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Atlanta Falcons: 2021 NFL Draft one of the most important in franchise history

By Andrew Boardwine

Dec 20, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) reaches for a pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) looks on in the first half of a NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley (18) reaches for a pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) looks on in the first half of a NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2021 NFL Draft is one of the most important in Atlanta Falcons history

Every NFL Draft is important for every franchise in terms of their future and building towards making a run at a championship, but 2021 just seems like an integral year for the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons have been in a major downtrend for the last three seasons and it seems as if the franchise was spiraling out of control for last couple of years.

Atlanta made the right decision to part ways with its former coaching staff (including head coach Dan Quinn) and to make a change at general manager. The result was a breath of fresh air breathed into the franchise in the form of Terry Fontenot (new GM) and Arthur Smith (new head coach).

But the question still remains: How can this newly-formed duo who brings with them plenty of enthusiasm turn around a franchise that many national analysts have already pegged as a team in need of a massive rebuild?

Well, it all begins with the 2021 NFL Draft.

The direction of the Atlanta Falcons as a franchise depends solely on this draft

You’re always making draft decisions that change the ‘direction of your franchise,’ but the choice that this new regime makes literally will show us the footprint of the direction of the franchise.

Do they believe they can add a few pieces and still be contenders in Matt Ryan‘s waning years? Or do they believe it’s time for a complete rebuild?

This franchise is at a crossroads and there’s really no way to stay in the middle.

You’ve either got to sell out to Ryan and the current veterans under contract and make the moves to try and win now- while sacrificing what could be in the future- or you have to go ‘All In’ on the future and basically put the message out there that Ryan era is done.

There is no in-between. There is no ‘happy medium.’  That’s why this draft is so important.

If the Atlanta Falcons ever want to win a Super Bowl, it has to begin this year in this draft. There are past mistakes that can’t be undone, but what can be done begins this April when they’re on the clock.

No pressure, right?

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