Falcons Friday Recap: Bill Belichick, Kirk Cousins, mock drafts

The Atlanta Falcons may not have qualified for the postseason but the front office has been busy searching for the team’s next head coach. Unless you have been actively avoiding all Falcons news, you’ve likely heard that Bill Belichick has become the heavy favorite to land the job.

Belichick previously met with team owner Arthur Blank on his yacht last weekend and the former Patriots head coach is back in Atlanta for his second interview.

In today’s Falcons recap, we look at the latest Belichick reports, some potential quarterback options for Atlanta, and catch up on a few different NFL mock drafts.

Falcons closing in on Belichick

Per the Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Belichick was flown to Atlanta on Blank’s private jet and more meetings are expected. Don’t be surprised to see an announcement before the weekend is over.

Kirk Cousins to follow Belichick to ATL?

The Falcons need a quarterback but that doesn’t mean they’ll take one in this year’s draft. If Belichick is hired, as many expect, free-agent QB Kirk Cousins could be an option. “I’m not going to turn down an opportunity to play for a future Hall of Fame coach,” said the former Vikings quarterback on the chance to play for Belichick.

Mock Draft roundup

The Falcons are expected to take a quarterback, but they could find it challenging to get the one they want at pick No. 8. With quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels all expected to go in the top five, Atlanta may have to move up to get the guy they want.  If the Falcons stand pat at No. 8, there’s no telling what they will do. Let’s check out what some different mock drafts are projecting for Atlanta.

• CBS Sports: DE Dallas Turner – Alabama

• Draft Network: DE Laiatu Latu – UCLA

• ESPN: DE Laiatu Latu – UCLA

• NFL.com: DE Dallas Turner – Alabama

• Falcons Wire: QB Jayden Daniels – LSU

Ex-Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff weighs in on Belichick rumors

“He’s the man out there that can help bring an organization to win a Super Bowl in the next three or four years over anyone,” said former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on Bill Belichick.

Falcons interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn

Glenn, a former NFL defensive back, was hired as Detroit’s defensive coordinator in 2021 after spending five years in New Orleans as the defensive backs coach for the Saints.  — READ FULL STORY

Falcons interview/request tracker

The Falcons have conducted eight interviews thus far and there should be a few more on the way. On Thursday, it was reported that the team requested an interview with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Atlanta also spoke with Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson on Thursday.

Here’s a look at each interview the team has held thus far:

• Steve Wilks

• Mike Macdonald

• Brian Callahan

• Bill Belichick

• Jim Harbaugh

• Anthony Weaver

• Brian Johnson

• Ejiro Evero

CLICK HERE for to check out our Falcons head coach tracker!

Falcons top 10 PFF grades on offense

Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Chris Lindstrom highlight the team’s 10 highest-graded defensive players, according to Pro Football Focus. CLICK HERE for the full list!

Falcons top 10 PFF grades on defense

Nate Landman, Jessie Bates, David Onyemata and others highlight the team’s 10 highest-graded defensive players, according to Pro Football Focus. CLICK HERE for the full list!

Story originally appeared on Falcons Wire