The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of picks in the 2021 NFL Draft to retool their roster and try to return to competitiveness in the NFC.
The Atlanta Falcons got off to a brutal start this past season, going 0-5 out of the gate before managing to win a couple of games in the middle of the year and then bottoming out again. The Falcons’ struggles ultimately led to the midseason firing of head coach Dan Quinn but a switch to interim head coach Raheem Morris only yielded a 4-12 record. But that did earn the franchise the fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Morris is now out and former Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is the head man in Atlanta. He worked wonders in the Tennessee offense and he brings with him Dave Ragone and Dean Pees as offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively.
Outside of the coaching changes, the Falcons also made a change at general manager, bringing in Terry Fontenot after long-time GM Thomas Dimitroff was also let go. Thus, this will be Fontenot’s first run at the draft. What does he have in store? We’re taking a look in a new 7-round mock draft one week out from the first round beginning.
This was compiled using the mock draft simulator at NFL Mock Draft Database.
There are three options for the Falcons with the No. 4 pick. Atlanta could trade back with a team in need of a quarterback, they could take the fourth-best quarterback in the class themselves, or they could take the best player available. For this mock draft, they take Option C, which is tight end Kyle Pitts.
Though there are holes on Atlanta’s roster, the number of weapons they have is impressive. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are high-end wide receivers and Olamide Zaccheus has flashed potential. However, with Jones now 32 years old and dealing with injuries of late, they could look to add another generational weapon to the offensive firepower by taking Pitts.
Most tight ends should not be top-10 picks; Pitts is the exception to that. NFL offensive coordinators strive to create mismatches and the Florida product is that the moment he takes the field. Pitts was matched up with cornerbacks in college and legitimately beat them with route-running and skills. He can also win with an elite combination of size and speed for a pass-catcher.
Critics will point out his blocking ability, or lack thereof. However, he still puts in the effort and isn’t a complete waste in that department. Pitts’ value will be in the passing offense, though, where he can take up the mantle Jones held for so long as a mismatch every week.
Other Players Considered: Jamar Chase, Trey Lance, Mac Jones