The Falcons have committed to Desmond Ridder as the team’s starter in 2023, but that hasn’t stopped the club from completing their due diligence on the 2023 quarterback class.
Atlanta has already hosted or will host Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker and is preparing for a visit from CJ Stroud, according to Mike Garafolo.
The #Falcons are hosting QB C.J. Stroud on a visit today, sources say. Atlanta currently holds the eighth pick and has met with other top QBs in this draft after doing homework on QBs this time last year as well.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 19, 2023
Just last week, Matt Miller reported the Falcons’ “dream scenario” would be for one of Bryce Young or CJ Stroud to fall in the draft. They are franchise quarterbacks in waiting; I still suspect the pair will likely be the first two players off the board, so it truly is a dream scenario and one Falcons fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for.
Young is a pipe dream. The Falcons will be playing him and the Panthers twice a season for the next decade. The odds of landing CJ Stroud aren’t much better, but rumors have surfaced that the Texans aren’t sold on a quarterback in this class. I don’t buy it. However, if the Ohio State product falls, I would expect the Falcons to monitor the phones.
But fans should also come to terms with the fact that Desmond Ridder is upgradeable. The club is comfortable with him starting but sees Stroud and Young as better options. Granted, they’re not realistic options but nonetheless preferable ones.
Stroud taking a visit doesn’t signify anything other than due diligence. The Falcons will now have a file in these quarterback prospects if the time ever comes that Atlanta can acquire them. It’s standard practice. The Falcons are doing what any team would do in their position.
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Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
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