Can the Atlanta Falcons be true contenders in 2024?
Following a whirlwind of an off-season headlined by a four-year, $180 million deal for Kirk Cousins to man the offense as well as a switch on the sidelines as Arthur Smith was dismissed in favor of Raheem Morris as the club’s new head coach.
In Jordan Reid of ESPN‘s latest seven-round mock draft, the Atlanta Falcons’ best course of action is trading down from pick eight to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the 11th pick in this week’s draft as well as selections 108 and 129. With the 11th pick, Reid has the Falcons selecting UCLA star EDGE rusher, Laiatu Latu.
Atlanta Falcons Full, Seven-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 11 (via trade with Minnesota): Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
“A strong argument could be made that Latu is the best pure pass-rusher in the class. The Falcons haven’t had a defensive end reach double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley (15.5 in 2016), so they could certainly use someone with upside off the edge. Latu is a perfect fit in new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake’s system; they were actually together at Washington for two years before Latu transferred to UCLA, where he posted 23.5 sacks over two seasons.”
Round 2, Pick 43: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
“Long-term problem? A.J. Terrell is entering a contract year. Short-term problem? The Falcons need an impact player opposite him. Rakestraw can solve both issues. He’s versatile, and his active feet and aggressive play style fit well with the scheme.”
Round 3, Pick 74: Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon
“Dorlus might line up at defensive end in the Falcons’ scheme, and he has the strength at the point of attack to become a rotational player very early in his pro career. He had 30 tackles and five sacks last season.”
Round 3, Pick 79: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
“Walker would be mainly a downfield target for Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Walker averaged 17 yards per catch last season.”
With their selections in rounds four through seven, ESPN has the Atlanta Falcons nabbing Texas Tech safety, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (109), Tulane signal caller, Michael Pratt (143), Ohio State linebacker, Tommy Eichenberg (187), and Ole Miss cornerback Deantre Prince (197).
For More NFL and College Football News:
Follow me on Twitter/X @CJFWrites! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football news, click here!