Atlanta Falcons No-Win Situation at the NFL Draft

As the smoke clears from the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves with new pieces at several positions. However, the fanbase and the experts are still divided on where this team is now and how well positioned it is for the future. When so many positions needed improvement, there was no way that everyone would be satisfied with the order of addressing the needs of the players that were picked. It shows how low the franchise is with so much attention and importance on every selection, even the two picks in the sixth round.

Every Falcons’ Position Needed Help

There would’ve been an uproar no matter who was picked in the first round. Terry Fontenot went with a wide receiver despite posting dreadful defensive numbers (just 18 sacks) last season. The general manager went with offense. Now that everyone has settled down, can you blame him? Calvin Ridley is not playing this season. Russel Gage was lost in free agency. They have signed a new quarterback and must give Marcus Mariota a fighting chance to complete a pass. Drake London’s first picture on the team’s Instagram showed off his grill instead of his new team and will take some time to overcome.

There are no complex numbers to back this up, but 80 percent of Falcons fans live in Georgia. So there was a simple way to appease the fanbase by drafting at least one player from the Georgia Bulldogs. This wouldn’t have been a sympathy pick; the Champions have several players in the draft that would’ve helped the Falcons. Five Bulldogs went in the first round, four after the Falcons’ selection at number eight, including defensive tackle Jordan Davis. At 6-foot-6, 341 pounds, and bringing that Championship mentality, Davis may have been the pick to unite the fanbase. However, Fontenot did grab two Dawgs in the sixth round to save face.

Don’t Give Up on the Falcons – Yet

For those ready to throw in the towel and sell the black jersey, perhaps put it in the closet and let the new players prove themselves. As a prospect, the Falcons may be the best team to go to as these young guys can make an impact immediately or be exposed as a bust sooner. Either way, the rebuild is underway, be prepared for several 2023 mock draft over the next 12 months.