2021 NFL Mock Draft, 3 Rounds: Chiefs bolster O-line after Super Bowl loss

The Detroit Lions already moved on from a veteran quarterback and they might not be the only team with a new head coach to make such a move. Arthur Smith is the new Atlanta Falcons head coach and there’s a good chance he decides to move on from Matt Ryan, who can still play at a high level but is quickly approaching the age of 40.

With that being the case, this feels like the right time to make the move because a team never expects to draft this high again — or at least that’s the hope. So to take advantage of their positioning here, Atlanta picks up BYU quarterback Zach Wilson.

Wilson possesses a strong arm and is highly intelligent but also has impressive athleticism. With no offense being meant to Matt Ryan, that would be a welcome change for this offense since it’s been a while since they’ve had a quarterback who can create with his legs when the play breaks down. Wilson proved he could do that when he ran for 10 touchdowns this past season — and while he doesn’t rack up a ton of yards, his efficiency in the red zone in this area could be huge for him and the Falcons.

If there is a concern, it could be that he hasn’t had sustained success. Wilson was decent as a freshman and sophomore before exploding as a junior. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a success, but some might worry about the dreaded “one-year wonder” label.

Of course, there are reports surfacing that Ryan is staying in Atlanta but this doesn’t mean Wilson can’t be the pick. Atlanta could choose to let Wilson sit behind Ryan, and given the fact that he didn’t shine at a big school, it could help Wilson develop and Ryan is the kind of guy who won’t balk at being a mentor.