The Falcons are once again in the market for a head coach, but it doesn’t matter who coaches this team until they find a quarterback.
The play of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke directly attributed to Arthur Smith’s firing; it will be the cause of the next coach’s demise too if they don’t get it right this time.
There aren’t many inspiring options on the pro personnel side of things. Justin Fields is about the only player worth acquiring that still has enough upside to turn into the next franchise quarterback.
The Falcons just can’t go with a band-aid in Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, or Baker Mayfield; they have to go younger. Ideally, the club finds the answer in the draft. There are three at the top in Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels that are worth trading up for, in my opinion.
My preference for those three would be in that order — Maye, Williams, and then Daniels. However, it’s going to take a considerable trade to move up for any of them, especially for the top prospect.
In the latest mock draft from The Athletic, the Falcons work out a deal with the Bears to move to the 1st overall pick and select the 2022 Heisman trophy winner, Caleb Williams.
1. Atlanta Falcons (from CHI via CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Proposed trade: Atlanta receives No. 1; Chicago receives Nos. 8 and 43 plus a future first-round pick and a future second-round pick
Chicago hasn’t made a decision yet on Justin Fields. If the Bears decide to move on, this pick will be for a quarterback.
At the same time, the Bears’ trade last March with Carolina again puts general manager Ryan Poles in a situation in which he can unload No. 1 for a haul, further build around (or kick the can on) Fields and really charge up an already impressive young roster.
Of all the QB-needy teams, Atlanta’s roster is the most ready to win. Now, add a new coach and a new face of the franchise. Williams next to running back Bijan Robinson, in an offense with tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, might sell a ticket or two.
Two first-round picks and two second-round picks to move up from the 8th overall pick is a pipe dream, but I’m doing this deal every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
A couple of firsts and seconds for a franchise quarterback is chump change, and it won’t be close to what Chicago can garner in a trade should they decide to put the pick up for sale.
The price of the 1st overall pick will surpass what the Panthers paid last year. Carolina sent Chicago two firsts, two seconds, and D.J. Moore. Any deal this year will start there.
A more likely deal for the Falcons to move up to the Bears’ top spot would be three first-round picks, a couple of second-rounders and Kyle Pitts. Even still, I’m doing that deal without blinking.
Without a quarterback, a Super Bowl is an afterthought.
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Photographer: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire
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