While we wait for the preseason to end and meaningful Atlanta Falcons football to start we've taken a look at what players from Tampa Bay and Carolina would set the Falcons over the top. Stealing from a division rival is a fun hypothetical to explore especially when it comes to the Saints.
Tampa Bay has dominated the division for the last three years and despite being led by Tom Brady didn't come close to surpassing the rivalry between these two teams. Tampa and Carolina are both rivals but neither have close to the bad blood you can feel between the fans or these two teams play.
With the all-time record tied up the games this season will take on even more meaning for teams that will play each other closely no matter the talent level.
Looking at the New Orleans roster it is easy to see that this team is set to take a step back losing a lot of depth this past off-season. The team's splashy move of adding Derek Carr has done a lot to distract from that this is a team heading in the wrong direction.
However, there is still plenty of talent on this roster that if Atlanta could steal (As they did with Ryan Nielsen and David Onyemata) they would starting with the perfect final piece for the offense.
1. Chris Olave
While Chris Olave had better numbers than Drake London last season it is important to remember the difference at quarterback. Marcus Mariota isn't anything close to a capable passer at this point in his career while Andy Dalton is a high end backup but still a solid starting option. Olave was the Saints best receiver last season with Michael Thomas still unable to run slants due to injury.
With Thomas aging and with the addition of Derek Carr expectations should be high for Olave in his second season.
Pairing Drake London and Chris Olave would give Atlanta the best young receiver duo in the league and along with Kyle Pitts make it almost impossible for Desmond Ridder to fail. It will be interesting to watch Olave's career in comparison to Drake London and debate whether or not the Falcons made the right decision.
It appears both players are great number one options and have given reason to believe they will take a leap in their second seasons. It is fun to imagine what the duo could accomplish together.
2. Cam Jordan
This one is painful to admit but in a different universe Cam Jordan in Falcons colors would have given Atlanta the pass rusher they have been searching for a lot of the last decade. Jordan really leans into the rivalry whether it is taking shots at Matt Ryan or players Eddie Goldman retiring if you're a Saints fan you love it with Atlanta's reaction being obvious.
With this in mind, it is understandable to have a difficult time in this hypothetical but putting Cam Jordan on this defensive line would make the unit elite. Jordan might not be in his prime seasons but the veteran is still a productive player and consistently finding ways to make plays.
Reunited with Ryan Nielsen and with Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata in the middle it would be a huge season for the veteran. Unfortunately for New Orleans, however, the Saints lack Atlanta's depth or talent along the defensive line.
This along with the loss of coach Ryan Nielsen could be contributing reasons to Jordan taking a step back in a season that should be a wake-up call that this team is badly in need of a rebuild.
3. Marshon Lattimore
Before turning our attention to Lattimore the one player worth mentioning in this spot is Taysom Hill. Hill is everything that Arthur Smith hoped Feleipe Franks could become and always has a way of hurting Atlanta at the most predictable moments.
However, the contract and amount of playmakers that Atlanta already has on their roster rules out Hill in this scenario. File Lattimore along with Cam Jordan as players that Atlanta Falcons fans are none too fond of and have leaned into the rivalry.
Despite this Lattimore is too exciting of a fit not to select in the final spot. A.J. Terrell and Lattimore would be an elite duo that allows Jeff Okudah and Dee Alford to be the third and fourth options in the Atlanta defense. While the veteran is likely nearing the end of his prime Lattimore remains a solid option as one of the better corners in the league.
With the additions of Olave, Jordan, and Lattimore not only would the Falcons be the clear division winners but an NFC threat.
Atlanta's current roster remains a playoff threat but is still a young unit that should consider making the wildcard round a win that should be the goal for the 2023 season.