Atlanta Falcons: Mac Jones & Adrian Peterson are now linked to ATL

Mac Jones & Adrian Peterson linked to Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have now been linked to two new names, one in the upcoming NFL Draft, and one in the upcoming free-agency period.

In the latest CBS Mock Draft, Analyst Ryan Wilson has the Falcons taking Alabama QB Mac Jones with the No. 4 overall pick. Wilson has Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence going No. 1 to the Jaguars with BYU’s Zach Wilson going No. 2. He has the Dolphins selecting Oregon OT Penei Sewell with the No. 3 pick just before the Falcons are on the clock.

Jones is a new name to the NFL Mock Draft list- as most had the Atlanta Falcons taking either Wilson or Ohio State’s Justin Fields if they took a quarterback- but he’s not the only one.

USA Today’s Falcons Wire released an article detailing why the Falcons should sign RB Adrian Peterson in free agency. The main reason according to the article? Peterson could be a great mentor to the running back that the Falcons draft this coming spring.

How about a resounding ‘no’ on both accounts concerning the Atlanta Falcons?

Let’s make something clear: We’re not fully against the idea of adding Adrian Peterson or Mac Jones to the roster.

Peterson could prove to be a valuable commodity and provide leadership to a young running back. Mac Jones, in my opinion, might be the steal of the draft in terms of quarterbacks.

So what’s the reasoning for ‘no’ on both accounts?

First, with Peterson, the Falcons have other needs to fill and they need a running back who can legitimately give them solid yards per carry game-in and game-out. It’s not like Atlanta has a ton of money to shop around. Anyone the Falcons bring in via free-agency needs to contribute in a starter role (or at least be a solid contributor), not just a valuable veteran leader.

As much as we respect Adrian Peterson, the amount of money (for a running back) that he’ll ask for in comparison with what he’s going to be able to give you on the field doesn’t feel like it’d be worth it and he certainly would be a major gamble.

Now, what about Jones?

Some of you are convinced that the Falcons need to take a quarterback in the first-round of this draft. I don’t believe that’s the case, but even if it is: Why would you take Mac Jones with the fourth-overall pick? Jones might fall outside of the top-10 and, barring something unforeseen, he’s certainly not going in the top-five.

If you’re sold on Jones as the next quarterback, it’d be wiser to trade back and gain more draft capital as a result, not select him No. 4 overall, especially when there are other needs on the roster that could be addressed with that selection.