The Atlanta Falcons possess the fourth overall draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. New head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot have nine picks to shape the new future for the Falcons after starting the 2020 season 0-5 and finishing 4-12.
With recent trades shifting the top-3 teams in the draft, we can assume that the Falcons will miss out on one of the top quarterbacks this year. However, quarterback certainly is not the most significant need on this team right now. The Falcons should and will likely focus on adding playmakers around quarterback Matt Ryan and bolstering their defense, particularly at pass rusher.
For this mock draft, I used the Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 4: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
With the Falcons restructuring Ryan’s deal, it seems clear that they intend to stay with the veteran after pushing guaranteed money into years down the road. Therefore, they need to load up with offensive weapons. Pitts is by far the best tight end in this draft, and many on “Draft Twitter” think he even fits better at receiver. Nonetheless, Pitts is a phenomenal pass catcher, matchup nightmare, and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line in pass protection or run blocking. Ryan has played solid football recently but needs more weapons, and Pitts could be the best offensive weapon in the draft.
You can read our scouting report on Pitts here.
Round 2, Pick 35: Richie Grant, S, UCF
The safety spot is in desperate need of a playmaker after both Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen departed in free agency. Grant is a stud safety that played in multiple roles during his time at UCF but served best as the ball-hawking safety in the middle of the field. However, the former Knight can play in split field zones or man-up in the slot and has excellent ball skills. However, Grant does need to clean up his tackle angles. Plus, as most rookie defensive backs do, improve his ability to process plays quicker. This is a big-time need filled in by a potentially big-time playmaker.
You can read our scouting report on Grant here.
Round 3, Pick 68: Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
New defensive coordinator Dean Pees likes to bring pressure from all angles. Thus, why not bring in one of the more versatile edge rushers in this draft in Turner. The former Cougar has been one of the biggest risers in the draft process, and many analysts now have him as a mid-to-early second-day pick. Turner fits in well as a 4-3 edge player and racked up 23.5 sacks in his four-year career with Houston. The 6’5″ pass rusher has all the physical traits teams want, and with time to improve his technique, he would be a great addition to the Falcons defensive line.
You can read our scouting report on Turner here.
Round 4, Pick 108: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
The Falcons could go a few different ways to address the quarterback position. With no trades in this mock to stockpile picks in the coming seasons, the Falcons can address the future here late on day two. Trask had high expectations after filling in for the injured Felipe Franks in 2019 but left some to be desired in his first entire season in 2020. While his stats won’t blow anyone away, with time to develop behind a player like Ryan, Franks can improve his processing abilities and movement within the pocket. While Franks certainly has the talent to go in the second round, the Falcons can not pass up Trask if he falls this far.
You can read our scouting report on Trask here.
Round 5, Pick 148: Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan
Lord help the Falcons secondary. After an abysmal 2019 season from Atlanta’s defensive backs, they addressed the position immediately in free agency by bringing in safeties Erik Harris and Duron Harmon and cornerback Fabian Moreau. Second-year corner AJ Terrell had a decent rookie season, but the Falcons still need help. Enter former Wolverine cornerback Thomas. The Michigan corner opted out of the 2020 season but had a strong campaign his junior season in 2019. That year, Thomas racked up three interceptions, three pass breakups, 38 tackles, and three sacks. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in aggressiveness to disrupt routes and lock down receivers in the flat. However, Thomas can play both man and zone and could contribute early on in his career.
Round 5, Pick 182: Tommy Kraemer, IOL, Notre Dame
The Falcons could use some depth and competition on the interior offensive line. Chris Lindstrom holds down the right guard spot. Still, the competition will be on the opposite side as Willie Beavers or Matt Gono certainly shouldn’t be guaranteed the starting job. Kraemer won’t fly to the second level with his pure athleticism, but he is a rugged, well-built guard. He is strong at the point of attack and can undoubtedly bring the power to an offense that wants to pound the ball up the gut. The former Fighting Irish right guard can certainly fit in as a developmental guard that could turn into a low-end starting guard if surrounded by the right players.
Round 5, Pick 183: Chauncey Golston, EDGE, Iowa
One of the more underrated prospects at pass rusher in this draft is the four-year edge defender out of Iowa. Golston has the prototypical NFL size for his position, standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 269 lbs. at his pro day. While he may not be the three-down pass rusher, Golston can serve as a rotational piece and run defender. As a Hawkeye, the senior racked up 129 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks in his four years. Golston would be a solid rotational piece to keep the legs fresh along the d-line and provide good run defense.
Round 6, Pick 187: Demetric Felton, RB, UCLA
Felton has projections all over the board for this draft. Some scouts have him as high as an early day two pick even. However, what is consistent is Felton’s potential contributions as a gadget player who has phenomenal receiving skills, most likely thanks to his early career as a wideout. In his four years with the Bruins, Felton totaled 1,101 rushing yards and 958 receiving yards, leaving NFL teams with the option to place him wherever they need to in the offense. While the Falcons brought in Mike Davis, Felton would be a welcome change of pace back who is a legitimate receiving threat and could even line up in the slot for the Falcons.
You can read our scouting report on Felton here.
Round 6, Pick 219: Josh Ball, OT, Marshall
Offensive line depth is always a concern. After addressing the interior in the previous round, the Falcons could add some more depth at tackle. Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary are solid on the Falcons’ bookends, but adding Ball as a depth piece would be a smart move here late in the draft. Ball has a large frame standing at 6’7″ and 308 lbs on his pro day and has the potential to pack on a few extra pounds if need be. The former Seminole turned Thundering Herd was a coveted prospect before off-field issues derailed his time at Florida State. Ball has the athleticism to be taken earlier than here. Still, his problems at Florida State may draw NFL teams away.
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