With a new coaching staff looking to be put into place for the Atlanta Falcons, they’re looking for a soft reboot. After a disappointing 7-10 record, Atlanta’s approach to the 2024 NFL Draft will show how deep of a rebuild the team is in for. Will they take a chance on a quarterback of the future?
Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Falcons enter the 2024 NFL Draft with seven draft picks, including two in the fourth round. Atlanta doesn’t have a seventh-round pick in the draft.
- Round 1, Pick 8: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
- Round 2, Pick 43: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
- Round 3, Pick 74: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
- Round 4, Pick 105: McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
- Round 4, Pick 110: Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
- Round 5, Pick 136: Brandon Coleman, G, TCU
- Round 6, Pick 185: Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College
Atlanta Falcons 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has been performing for the team, and was hoping he would in two seasons. This leaves the lingering question during the offseason as to whether the team should make another change at quarterback.
While Atlanta has a strong offensive line with young, talented skill-position players, the defense could use some help on the line and in the secondary. The team isn’t far off from being a playoff team, so adding some pieces through the draft could get them over the top.
Round 1, Pick 8: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
LSU’s explosive offense was built around the arm and legs of Jayden Daniels. The Heisman Trophy winner threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
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Ridder has not been able to put up the numbers needed despite having talent around him. Daniels throws a pretty deep ball, and his mobility makes him a threat on offense. His potential for big plays is too good to pass up for a Falcons team that is a good QB away from the playoffs.
Round 2, Pick 43: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Atlanta’s secondary has seen its ups and downs with A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah headlining the group. The Falcons won’t have Okudah as he enters free agency with fellow cornerback Tre Flowers.
Penn State cornerback Kalen King can jump in as either the starter or nickel CB for the Falcons. He’s strong in passing situations and plays tough man-to-man coverage. King’s a high-IQ corner who can use his physicality to make life difficult for receivers.
Round 3, Pick 74: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The Falcons had the 12th-fewest sacks in the NFL with 42 and did not have the pass rushers needed during the year. Calais Campbell will be entering free agency, and Atlanta will be looking to make their defensive line younger.
Bralen Trice was dominant on Washington’s DL, racking up seven sacks this season and 10 in 2022. Standing at 275 pounds, Trice is quick off the edge and explosive off the line to get past linemen. With some development needed, Trice could become an NFL starter with some playing time.
Round 4, Pick 105: McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
Atlanta has solid DT starters who can put pressure on the quarterback. David Onyemata will be the team’s top returning defensive tackle, as Campbell was playing tackle as well, so depth will be needed.
Texas A&M DT McKinnley Jackson weighs in at 325 pounds, but he doesn’t move like it, as he’s got some quickness off the line. Jackson might be able to play off the edge with his speed, and his strength makes him a good rotational player.
Round 4, Pick 110: Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
Atlanta’s receiving corps is about to take a hit with four players set to hit free agency, including Mack Hollins and Van Jefferson. There will be a search in the draft as they try to find a complementary receiver for Drake London.
Louisville’s Jamari Thrash has the potential to be a mid-to-late-round steal for a team. Even though Thrash doesn’t’ necessarily have out-of-world length, his speed will help him make a good WR3 in the slot for NFL teams.
Round 5, Pick 136: Brandon Coleman, G, TCU
Atlanta was tied for sixth in the NFL in sacks allowed (40). With an offense that looked like it had a hard time scoring, the offensive line was consistent all season and helped open up the running game. When looking late in the NFL Draft, this is a time when teams look to build on depth and develop players for the future.
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Brandon Coleman had a successful college career. The TCU Horned Frogs lineman was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2022. His blocking technique needs to be more consistent, but Coleman’s physical and athleticism give him plenty to work with.
Round 6, Pick 185: Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College
Closing out the draft for Atlanta is another look in the secondary as they look for sleeper picks. One of the better coverage corners in the draft is Boston College Eagles cornerback Elijah Jones, as he’s a perfect candidate for a rotational player.
The knock on Jones’ game is he’s not as strong of a tackler and needs to improve in run support. His strength comes from his coverage skill — he’s strong in zone with lockdown potential. Atlanta could develop him to be a perfect nickel cornerback for the future.