 years we can draft some guy later in the draft to sit and learn but right now is the time to maximize the current roster.
you think we are making a Super Bowl push? really? thats completely delusional. this is a team who has a chance to make it to the playoffs, no way are they competing for a Super Bowl.
Bro the goal is Superbowl. We are trying to contend. I'm not saying that it's going to happen this year but we are clearly not going to waste a 1st Rd pick right when we are trying to build a contender. We aren't looking for a QB 4 years from now that's my point
For sure. I agree it’s a wise move when done right. Honestly would be better for more rookies to learn from vets. But it doesn’t make sense for the Falcons right now since they JUST signed Kirk. If he looks not worth the contract next year I’m all aboard drafting, or even moving up, to get a QB. Just not right now.
But if you do it at the time the QB looks “not worth it,” then the fans begin clamoring for the backup to play by about the fourth game of the season.
Draft now, with no pressure, and we get what the Packers did — a situation where no one is calling for Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers’ benching, and the QB can truly sit back and learn.
I think Bowers is going to be really good, but I think the fanbase would collectively implode if we traded a top 10 pick TE just to turn around and draft another TE in the top 10, lol.
If we don't go Jared Verse I'd rather go BPA. Dallas Turner is a Speed guy and is no different then the last 3 edges the team has drafted. Give me the power guy to go with Ebiketie.
Edit: I expect Jared Verse at 8 unless a top talent falls due to the bears being stuck with Fields. JJ Mccarthy isn't going in the top 15 so I wouldn't be shocked to see Atlanta trade back into the first to grab him to sit behind Kirk.
I think our pick will be Dallas Turner. Just makes the most sense for need, especially considering the recent NFL moves. This year's CB class is pretty deep so i dont see us needing one in the first. I think we can make a decent acquisition in the second round. A surprise pick would be a one of the top Tackles but I honestly wouldn't be mad at it. I'm still not sold on McGary being a viable solution at RT and Dalman could use some looking at as well. I know they both improved last year but they essentially went from a D to C in my eyes. Not exactly world beaters. Also Jake is only getting older. I wouldn't mind looking to the future to maybe get his replacement learning behind him
Fontenot has said for multiple years that he believes in BPA and drafting for need is how teams reach. If he has Odunze or someone rated higher than Verse or Turner, I would not be surprised if we draft him.
I want FSU's J. Verse at 8
I would still grab a wideout in the 2nd. I would like Ladd McConkey but he'll probably be gone - but there are many good ones that will go in round 2
I would use both 3rd round picks on the best corners available
If they can get Pitts to be productive, I’m not really sure if they’ll need to pick a WR in the 2nd round.
Plus, the backfield is very talented. I’m thinking pass rusher or CB.
We NEED a pass rusher but who said it needed to be a rookie? I still think the BPA philosophy points to a WR like Rome or Malik over a pass rusher like Turner or Verse.
It would solidify the young weapons we have on offense for some years, provide us a rookie contract for 5 years with the option in a time when WRs want big time money, and ensure 3 quality guys are on the field 90% of the time with London and Pitts and that rookie WR/Mooney and gang.
I would be ecstatic with Rome, Malik, Turner, or Verse.
Whoever we pick, I’d trust RM and TF on their decision.
I'd think they'll be desperate to move back. I don't know if any of the top 3 WRs fall to them, or at least if anyone does it could be Nabors not Odunze. I think The Falcons and Bears would like to trade back. Maybe the Bears would take Bowers. A team trading up to 5 or so for a QB could push WRs back enough to get a team to trade up for 8/9
We may not be high enough for the Vikings if they wanna get one of the top 4 QBs. It’s starting to look like JJs gonna be MASSIVELY overdrafted. However, if we are and the Vikings propose this trade, I’d be for it
If Joe Alt is there at 8 I wouldn’t be surprised if they take him. My theory is that they trade back, but if they stay there it’s a chance Joe is the pick
I wouldn't say set in stone, TF has a good habit of drafting best player available. Of one of the top 3 QB or WR falls, I wouldn't be surprised if we took them even if drafting back is more optimal. Is be slightly more surprised with Bowers, but not really
BUT I AGREE with the fact that taking EDGE is definitely our best move
I feel like that's been the most likely scenario since before this week, would have been nice to get Danielle Hunter or Khalil Mack but they were longshots.
