Atlanta Falcons first round draft options remain a mystery

Few NFL drafts in recent memory have had as much mystery as Thursday’s event has as we are two days out and still know very little. The Atlanta Falcons hold the 8th overall pick and seem to be picking a different prospect in nearly every expert’s mock draft.

Malik Willis, Garrett Wilson, Derek Stingley Jr., Ahmad Gardner, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Drake London, Kyle Hamilton, and Jermaine Johnson are a few of the names Atlanta has been tied to within the first round. There is a reason for speculation as well that the Falcons could attempt to move down in the draft.

With so many positions to address and few clear answers at the top of the draft, Atlanta should move down if the opportunity arises. It seems many of the teams within the top ten would be willing to move down.  The two teams that seem locked in are the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers.

The Jaguars are likely going to take an edge rusher in either Travon Walker from Georgia or Aidan Hutchinson. After the first overall pick, the draft is a complete mystery. The Panthers or a surprise team that trades up seem like the only likely quarterback destinations in the first round.

This leaves the possibility that Malik Willis could be on the board when Atlanta’s number is called. He is the only quarterback who should be a possibility for Atlanta in the first round. If Willis is off the board the Falcons need to make a pick either along the offensive line or to help the defense.

Choosing a receiver in a weak class at the position would be a mistake. Atlanta needs help at the position but there is plenty of talent at the position that will still be on the board on day two of the draft. Atlanta’s focus must be on fixing the trenches or the secondary not deviating from this plan unless Malik Willis falls to Atlanta.