Examining the 5 best potential options for Falcons at No. 4 overall
With the first three picks of the 2021 NFL draft projected to be quarterbacks, the Falcons should be able to land a franchise-changing talent or trade back for more assets. General manager Terry Fontenot has stated before that regardless of where the team picks, he has a best-player-available draft philosophy.
So who are the best players most likely to be available when Atlanta is on the clock?
OL Penei Sewell - Oregon
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon's Penei Sewell is undoubtedly the best offensive lineman in this year's draft. The Falcons have done a poor job of protecting Matt Ryan, allowing at least 40 sacks in each of the last three seasons. The one thing that could prohibit this selection is whether or not Atlanta's front office believes Sewell can, and is willing to, play as a guard instead of a tackle. The Falcons already have an established tackle in Jake Matthews, so the only option is to be slotted in at left guard. If the Falcons do go with Sewell, this could spell the end of Matt Gono, who is due $3.38 million this year after signing his second-round tender.
TE Kyle Pitts - Florida
AP Photo/Brynn Anderson
Kyle Pitts' impressive pro day performance has his stock rising at the perfect time. Currently, Pitts looks like the favorite for Atlanta at the No. 4 spot. The Florida tight end has comparable size and speed to Hall of Fame WR Calvin Johnson. The Falcons could use Pitts to exploit mismatches and become a true red-zone threat. I trust head coach Arthur Smith to put Pitts in situations where he can excel and truly maximize his abilities at the next level.
WR Ja'Marr Chase - LSU
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
If you're looking for a perimeter threat with similar measurables to Julio Jones, then LSU's Ja'Marr Chase is the guy. The only real concern with Chase is potential rust after not playing in 2020. With Jones getting up there in age relative to his position, and coming off a soft-tissue injury, Chase could be a major acquisition to finally get a quality X-receiver behind Julio. Too many times, Ridley was tasked with playing in that spot in relief of Jones when he performs better playing the Z-receiver position. Bringing in Chase would solidify the Falcons' receiving core as the best in the NFL.
WR DeVonta Smith - Alabama
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
DeVonta Smith may not have the size of someone like Ja'Marr Chase, but he does have the speed and athleticism to be just as productive. Smith would give the Falcons another weapon on offense for Matt Ryan to throw to. In 2020, he recorded nearly 2,000 yards receiving, nearly 700 yards more than Ole Miss' Elijah Moore. The last time Atlanta drafted a Heisman Trophy winner was Auburn quarterback Pat Sullivan back in 1972.
QB Justin Fields - Ohio State
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Likely the best quarterback left on the board, Justin Fields could find himself playing back in his home state of Georgia. The Buckeyes signal-caller definitely has the ability to make all the throws, and the mobility to escape pressure. Despite the success of the program for the past two decades, there is a bit of a stigma around selecting a quarterback out of Ohio State, similar to Alabama, as they have been unable to produce NFL talent at the position. Fields, who after wowing scouts at his pro day earlier this week. could potentially be the one to break the mold.
1
1