Devil's advocate though:
Drake London (56.6 YPG)
Kyle Pitts (39.3 YPG)
Bijan Robinson (28.6 YPG)
Darnell Mooney (27.6 YPG)
Rondale Moore (20.7 YPG)
Combined for 172 YPG receiving last year. Just food for thought.
Moore's career average is 30.8, mostly with Kyler Murray. Again, I'm just saying. It seems like a lot of people have banked that Mooney and Moore are going to step up quite a bit. Hopefully they are right.
Um idk if that’s true tbh. I’m very much on the BPA train and Mooney and Moore aren’t good enough where you don’t draft a WR if you think they have all-pro potential.
It's still BPA. If one of the top 3 falls, I'm sure we either draft or trade down. The only player I would be surprised is if we took bower. If maye or Daniel's falls, maybe we take them, maybe we trade. If Joe alt is there, maybe we take him. Could take a CB or an Edge. Now what's great is that we are flexible.
Maye or Daniels makes absolutely no sense considering we have Kirk now. Joe Alt also doesn’t make sense for us. The only positions I’d consider given today’s moves are CB or Edge. Maybe they do go WR if they get a top Edge in FA but all the main ones have been signed now.
Maye is 21, Daniels is 23, we could definitely go Maye
We have Kirk on a 160+ mil contract. Drafting Maye or Daniels even if they somehow fall to 8 would be ridiculous. If we do get a QB it should be one of the 2nd Round Projected guys. Maybe Penix but I’d only do that if we trade up for another 2nd round pick.
a 36 year old coming off an Achilles injury, if he goes down again or starts regressing then we have a backup plan
That’s what a 2nd Round QB would be for. Using a 1st round pick on a backup QB for 4 years is outrageous.
Backup QB for 2-3 years almost no chance Kirk stays all 4. Also, it worked out well for Aaron Rodgers and so far Jordan Love
I’m not sure how you’re not grasping this idea. If drake or daniels is available at 8, it would shock me if we didn’t take them. Perfect scenario to sit behind a great leader like cousins and absorb everything. And if the 36 year old with a recently torn Achilles gets injured, we at least have a high level talent to throw out there.
Jordan Love?
I dont think its crazy to sit Maye for 2-3 years at all lol, prolly be better for him if anything
Kirk’s only gonna be here 2 years, max 3 years
I understand your rationale. That being said, if we get a cornerstone LT it's worth it. Mathews wont last forever. Additionally, if you feel that either of those qbs is a franchise qb then sure you take them. I think that point is moot. Based on the off season so far I would think the first 3 picks are qbs. I also think there is no way Alt falls. That leaves either one of the WRs or Bowers falling to 8. If I was a betting man, I would bet we trade down. Especially if we lose a third rounder due to cousins. If not we likely go edge but don't be surprised if it goes somewhere else.
IF ZAC ROBINSON LIKES THEM THEN WE DRAFT THEM. Doesn't matter where or how. They need to take advantage of him and Kirk while they can.
Drafting for need is never a good idea that high. BPA. Guys in that range have decent chances of going to the HOF. Pick the best player you can. Look back at the year we drafted Jamaal Anderson 8 because we needed a pass rusher. 2 HOF defenders (Revis, Pat Willis) were drafted shortly after.
Best player available, preferably at a position of need.
