The Falcons have made it known a succession plan for Matt Ryan is on the docket. Arthur Blank has made comments regarding Ryan’s future, and Terry Fontenot adamantly stated they’ll always look to improve at the quarterback position. There is no questioning the organization is on the lookout for their next franchise quarterback.
The Falcons decided to pass on a great class in the 2021 draft, and with the 2022 class underwhelming scouts, it would be shocking if they took a quarterback with their 8th overall pick. However, it might not be as unrealistic as I once thought.
On Monday’s episode of First Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper claimed the Falcons were a “team to watch” for one of the quarterback prospects in this year’s class, while also calling Atlanta “the most interesting team” due to that interest in the quarterback class.
“They didn’t take a quarterback last year; they went for Kyle Pitts, the receiving entity. Now they get another receiver in Drake London in [Todd McShay’s] mock, but you’re passing on the quarterback. And I can see why, you’d be reaching. But somebody always does. They always stretch it for these quarterbacks, reach for a guy that’s maybe 20 on the board. They take him in the top 10 to 12. … The heir apparent to Matt Ryan, if they fall in love with a [Kenny] Pickett, a [Malik] Willis or a [Matt] Corral in late April, they would certainly be a team to watch.”
Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis, and Kenny Pickett are the only prospects I could see drawing interest from the Falcons; however, I still don’t think any of those three are worthy of a top ten pick.
Each prospect has their weaknesses, but the positional value of quarterbacks always results in bold decisions from teams. I wouldn’t be shocked if any organization overdrafts one of these quarterbacks because they believe he’s the guy.Â
In fact, I’m a firm believer in general managers going after their guy. Even if they reach, I believe in sticking to your guns. After passing on Justin Fields and Mac Jones, the Falcons will look to this crop of signal callers to find a future beyond Matt Ryan. I don’t think any prospect warrants the 8th pick, but I would understand if Terry Fontenot believes Ridder, Willis, or Pickett is the guy.
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