While the Falcons head coaching search is getting all of the headlines, whoever Arthur Blank eventually hires will have the immediate challenge of finding the club’s next quarterback.
Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke are under contract, but it’s time the Falcons are done with half measures at the position. Ridder should certainly be kept on the roster; he’s the perfect backup quarterback in this league, at least as far as intangibles are concerned.
Heinicke, on the other hand, might be expendable. I wouldn’t hate the new head coach for wanting to keep the veteran as a backup, but moving on from Heinicke would save the Falcons $5 million against the salary cap, so it’s worth exploring.
Regardless, the new head coach’s first major task will be finding a potential franchise quarterback this offseason. There won’t be long-term solutions in free agency. Justin Fields will be about the only option on the pro personnel side of things, but there’s a robust quarterback draft class, which is where Dane Brugler of The Athletic sees the Falcons selecting reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Arthur Smith is now the Falcons’ former head coach because he believed his scheme and (misuse of) weapons could elevate mediocre quarterback play. It is interesting to think about what Atlanta’s talented, ready-to-go roster would look like if you dropped in Daniels.
After producing a minus-12 turnover margin, you can bet that will be a point of emphasis for the Falcons. In 13 starts this season, Desmond Ridder had 12 interceptions and 12 fumbles; in 12 starts, Daniels accounted for only four interceptions and three fumbles.
Daniels is among the best dual threat quarterbacks in college football history. What he did at LSU in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular. The Tigers’ quarterback threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns with just four interceptions while also rushing for 1,134 yards and another 10 scores.
Daniels led the nation in total offense (4,946) in the regular season, touchdowns responsible for (50), passer rating (208.0), yards per pass attempt (11.7) and rushing yards by a quarterback (1,134).
His ability to break down defenses with his legs is apparent, but what I don’t think people realize about him is how much he’s progressed as a passer. Jayden Daniels throws the best deep ball in this class, better than Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.
Though there are other aspects of his game that need refining, Daniels would be a home run of a draft pick if he somehow falls to the Falcons’ 8th overall pick.
With their second round pick, Brugler has the Falcons bolstering the receiving core even more, selecting Ja’Lynn Polk out of Washington.
43. Atlanta Falcons: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Falcons receivers accounted for a grand total of four touchdown grabs in 2023 — two each by Drake London and Scotty Miller. London has the talent to be a legitimate No. 1 option, but adding more competition at the No. 2 spot should be a priority.
As Jayden Daniels led the top offense in college football, Ja’Lynn Polk helped lead the second best offense in the country, catching 69 passes for 1,159 yards. Polk has said that Washington’s offense, run by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, featured a ton of option routes, which requires coverage recognition and decisive decision-making from Polk.
Though the Falcons have drafted a skill position player with each of their last three first-rounders, Drake London needs a running mate. Jayden Daniels running an offense comprised of Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Ja’Lynn Polk with one of the best lines in the league has me salivating.
It’s a dream.
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Photographer: Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire
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