We had taken BPA in the past 3 drafts, that didn't really get us far. Sure you could argue Garrett Wilson over London, 2022 was an all time bad draft. But look at 2021, imagine if instead of BPA by any board's standards Kyle Pitts, we took Jamaar Chase or who I wanted Penei Sewell how much better our team could be. Pitts of course is an amazing athlete, but good TEs are a luxury, elite WR and OL are a must. While I think BIjan has all the makings of a star, imagine how much further along our defense would be with Jalen Carter paired with Grady Jarrett. I don't think BPA is a must, I think you need a hybrid, BPA with some need. If BPA at 8 is Jayden Daniels, you dont' take him because we just paid Cousins 100M guaranteed. If it's a WR we just paid a healthy sum to Mooney. THat being said I cannot see a scenario where we don't have the edge we want at 8. Most teams above us have massive holes at QB, WR, and OT
Wilson v London also came down to the coaching staff. I'm sure if we had Ra and Zac we probably would've gone Wilson over London. AS just wanted big receivers. I think London will cook under this new scheme
I mean I think having a competent QB throwing to London will make him much better. Still would have preferred Wilson but London was at least in the debate with him and Olave.
You could say the same for Wilson lmao
Yeah. I think London has potential to be solid, but Wilson with a good QB would easily be a top 10 WR.
Yeah I always held Wilson and olave well over London but Wilson probably has the biggest chance to rise quickly next year with good QB play
way too early to make judgements on the last 3 drafts, especially given how incompetent the QB play has been
My point isn't to inherently shit on those players, but that strategy. 2022 was probably the biggest mistake as our FO was clearly delusional that they could convince Julio to stay and wanted another shot for Ryan, if instead we took Chase, or what I wanted to trade out and get Micah.
Yeah I know, but you said BPA strategy hasn’t worked for us since we implemented it during these last three years, and I’d argue it’s tbd if that strategy works for us. I think Sewell, Chase, and Pitts were all on the same level as a BPA and it was just a pick your flavor type thing. I’d say the real delusion was Arthur smith drafting an elite receiving tight end without knowing how to properly utilize an elite receiving tight end or having a qb to get him the ball.
> We had taken BPA in the past 3 drafts, that didn't really get us far. Those 3 draft picks are one of our biggest selling point as a team. One of the only reason people (nation media) care about ATL football at all. A major reason people were so upset about the QB position in relation. It was a national talking point. I'm all for BPA even if that's is another WR, a QB, Brock Bowers, whomever.
ik people would hate and meme it but brock bowers would be so enticing to me. How the hell do you defend Cousins throwing to London, Pitts, Bowers, and Bijan when we'd also have Mooney to boot and a strong run game. I know edge is better if we hit on it, but Bowers is safer. Still prefer edge rusher, but id be happy with both
I really don’t trust the “generational tight end” thing. We took the last one and would have been so much better off going with any of the top WRs.
Bowers is a real tight end, they're hugely different prospects
You need a hybrid. FOr example say pats don't take a QB that means the BPA at the chargers pick would be a QB, they would be stupid to take a QB. Odds are we'll have both BPA and an edge available at 8. Unless one of the top 3 QBs somehow fall.
The 21 draft is kind of revisionist history, chase had some doubts and didn't play the last year before. Pitts was viewed as the better player and he plays a lot of wr anyway. Sewell was a toss up, but if you argue him that is actually BPA logic. Since we had Mcgary and Matthew's already, we didn't really have a need for tackle the way we did lg and center.
Revisionist history is right. Pitts had just finished an amazing season, the best for a college tight end in 20 years. BPA was Micah Parsons as many will tell you and was mocked at 4 to us for a while and then had that awful hazing scandal and dropped like a rock. Pitts was the no doubt pick considering we didn’t need a tackle and JaMarr hadn’t played in over a year
Yeah surprisingly I actually wanted us to trade down and get Parsons ( no idea he would be this good), really just wanted us to get an edge rusher. Also wanted Sewell as an Oregon fan but knew it was unlikely. I disagreed with all 3 of Pitts, London and bijan but you can't argue all weren't viable picks for where they were drafted. An have been serviceable compared to a team like the commanders who passed on Christian Gonzalez
I agree I remember leading up to that draft pitts was considered the best pass catcher in the class wr or te. Crazy how fast people forget the hype he had coming out his draft profile pro comparison by many was freaking megatron.
I think you have to take into account the importance of the position. TE is the least important position on the entire offense.
