Should the Atlanta Falcons draft a quarterback in the first round?

Despite having signed Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal this off-season the Atlanta Falcons are still firmly in the quarterback market. Mariota is a high-end backup or a low-tier starter he isn’t going to be the answer for the team long-term. This leaves the question should the Falcons use the 8th overall pick to select a quarterback?

The answer all depends on who is still on the board when Atlanta’s number is called. Malik Willis is the only quarterback the Falcons should be willing to gamble on in the first round. After Willis Atlanta should wait until at least the second or third round to address the position.

Kenny Pickett is one name that Atlanta should pass on even if the quarterback is still on the board when Atlanta selects in the first round. While he doesn’t have the bust potential that Willis comes with he also lacks the ceiling. Pickett is close to a finished product who is going to step into the league and be a stable quarterback for a stable organization. Though their skill sets are different think Mac Jones, a player who comes into the organization and is an adult in the room. A player you can count on not to mess things up but he isn’t going to elevate your team either.

He isn’t a guy drags a bad roster to relevance or outguns Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady. Pickett isn’t enough of an upgrade for Atlanta to consider drafting in the first round.

Matt Corral and Sam Howell are likely the next two quarterbacks off the board and both have enough concerns that they will slip late into the first round or perhaps become day-two picks.No quarterback outside of Malik Willis should be earning consideration from Atlanta inside the top-ten.

This year’s quarterback class isn’t deep enough to warrant chasing anyone else until day two. Atlanta would be far better served to use their first-round pick on the defense or attempt to patch the offensive line. Taking the best player available and not reaching for a quarterback who may not prove to be the answer the team needs.

Willis should be the exception to this considering his immense arm talent and ability to move outside of the pocket. It is a rare combination that will likely have him as the first quarterback off the board. A quarterback Atlanta cannot afford to pass on if he is still on the board when their number is called.