Atlanta Falcons fans are frustrated enough that their first-round pick is in the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, but their anger towards Terry Fontenot hasn't even scratched the surface yet. Not only has James Pearce since been arrested, the Rams have a chance to add salt to Atlanta's wound.
During league meetings, Rams' head coach Sean McVay revealed that Los Angeles briefly explored the idea of trading Davante Adams, and if they part with the six-time Pro Bowler, the Rams could use the 13th overall pick they got from the Falcons to draft a WR to replace Adams opposite Puka Nacua.
Carnell Tate is unlikely to be available at 13 and Jordyn Tyson is too much of an injury risk, but USC wideout Makai Lemon would be a scary fit in an offense with this much talent. Not only is he a local talent, but giving Matthew Stafford an elite field-stretching weapon would help the rich get richer.
Instead of drafting Makai Lemon themselves, the Falcons could be the reason he replaces Davante Adams with the Rams
The Rams have one of the best rosters in the NFC as-is, but because of the Dirty Birds, they can afford to take bold swings. They already acquired Trent McDuffie, so if they are able to part with Adams and parlay Lemon into his long-term replacement would make Atlanta fans pretty envious.
Not only is Lemon my WR1 in this draft, he is a perfect fit for the Rams (and would be for the Falcons). The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner has similarities to Amon-Ra St. Brown as a strong route runner out of the slot, but is also a pass-catcher who has the reliability that makes him a QB's best friend.
The worst part is that if the Falcons still had their first-rounder, Lemon would likely be in serious consideration for them at pick 13. Atlanta badly needs help at receiver behind Drake London Olamide Zaccheus is a short-term fix out of the slot and Jahan Dotson is still a major gamble at WR2.
Imagine defenses trying to slow down London, Lemon, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts. Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees would've had an elite arsenal of weapons, but whoever starts between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. would stand the most to benefit by the addition of another stud WR.
Instead of torching defenses with his fellow USC product in Atlanta, there's a real chance Lemon doesn't have to move far and become Adams' heir apparent. Instead, the Falcons have to utilize the depth of this WR class on Day 2 or 3, because Fontenot's incompetence is helping anyone but them.
It's not like Atlanta will be involved in Adams' trade market either. And I know if Lemon is available and the Rams make this happen, he'll blossom into a superstar, since that's just the Falcons' luck.