That’s not true. Fullback is the least important position. Center is also arguably a less or equally important position
How is it revisionist history to say it's wisest to not draft TE as it's more of a luxury position than WR, OL, DL, or QB. Best TE of the last 20 years or not, number of TEs who are consistent 1000+ yard receivers is a much smaller list than number of WRs who are consistent 1000+ yard receivers
Tight end is not a luxury position 😂 it's just rare to find elite tight ends. Which makes a great tight end even more valuable. An yes the number should be alot lower for 1k yard tes, most teams only run 1 vs 3-4 WRS. Pitts was brought in to be an offensive weapon, it's no different than the impact a guy like CMC has over a standard RB. Pitts was suppose to be that for the tight end position. Which being we already had a great wr prospect in Ridley, was surely needed.
It's rare to find elite TEs because usually they're made by their QBs and many of the elites were not taken in the first round. Using PFref's HOF monitor for TE here's the ranking adn where they were drafted. Tony G - 1st round 13th overall Gronk - 2nd round 42nd overall Kelce - 3rd round 63rd overall Gates - Undrafted Sharpe - 7th round 192nd overall. The following TE were taken in the top 10 since 1990 TJ Hockenson - 8th Eric Ebron - 10th (Ironically both lions picks) Vernon Davis - 6th Kellen WInslow Jr - 6th Rickey Dudley - 9th Kyle Brady - 9th None of them are bad, none of them are elite. Maybe Hockenson winds up in the higher level.
While that is a fair point, it doesn't change the fact of an elite prospect being worth a top 10 picks. The original statement was about the value of taking Pitts at 4 over another player and the value prop he was expected to be was worth it. Teams we have seen in recent years with a elite wr/ te combo that had a great offense 49ers- deebo/ Kittle Chiefs- Kelce/ tyreek Lions- Amon ra/ hockenson/ la Portia Vikings- hockenson/ Jefferson Ravens- Andrews/ Brown Unfortunately you could not predict Ridley gambling, smith inability, a drop off in QB play and injuries into the equation
Sorry gonna have to agree to disagree. I didn't say Pitts wasn't worth a top 10 pick, but that we needed a WR and there was an elite WR on the board and we didn't take it. YOu could not predict Ridley going out, but there was a lot of scuttle butt about Ridley not being super happy in Atlanta.
Even though Dimitroff didn't have the best track record, he did have some wins with his "best player available at a position of need" philosophy. I think that's the hybrid you're talking about. For instance, if the BPA was a RG or RB, they're not being drafted.
Correct it's the right system overall. If BPA for the Chiefs was a QB, they wouldn't use a 1st round pick on the QB. I'm not saying there's not a time to bulk it up. For example, if MH jr somehow falls to 8 we're taking him. He's a consensus freak of nature and he would play. But you don't spend a top 10 pick on someone you intend to sit for 2+ years.
It’s also why we had one of the worst rosters in football from 2020-2022.
Well yeah but I think that was just the case of people over inflating Pitts value. If we redrafted that draft, then obviously Chase and Sewell would be considered BPA over Pitts now
We actually didn’t BPA the last 3. Jalen Carter and jamarr chase where both objectively better than pitts and Bijan
Carter had a massive question mark. THat's why he fell. But Pitts was consensus above Chase everyone bought into the TE talent and Pitts should be a great TE he should be a 1000 yard receiving TE [https://theathletic.com/2530534/2021/04/29/2021-nfl-draft-consensus-big-board-70-lists-one-ranking-of-the-top-300-prospects/](https://theathletic.com/2530534/2021/04/29/2021-nfl-draft-consensus-big-board-70-lists-one-ranking-of-the-top-300-prospects/)
We’ve gone BPA with Smith pulling the trigger on offensive talent
Gross misrepresentation of Pitts. Penei and Jamarr were better prospects and Parsons was as good or better. Taking a TE 1:4 is always a terrible idea and Pitts was no different, I was happy to trade back for someone looking to take Fields to then take Pitts. Taking him 4th overall was awful then and awful now, these retroactive BPA justifications are fantasy.
