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Atlanta Falcons make splashy first round decision in this mock draft

By Joe Carlino

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Safety Richie Grant #27 from Central Florida of the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Safety Richie Grant #27 from Central Florida of the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: William Poole #31 of the Georgia Bulldogs breaks up a pass intended for Slade Bolden #18 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: William Poole #31 of the Georgia Bulldogs breaks up a pass intended for Slade Bolden #18 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Round Four (110th overall): Slade Bolden, Wide Receiver (Alabama)

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: Calvin Ridley’s status with the Falcons is still to be determined, and in all honesty, it’s nice to hear that the Falcons’ upper management continues to support him. That’s real leadership, folks, so stop listening to “reports” and “speculations” that he’s gone from the team, because most of the time, it’s not legitimate.

That said, the Falcons have probably the worst wide receiving core in the National Football League today. And that’s saying something after a few years ago when the argument could be made that their top three were among the best in the league.

So let’s look at the team addressing this position to start the day three selections for the team. At first glance, Russell Gage might be back on a one-year deal, after which he could test the market and Atlanta would have a better chance of bringing him back. Then there’s the Ridley argument, which we’ve already discussed.

After that, Olamide Zaccheaus is a middling piece in the offense, but he can make catches when needed. No sense in mentioning the tight end position, as Pitts sometimes lines up outside the numbers, and who knows what’s going to happen with Hayden Hurst.

Assuming all things above remain true, then Atlanta would probably take a flyer on one of the Alabama receivers if they fall this far. In this mock, his fellow receivers John Metchie III and Jameson Williams both went in the third round, and while the Falcons could’ve picked either one, the Lindstrom pick was more secure.

Therefore, the team takes its chances on Slade Bolden, a smaller wide receiver (5-feet-11, 197 pounds) who looks to be more of a Danny Amendola-type player: one who is smaller than his counterparts, but demonstrates just enough to excel in the slot and separate against cornerbacks lower on the opposing depth chart.

Atlanta takes a flyer on this man, and maybe even calls the private investigator formerly known to Falcons Nation as “Agent 12” to provide some help in his development.