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Atlanta Falcons News: Josh Norman says the NFC South is now Julio Jones’

By Freddie Boston

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) with the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) with the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Good morning, Falcons fans. Sunday has finally arrived, but there is still no football. We are now 20 weeks away from the season opener against Tampa Bay — or 140 days, whichever sounds sooner to you. But we don’t have to worry about that just yet, because first is the small matter of the 2016 NFL Draft which is now just four days away.

That’s four days until every single mock draft (mine included) get completely ruined. I got lucky a year ago and projected Vic Beasley to Atlanta in the first and Jalen Collins in the second — although let’s forget the fact I had them trading up to get Beasley, and then got every single one of the remaining picks after Collins horribly wrong. Anyway, as you sip your coffee this fine Sunday morning, enjoy these Falcons articles.

Josh Norman: NFC South now belongs to Julio Jones — Vaughn McClure of ESPN

Take away the ‘now’ from this headline and Josh Norman is spot on. This division was always Julio’s. Not Cam’s, not Norman’s, but Julio’s. Let’s hope the Falcons can actually make that come true and win a division title in the coming years. Jones not having to contend with Norman will surely help.

What Matt Ryan’s comfort level means for the Falcons offense — Dave Choate of The Falcoholic

Matt Ryan’s struggles last year could have been down to a number of factors, but it’s clear he wasn’t comfortable in Kyle Shanahan’s system. With another full offseason to prepare with his teammates, there’s a good chance Ryan will be more comfortable when the 2016 season rolls around. It could make all the difference.

Next: Reasons for and against drafting first-round targets

Why the Falcons shouldn’t draft SEC players — Alec Shirkey of The Falcoholic

Should the Falcons consider drafting SEC players? Maybe not. A popular choice to Atlanta in mock drafts is Georgia’s Leonard Floyd, but he is truly a boom-or-bust prospect. While he might help the defense get better, there’s also a chance he fails to make the transition. He needs to add strength and bulk to his frame.

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