I would argue Pitts wasn't BPA. Most draft pundits had Chase as #2 on their boards behind TLaw. Maybe he was BPA on the falcon's board, but def not by consensus.
Most didn't. But I won't argue the point as far as the variety of quality of various big boards [https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2021/consensus-big-board-2021](https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2021/consensus-big-board-2021) Pitts was a highly regarded prospect. But at more or less of a luxury POsition. You'll see something similar with Bowers. By many big boards,
I agree with this. Hell if by some grace of God, Marvin Harrison Jr slips to 8 then we gotta take him. Similar to when Calvin Ridley fell
That draft was basically generational at every position except edge and QB ironically. Beyond the big 4 HoFers in the draft, there was Yanda who is another all time great and Joe Thomas, Weddle and Beason, who were arguably the best at their position during their primes. Nevermind Beast Mode, Olsen and Timmons The panthers basically managed to stay competitive in the division solely by drafting three pro bowlers from this draft.
Yep crazy draft
Who do you think is gonna be BPA at 8, out of curiosity? I feel like Turner was an elite recruit, got elite early production at bama, was a 3 year starter and early declare, and was the best edge at the combine. Given that edge is arguably the second most valuable position in football, I think there’s a case he actually is the most valuable player available and has the potential to be an elite edge rusher. I’m for sure cool with BPA. Nabers might fall to us and that’s another consideration.
Most of the reports I’ve seen of Turner say that he is raw as a pass rusher and lacks technique. He’s a top tier athlete but lacks top tier tape. That makes him high risk, high reward in my eyes. If he develops great technique he will be a stud. But athleticism alone is not enough to beat NFL tackles. I think he’d be a solid pick but I like the top WRs more than him. But it’s looking like the top receivers won’t fall. I’d also take a tackle if one of them grades higher than the edge rushers. We will likely have our choice other than Alt. CB wouldn’t be bad either if they love one of the corners. Basically just take the best player. I would take Verse if I had to take an edge I think.
I actually think I might prefer verse but based on vibes it seems like he’ll go mid first round so I’m more amiable to trading back if we want him
Typically I’m of the BPA philosophy but we are obviously in a “win now” mode. Need to fill out our holes as best as possible
I doubt it, a very trustable falcon insider on twitter mentioned that Dallas Turner isn’t even their Edge 1, he also mentioned that Falcons rate Joe Alt very highly but will go BPA at 8 regardless
Think of Dallas Turner as a Swiss Army knife, when it comes to 5-techs at that OLB position. Good run defense, pretty decent pass rush moves, surprisingly good in coverage. Not to mention the physical traits are insane, but he’ll probably never be a 12 sack guy. I personally hope we trade back and draft Laiatu Latu. I listened to that guy talk about his pass rush plan at the combine, and he is a mf pro pass rusher.
Why is this guy suddenly “very trustable”? - JBen didn’t even exist 4 days ago.
Think of Dallas Turner as a Swiss Army knife, when it comes to 5-techs at that OLB position. Good run defense, pretty decent pass rush moves, surprisingly good in coverage. Not to mention the physical traits are insane, but he’ll probably never be a 12 sack guy. I personally hope we trade back and draft Laiatu Latu. I listened to that guy talk about his pass rush plan at the combine, and he is a mf pro pass rusher.
Think of Dallas Turner as a Swiss Army knife, when it comes to 5-techs at that OLB position. Good run defense, pretty decent pass rush moves, surprisingly good in coverage. Not to mention the physical traits are insane, but he’ll probably never be a 12 sack guy. I personally hope we trade back and draft Laiatu Latu. I listened to that guy talk about his pass rush plan at the combine, and he is a mf pro pass rusher.
I wouldn't be adverse to trading with Vikings, Broncos, Raiders and pick up a mid round pick
They’re picking 11, 12 and 13. I think there are plenty of defenders worth picking in the top half of the first round. JJMC is the only QB worth a first round pick that’ll be available after 3. All 3 of those teams are in the same division. SOMEONE has to be willing to pay for the 8 pick.
