(01-10-2022, 11:13 AM)TheO-LineMatters Wrote:

(01-10-2022, 01:32 AM)Bullseye Wrote: This is the official draft order, at least the tp 16...per PFT...


Here are the top 16 choices with the rest of the draft order pending the Sunday night game and the postseason:
1. Jaguars (3-14)
2. Lions (3-13-1)
3. Texans (4-13)
4. Jets (4-13)
5. Giants (4-13)
6. Panthers (5-12)
7. Giants (via 6-11 Bears)
8. Falcons (7-10)
9. Broncos (7-10)
10. Jets (via 7-10 Seahawks)
11. Washington Football Team (7-10)
12. Vikings (8-9)
13. Browns (8-9)
14. Ravens (8-9)
15. Eagles (via 9-8 Dolphins)
16. Eagles (via 9-8 Colts)


If this is true, it doesn't change this part of the analysis too much.

The only team ahead of Atlanta without a need at edge rusher is Carolina.

On top of that, Denver, the Jets and Vikings could all use edge rushers and they are just below Atlanta.

Bottom line:  If Atlanta is to guarantee itself a top pass rusher, they will need to move up.

I still think Atlanta takes a QB. Matt Ryan had one of his worst statistical seasons of his career. He is also getting older as well. Draft experts were wondering if the Falcons would take a QB in last year's draft, but they didn't. The Falcons have nothing behind Ryan in the way of a QB for the future. There is an out in Ryan's contract after the 2022 season where the could afford to take a modest hit and move on with a young, QB. If they took one this season, and had him sit for a year behind Ryan, much like the Niners did with Trey Lance this season, that would set them up for the future, then they could get their pass rusher in the second round, where they have two draft picks.

Not too sure how much that changes the trade up analysis.

If there is a QB projected to go top 5, there will be competition among teams to get him.

Of the top dozen teams, the Lions, Giants, Panthers, Falcons, Broncos and WFT have a need at QB.

The Lions pick 2nd, and if the Falcons want the top guy, they will likely have to get above Detroit to get him.  The Giants, with two first round picks and a new head coach and GM on the way, are going to want to get their own guy in instead of going with Daniel Jones.  If Detroit doesn't take a QB, Atlanta will likely have to get up above the Giants to get their guy.  The Giants have two picks in the top 7, if they are that determined to get their guy, they will be hard for Atlanta to beat.  Both of their picks are above Atlanta's and that extra ist gives them power to move up.  Denver and WFT could be teams that will go with veteran signal callers, but if they lose out on guys like Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and DeShaun Watson, they may be interested in moving up.

At the end of the day, the Falcons have substantial need at two of the premier positions at QB and edge rusher, but their draft position is low enough to where they will likely miss out on their guys if they stay at 8. 

They have an extra 2nd round pick.  They may need to utilize their draft capital to try to guarantee one of those players.

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