A draft can never be judged accurately the day after or even within the next year after it takes place, but it sure does feel like Terry Fonenot and the Falcons made the most out of their five picks this weekend, which ties the smallest draft class in Falcons franchise history.
Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. will help aid what’s been the longest-standing issue in Atlanta for the last two decades, sacking the quarterback. Nobody expected Walker to fall all the way to 15, and James Pearce Jr. might be the most talented pass rusher in the entire draft class.
The Falcons were then able to land Xavier Watts in the third round, who could end up being the team’s starting safety in Week 1 next to Jessie Bates III, and Billy Bowman Jr. — Atlanta’s fourth-round selection — will compete with Clark Phillips and Dee Alford for the starting nickel position.
If the Falcons can somehow come away with four instant contributors in a five-man class, it would easily be the best draft class of Terry Fontenot’s tenure as GM, and some of their undrafted free agent signings yesterday should not be overlooked as well.
Notable Falcons Undrafted Free Agents
Cobee Bryant
Bryant was projected to go on Day 3 by most draft analysts and was one of the highest rated undrafted free agents available. The biggest knock on him is his frame. At six-feet, 180 pounds, he could certainly use a little more size, especially since he’s not the fastest corner (4.53 40-yard dash). However, like Watts and Bowman Jr., Bryant has elite ball skills and is ultra-competitive. It wouldn’t be shocking at all to see him make the 53-man roster, given the Falcons don’t have a lot of cornerback depth. Hell, he’ll have every opportunity to earn starting reps at nickel, competing with the likes of Bowman Jr., Dee Alford, and Clark Phillips.
Nick Nash
Wide receiver was an overlooked need for the Falcons coming into the draft. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are a helluva 1-2 punch, but there’s not much to write home about after them. Nash’s skill set is similar to London’s, as he’s a big bodied receiver that turns 50-50 balls into 70-30 balls, and both have a competitive fire that is evident when they step in between the lines. The Falcons could probably benefit more from somebody that can take the top off of a defense. Nash certainly is not that, but he’s a legit NFL receiver that should make the Falcons 53-man roster.
Joshua Simon
Another sneaky position of need for the Falcons, Atlanta could soon be without a starting tight end once Kyle Pitts hits free agency next offseason. Joshua Simon caught 40 balls for 519 yards and seven touchdowns at South Carolina last year, and most of that production came towards the end of the season. He’s got decent speed for his size and upside as a pass catcher, which should give him a chance at making the 53-man roster given the Falcons lack of depth at the position.
Joshua Gray
Joshua Gray is one of those guys that spent like 25 years in college, playing in 56 games, most of which were spent at left tackle. However, he moved to guard last season and that’s where he projects as a pro. The Falcons don’t have a lot of depth across their interior offensive line, which will allow Gray every opportunity to make the roster.
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Photo: James Black/Icon Sportswire