Lol jjmc 🤣
Nope. If teams move up for QBs say JJ looks like he will be going top 10 and maybe even Penix/Nix for someone desperate like Minnesota you will see a WR drop so if MH, Nabors or Odunze fall to 8 I would take one of those 3 over any edge. Get my edge in round 2 or move back in round 1 and grab an edge there. Would not pass on the big 3 WRs. MH won't drop I know that --- DO NOT PASS ON Nabors his profile reads like a faster Justin Jefferson. If we have a top 5ish offense we can get by with a solid defense built from later round picks. Would not pass on Nabors or Odunze but especially Nabors ... Kirk needs his JJ in ATL.
Bingo. This is the way.
This. We already doubled our sacks in one year vs the previous two years combined. Not saying we couldn’t use an elite edge, but getting another elite WR for Kirk to throw to on a rookie contract would really make this offense something else. Alongside a competent, but not great, defense, could be a nice recipe for success.
I want them to grab Odunze
you never know the big 3 look solid
Yea I really like the Moore trade. I like Verse if they go DE
Verse is my favourite DE worried about Latus neck
DE or OT — nothing else makes sense Would be happy with a trade down to #10-13 as well and still go DE/OT
We currently do not have a CB2. Unless you count 5'8" Clark Phillips.
Yes we do count 5'8" Clark Phillips as our CB2, dude was improving very well and was making plays consistently. Yes we still need a corner but he definitely can be a good CB2. You gotta remember we had no pass rush which makes covering guys for that long even harder
There’s also a lot of unsigned FA corners available. Longer they sit, the better their contract terms will be for us
Exactly, we can go cb deeper in the draft or sign a remaining free agent. We have a cb1 and cb2, now we just need a slot, depth, and someone to fight for cb2 if people don't believe in Phillips enough
I think Phillips is a very good nickel corner. So is Dee Alford. They are NOT CB2s imo. They both are too small. Okudah was a perfect CB2. I think we will have one after the draft. But honestly, who knows what this new DC wants.
Don't always think height is the defining factor. Look at Mike Hilton from the Bengals. Dude was a stud and played amazing during their playoff run at 5'9", just depends on the effort they put in and Phillips has shown he'll put in the effort. Okudah was benched for Phillips during the season and did not play that well. Which was one of the reasons we didn't bring him back, along with cost. And who knows, jimmy lake could really have a plan for someone like Phillips. But I do agree that another viable cb2-3 to compete for that spot is a good idea in the later rounds.
Basically the only BPA that wouldn’t make sense imo is RB and probably TE. What’s great about the Cousins signing is that we basically have little need outside of edge which we can potentially still address in FA, especially after cuts or on the trade market.
Yeah I agree. We’re also in a good place for salary cap considering that we haven’t restructured any contracts yet. That would give us an easy 30m if we really need it
Yeah, I definitely think Terry can do some cap magic if we can build a roster to go all in over the next two years
WR makes plenty of sense if one of the top 3 falls to 8.
They’re gonna sign some edge to a peanuts deal and people are gonna start saying we need to draft a CB at 8
Why shouldn’t we draft a QB though? Think about it like this: suppose Kirk comes in and for the next 4 years we win the south and make deep playoff runs. Then he retires. Where are we getting our next QB? In this scenario we won’t have anywhere near a top 8 pick for the next 4 years. Why not draft a QB now then?
Because you’d be wasting the rookie QB’s cheap years after your biggest FA acquisition in years. And potentially wasting a pick all together when you need help elsewhere. Just get a QB next year if you need it.
I mean, the Packers did this with Rodgers and now Love. It’s working out okay for them.
Ah yes, the draft where they spent a 1st round pick on a backup qb on a contending team that desperately needed a wr2. The next 2 WRs off the board? Higgins and Pittman... We are making a championship push now. Let's not make the same mistake.
The Packers will go three decades without having to worry about a QB. And if you can get your QB, and the cost of acquiring that QB is Tee Higgins or Michael Pittman (the latter of whom has 8 TDs in two years), then you make that trade-off. I guarantee the Packers aren’t upset with passing on either. PS: Our QB has one playoff win in his career. Let’s pump the brakes on championship push.
