The Atlanta Falcons were eventually ruled out in 2020 after doing so in 2021. Dan Quinn was fired, and now Arthur Smith will get a chance to lead the team. They still have a promising offense, but they need some upgrades in the 2021 NFL Draft to set them up for current, and future, success.
The biggest question for the Falcons is whether or not they will consider a quarterback with the No. 4 pick. They still have Matt Ryan and will hang on to him to escape due to a huge deadcap hit, but can they draft a successor? If a player likes them, they are there with their first choice, then they can definitely consider it.
In addition, the team will need to continue to build their defenses and plug holes that are an offense in the NFL South to compete in one of the NFL’s toughest-looking divisions.
A look at the Falcons’ picks in the 2021 NFL Draft:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-Round Mock | Top 100 Big Boards
Falcons Draft 2021: When does Atlanta choose?
- Choose round 1, number 4
- Round 2, pick number 35
- Round 3, pick number 68
- Round 4, pick number 108
- Round 5, pick number 148
- Choose round 5, number 182
- Choose round 5, number 183
- Round 6, pick number 187
- Round 6, pick number 219
Falcons 2021 NFL Draft Order
| The goal | to select |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 5 | 4 |
| 5 | 38 (compulsory selection) |
| 5 | 39 (compulsory selection) |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 35 (Compulsory Selection) |
More: Read the latest NFL draft news at SN’s draft headquarters
Falcons need NFL draft
- Cornerback: In the first round of last year, AJ Terrell was eliminated in the first round, but the Falcons secondary averaged 293.6 yards per game per year. He finished dead-last in the NFL. It is mandatory to find another external starter to pair with Terrell.
- Edge rusher: The Falcons have Grady Jarrett in the defensive tackle and Dante Fowler in a defensive end position. However, they do not have much in terms of passers-by. One can go a long way toward helping his defense, which was tied for the ninth-lowest sacks per game last season (1.8).
- Security: The Falcons’ safety depth was destroyed by losing Keanu Neill, Ricardo Allen, and Damonte Kazi to one child. He needs another potential starter to challenge Jaylin Hawkins and Eric Harris for the game.
- Offensive line: Atlanta can replace late center Alex Mack with 2020 third-round pick Matt Hennessy, but they need to add another player to plug the hole at left guard. They can do so by either drafting a guard or picking up a tackle and properly kicking McCleary inside the guard. The latter move could be a better option leading to McGary’s inconsistent out-of-the-box play.
- Quarterback: Matt Ryan is the only Falcon QB under contract after Matt Raub’s retirement. Ryan is 35 years old, so the Falcons need a young backup who they can eventually prepare to replace Ryan as a starter. This could mean targeting Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mack Jones with the No. 4 overall goal.
Falcons mock draft 2021
According to Vinny Iyer’s seven-round mock draft, the latest 2021 NFL draft estimates for the Falcons are:
| The goal | to select | Team | Post | College |
| 1 | 4 | Tray lance | QB | North Dakota State |
| 2 | 3 | Travis Etienne | RB | CLEMSON |
| 3 | 4 | Dontae brown | Yes | Alabama |
| 4 | 3 | Patton turner | Edge | Houston |
| 5 | 4 | Demonte Cocci | WR | Memphis |
| 5 | 38 | Derrick forrest | S | Cincinnati |
| 5 | 39 | Josh Ball | OT | Marshal |
| 4 | 3 | Trey brown | CB | Oklahoma |
| 4 | 35 | Tony Poljan | Te | Virginia |
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