Sustained success in the NFL is hard to do, and it’s nearly impossible when you cannot consistently draft and develop, which has been a theme of the Atlanta Falcons under Terry Fontenot.
While none of the Falcons’ draft classes have contributed in a significant way, they haven’t been as bad as this season’s rookie class. If it weren’t for Michael Penix’s three-game stretch that gave life to a dead franchise, this would’ve been one of the worst rookie classes in Atlanta history.
But somehow, it only earned a 30th-placed ranking by ESPN:
“This would be a much more impressive rookie class if first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had started more than three games. He finished the year with a 50.4 QBR, and Penix was the only Falcons rookie to start a game in 2024.
Second-round defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro missed half the year with an ankle injury and had 11 combined tackles in eight games. Edge rusher Bralen Trice tore his ACL in the preseason and defensive end Brandon Dorlus played in two games. Fifth-round inside linebacker JD Bertrand may have been the top rookie other than Penix, making 23 combined tackles on special teams with occasional defensive appearances.”
Outside of Penix, the entire class was a failure in the first season. The Falcons traded up for Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round, a move many criticized at the time, and now, it’s clear why. The Clemson product appeared in just eight games and recorded 11 combined tackles with no sacks.
The jury is still out on third-round pick Bralen Trice. The Falcons fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlus was essentially a healthy scratch all season. In the fifth round, the Falcons took JD Bertrand, who did get some burn this season because of injuries at the linebacker position, but his play was far from inspiring.
After that, the Falcons’ three selections in the sixth round — Jase McClellan, Casey Washington, and Zion Logue — did not see the field. If the Falcons turn in another draft class like that, Terry Fontenot should be looking for a new gig.
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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