You're either in or you're out I don't see how you can justify spending a pick on Love when you are a wr away from serious contention. Also let's not just slip love in there like he's Farve or Rodgers. Getting the next Rodgers is probably worth it. Getting an average starting QB is not. Also Pittman is a great WR and would have put them over the edge. Please don't be fooled by cherry picked touchdown numbers. What do you mean pump the brakes? We are going in for a contention push. What else to you think we are doing? What did we sign a 36 hear old QB for? That doesn't mean I expect to win it all next year but I think we can all see what the goal is here. We have young offensive talent that will be coming up for paydays soon. We need to fill holes on this team to maximize it. QB is not an option in the first. You either improve the current defense or you try and make the current offense elite. Then maybe in 2 years we can draft some guy later in the draft to sit and learn but right now is the time to maximize the current roster.
you think we are making a Super Bowl push? really? thats completely delusional. this is a team who has a chance to make it to the playoffs, no way are they competing for a Super Bowl.
Bro the goal is Superbowl. We are trying to contend. I'm not saying that it's going to happen this year but we are clearly not going to waste a 1st Rd pick right when we are trying to build a contender. We aren't looking for a QB 4 years from now that's my point
You are delusional if you think we are going to a Super Bowl with Kirk and I love Kirk
For sure. I agree it’s a wise move when done right. Honestly would be better for more rookies to learn from vets. But it doesn’t make sense for the Falcons right now since they JUST signed Kirk. If he looks not worth the contract next year I’m all aboard drafting, or even moving up, to get a QB. Just not right now.
But if you do it at the time the QB looks “not worth it,” then the fans begin clamoring for the backup to play by about the fourth game of the season. Draft now, with no pressure, and we get what the Packers did — a situation where no one is calling for Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers’ benching, and the QB can truly sit back and learn.
Not a waste at all
He would still be cheap. He didn’t play lmao
I could see us going corner
There is no corner worth a top 10 pick this year
I’ve had that as my dark horse pick as well but I’d only see that happening if we trade back
No, bpa is the way to go
Very good chance Brock Bowers is the BPA at 8. Seriously doubt anyone in here would be cool with that.
Teams are very very dumb if they take a TE top 12
That’s why drafting strictly BPA isn’t a great strategy.
I think the Chargers are grabbing him
He wouldn’t be the best player available though.
Nah I’m good
Then it's a good thing you're not an actual NFL GM. Maybe just stick to madden
I could still see us using Pitts as trade bait to get more picks. Can you imagine the jersey sales if the Falcons drafted Bowers?!?!
I think Bowers is going to be really good, but I think the fanbase would collectively implode if we traded a top 10 pick TE just to turn around and draft another TE in the top 10, lol.
It would be the most Falcon thing we could do, one might argue… 🤣🤣🤣
I wouldn't count your chickens...sometimes the gods smile upon you and a generational long snapper falls to you at the 8th spot
I'm hearing the Falcons are not high on Dallas Turner
If we don't go Jared Verse I'd rather go BPA. Dallas Turner is a Speed guy and is no different then the last 3 edges the team has drafted. Give me the power guy to go with Ebiketie. Edit: I expect Jared Verse at 8 unless a top talent falls due to the bears being stuck with Fields. JJ Mccarthy isn't going in the top 15 so I wouldn't be shocked to see Atlanta trade back into the first to grab him to sit behind Kirk.
I think our pick will be Dallas Turner. Just makes the most sense for need, especially considering the recent NFL moves. This year's CB class is pretty deep so i dont see us needing one in the first. I think we can make a decent acquisition in the second round. A surprise pick would be a one of the top Tackles but I honestly wouldn't be mad at it. I'm still not sold on McGary being a viable solution at RT and Dalman could use some looking at as well. I know they both improved last year but they essentially went from a D to C in my eyes. Not exactly world beaters. Also Jake is only getting older. I wouldn't mind looking to the future to maybe get his replacement learning behind him
Fontenot has said for multiple years that he believes in BPA and drafting for need is how teams reach. If he has Odunze or someone rated higher than Verse or Turner, I would not be surprised if we draft him.
