The NFL Draft is in the books, and there are levels of optimism surrounding the Falcons that haven’t been seen in years.

Terry Fontenot came away from the first night of the draft with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., two of the best pass rushers in the class, filling Atlanta’s longest-standing need. While the price given up might be debatable, the conviction to fix the pass rush cannot be.

The Falcons continued their defense-centric draft by landing Xavier Watts in the third round, a player who may have been a Day 2 pick but very well could be a Day 1 starter in Atlanta. Doubling down on the secondary, the Falcons drafted Billy Bowman Jr., who will have a chance to contribute in his rookie year as well.

Coming away with four potential starters is as good as Fontenot has ever done during his time in Atlanta, but there are still questions surrounding the Falcons.

What’s the status of Kirk Cousins?

There are no obvious landing spots for the veteran if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers, as everyone expects, so that might leave the Falcons holding the bag. Perhaps an opportunity arises via injury, but it’s unlikely. Cousins can’t be satisfied wasting away on the bench, and the Falcons cannot be happy with that distraction in Flowery Branch. Unfortunately, it’s become increasingly likely that Cousins will be on the roster when the 2025 campaign begins.

What holes are left on the roster?

Terry Fontneot did a pretty damn good job shoring up the roster, leaving few, if any holes. But I can always find a couple!  The Falcons could use a run-stuffing interior defender that is the size of a small car, one Jalen Ramsey to bolster an exciting secondary, and a starting-caliber center to compete with Ryan Neuzil. Is that too much to ask?

What in the hell is this Shedeur Sanders, Ulbrich mess?

Good lord, this team. The Falcons can’t do anything good without ending up with pie on their face. A beautiful weekend that featured four possible starters on defense was completely overshadowed by Jeff Ulbrich‘s son, Jax, prank calling Shedeur Sanders.

Prank calling during the NFL Draft has always been a thing. It’s a cruel prank. It’s certainly indefensible, and both parties, Jeff and his son, deserve to be reprimanded. Still, let’s not act like it was some completely evil action that should result in the Falcons firing their defensive coordinator or anything comparable.

Whatever your opinion on the situation, we can all agree this is the ultimate Falcons thing ever, overshadowing a great weekend with a completely moronic action. Fine Jeff Ulbrich and accost Jax, then let’s please move on.

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