ATLANTA FALCONS
Marcus Mariota could take the same Redemption Road path Ryan Tannehill took under Arthur Smith (Titans) now that they’re reunited with Atlanta. Durability remains a roadblock, and Smith and GM Terry Fontenot would be playing with fire to punt on finding a QB of the future. No team sent more personnel firepower to QB pro days than the Falcons, who have met multiple times with Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis.
2022 picks Wide receiver
Rd. 1: 8
Rd. 2: 43 Rd. 2: 58 Rd. 3: 74, 82 Rd. 4: 114 Rd. 5: 151 Rd. 6: 190, 213
Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage aren’t walking through that door. Ridley could feasibly be back if his appeal of a one-year suspension for gambling is overturned or reduced. Atlanta’s current roster has nothing close to a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver. This is a historically deep draft at the position.
Interior offensive line
The Falcons were graded among the worst in the NFL at the three interior offensive line positions last season by Pro Football Focus. Smith noted the need to improve line play, and Mariota’s history of injuries should be a consideration in addressing leaky blocking.
Edge rusher
In a 3-4 defense with no true pocketcollapsing outside linebackers, the secondary will be scorched. The Falcons addressed safety (Richie Grant) in the 2021 draft and signed Casey Hayward to play right corner. Pass rusher is a must-have.
Defensive line
Grady Jarrett’s contract could portend another trade as the Falcons dig out from under the salary cap doom of releasing Jones and trading Matt Ryan. Even with Jarrett, getting better up front would boost a below-average run defense.