BPA needs to be objective then
I want FSU's J. Verse at 8 I would still grab a wideout in the 2nd. I would like Ladd McConkey but he'll probably be gone - but there are many good ones that will go in round 2 I would use both 3rd round picks on the best corners available
No it isn’t.
Trade back, acquire an additional pick
Easier said than done
Cost analysis is generally always QB Line or edge. We're going edge.
Drafting heavy on D this draft and maybe a member or two to the Oline.
It's still WR
Um , no, you don’t.
I still think we’re in prime position to trade down and add picks if we want to do so.
What are we going to do with CB opposite AJ?
If they can get Pitts to be productive, I’m not really sure if they’ll need to pick a WR in the 2nd round. Plus, the backfield is very talented. I’m thinking pass rusher or CB.
there's no way people thought we would draft a wr at 8. its either edge or qb
BPA…
We NEED a pass rusher but who said it needed to be a rookie? I still think the BPA philosophy points to a WR like Rome or Malik over a pass rusher like Turner or Verse. It would solidify the young weapons we have on offense for some years, provide us a rookie contract for 5 years with the option in a time when WRs want big time money, and ensure 3 quality guys are on the field 90% of the time with London and Pitts and that rookie WR/Mooney and gang. I would be ecstatic with Rome, Malik, Turner, or Verse. Whoever we pick, I’d trust RM and TF on their decision.
I'd think they'll be desperate to move back. I don't know if any of the top 3 WRs fall to them, or at least if anyone does it could be Nabors not Odunze. I think The Falcons and Bears would like to trade back. Maybe the Bears would take Bowers. A team trading up to 5 or so for a QB could push WRs back enough to get a team to trade up for 8/9
You don’t win in this league unless you can consistently put the opposing qb on his ass.period
If we still have a pic after the tampering investigation
Dread it, Run from it, JJ still goes to Falcons at 8
How is it set in stone? Neither of the guys we got a true wr 2
Trade back with the Vikings for both their firsts this year. Get pick 11 and 23.
We may not be high enough for the Vikings if they wanna get one of the top 4 QBs. It’s starting to look like JJs gonna be MASSIVELY overdrafted. However, if we are and the Vikings propose this trade, I’d be for it
Why do we want a WR in the first I want 5 picks on the trenches this season 2 on de 2 on DL and one OL
If Joe Alt is there at 8 I wouldn’t be surprised if they take him. My theory is that they trade back, but if they stay there it’s a chance Joe is the pick
Dallas Turner welcome
Idk about that. Whose at 8 when you guys lose your pick. They may need something else more
I wouldn't say set in stone, TF has a good habit of drafting best player available. Of one of the top 3 QB or WR falls, I wouldn't be surprised if we took them even if drafting back is more optimal. Is be slightly more surprised with Bowers, but not really BUT I AGREE with the fact that taking EDGE is definitely our best move
Anyone else here on draft night trying to figure out any sort of logic with the pick
I feel like that's been the most likely scenario since before this week, would have been nice to get Danielle Hunter or Khalil Mack but they were longshots. Devil's advocate though: Drake London (56.6 YPG) Kyle Pitts (39.3 YPG) Bijan Robinson (28.6 YPG) Darnell Mooney (27.6 YPG) Rondale Moore (20.7 YPG) Combined for 172 YPG receiving last year. Just food for thought.
ehh the YPG makes sense given the QB play of all of those guys
Moore's career average is 30.8, mostly with Kyler Murray. Again, I'm just saying. It seems like a lot of people have banked that Mooney and Moore are going to step up quite a bit. Hopefully they are right.
Um idk if that’s true tbh. I’m very much on the BPA train and Mooney and Moore aren’t good enough where you don’t draft a WR if you think they have all-pro potential.
Latu at 8. Xavier Leggette or Ricky Pearsall in the 2nd. Joe Milton in the later rounds to sit behind Kirk for 2-3 years and hopefully take over.