NFL Network analyst believes the Atlanta Falcons will draft a QB in late first round

The Atlanta Falcons have to be open-minded when it comes to the 2021 NFL draft.

Over the last two months, nearly every mock draft created has had the Atlanta Falcons drafting either Zach Wilson out of BYU or Justin Fields out of Ohio State – though CBS did have one where the franchise drafted tight-end Kyle Pitts out of Florida.

That said, general manager Terry Fontenot has to answer the red bat phone when teams call to inquire about the availability of the fourth overall pick.

There are lots of fans that believe the Falcons should sell this pick regardless in order to stockpile more picks but this team needs to be smart about what works best for them. Stockpiling late-round picks is what Thomas Dimitroff did and it never seemed to work out for the best.

If the Atlanta Falcons are going to sell the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, they have to pick up an additional first in 2022 as well as no less than two 2nd round picks in subsequent years.

Swapping first-round selections in 2021 and adding just one other early pick is not enough to get rid of this year’s 4th overall when they could use that pick to address every position of need with a franchise-changing talent.

NFL Network analyst Steve Wyche was recently on the radio in Atlanta and said he believes that the Atlanta Falcons will move back in this year’s draft.

"“I actually think that pick is going to be up for sale … I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to move back just so they can add some of the positions that they really need to add to.”"

Wyche went on to say that he thought the Falcons were going to go a very specific route wherever they end up drafting in this year’s first round.

"“I do think at some point a quarterback will be drafted by the Falcons–you can ask Terry Fontenot that in our conversation, it sounds like they are about drafting a quarterback. I just don’t think it’s going to be at the fourth overall pick.”"

While many think the Atlanta Falcons will draft a quarterback in 2021, it would be shocking to see them commit another $20-$30 million to a quarterback that won’t see the field until 2023.