Atlanta Falcons: 3 biggest needs following 2021 NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons got better through the 2021 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of areas to address as we head into the offseason.
The Falcons selected who many NFL analysts believe to be the most-prolific playmaker in the draft when they took TE Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 overall pick. The belief is that by adding to Pitts to an offense that already had some firepower with names like Matt Ryan, Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones, the Falcons should have one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
In addition to Pitts, the Falcons went on to make these selections:
- Round 2, Pick 40: Richie Grant, S UCF
- Round 3, Pick 68: Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan
- Round 4, Pick 108: Darren Hall, CB SDSU
- Round 4, Pick 114: Drew Dalman, C Stanford
- Round 5, Pick 148: Ta’Quon Graham, DT Texas
- Round 5, Pick 182: Adetokunbo Ogundeji, DE Notre Dame
- Round 5, Pick 183: Avery Williams, CB Boise State
- Round 6, Pick 187: Frank Darby, WR Arizona State
Here’s a look at the three biggest needs following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Atlanta Falcons Need 1: An explosive pass-rush
I’m personally excited about what we may see from Adetokunbo Ogundeji and his development, but he’s not likely to come in and make an immediate impact.
The Falcons need an explosive edge-rusher and they don’t have much money- or options in free-agency, for that matter- to find one.
Could Dante Fowler Jr.- who took a pay cut- come out this season and make a major change?
The Falcons need a better pass-rush to compete this season and whether it comes from a single player like Fowler Jr. or whether it comes from a blitzing scheme, they’ve got to do a better job of getting to the passer.