Atlanta Falcons 2021 Mock Draft: Double dip at edge, quarterback late

Atlanta Falcons 2021 mock draft: Double-dip at edge, QB late.

The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2020 season with hope and manageable expectations. After a very good turnaround to end the 2019 season, and an extra playoff spot up for grabs, the Falcons looked poised for a chance to contend for the playoffs.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. After an 0-5 start that featured multiple blown leads, head coach Dan Quinn was ousted, with Raheem Morris taking over as the interim. Now, Atlanta’s rattled off three wins in four games, and are sitting just inside the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft order.

Obviously, this makes their long-term situation a little bit easier. If they were in position to draft an heir to Matt Ryan, it would be a tough call for ownership and whoever comes in next as general manager and head coach.

This team seems to be heading in the right direction once again, but the first month of the season continues to be an issue that plagues the Falcons, and costs them a shot in January. Quinn’s defense was a major part of the slow start, while the offense has inconsistent weeks.

The good news is that the roster is still full of young talent, along with established vets. Their passing game is still as lethal as ever with Julio Jones not showing signs of slowing down and Calvin Ridley continuing to get better. Ryan is still playing efficient football, and the offensive line remains solid.

The focus going forward in this 2021 mock draft will be the defensive side of the ball. Atlanta has whiffed on edge defenders in previous drafts, and this mock will feature a pair coming off the board. Let’s dive in and look at who the Falcons could select in April.