Should the Atlanta Falcons draft a quarterback this off-season?

The Atlanta Falcons hold nine picks in this year’s draft with the 8th overall pick and have a myriad of holes to fill on the roster on both sides of the ball. The biggest position of interest this off-season will obviously be quarterback with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder still both under contract next season.

It would be shocking to see Mariota return considering how his tenure with the team ended and the cap it will open up to cut the veteran. Cutting Mariota saves the Falcons around $10 million giving Atlanta the ability to make at least one big move compared to keeping a quarterback who won’t start for the team next season.

This leaves Ridder as the only quarterback on Atlanta’s roster who is expected to return leaving the obvious question could Atlanta draft a quarterback? While the answer could change as we learn more about this year’s prospects through the combine and draft process the immediate answer is no.

Outside of C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, this year’s draft class at quarterback lacks a clear upgrade over Desmond Ridder. Unless the Falcons find themselves in the unexpected position of being able to draft one of the top two prospects this season they would be far better off sticking with Ridder and bringing in a veteran to backup and mentor the young quarterback.

Ridder showed impressive poise and an ability to protect the football in Atlanta’s final four games improving each week. While Atlanta should still have some reservations about Ridder as their only option at the position there isn’t going to be a better option than Ridder on the board when Atlanta’s number is called on draft day.

Drafting a quarterback late in the draft as a reserve option or to compete for a backup job is a consideration. But unless the Falcons are willing to move up they aren’t going to find an upgrade over Desmond Ridder in this year’s draft.