Atlanta Falcons: Top first-round targets in the 2021 NFL Draft

2. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

We briefly discussed the quarterback position to start the article, and while it isn’t likely, it should still be in the conversation for the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan does have two years of ridiculous dead cap money, so it might be a situation where someone sits for two seasons and then is ready to go in year three.

As much as sitting might not benefit him, Justin Fields would be a great quarterback to be the successor in Atlanta. The talk surrounding Fields has been mostly negative throughout the draft process, which is a bit ludicrous. Fields possesses clear leadership qualities and was a big proponent of playing a football season last fall.

As far as the on-field traits go, what isn’t to like? He has an incredible arm capable of pushing the ball vertically and outside the numbers with tremendous accuracy. He’s comfortable making plays on the move and can pick up big yardage as a runner. His toughness and poise are underrated, and if the Clemson game doesn’t get you jazzed up about this guy, nothing will.

Having Fields come in and work under Ryan as he gets acclimated would be excellent, and there’s little doubt he’d come out firing in a couple of years with a (hopefully) well-built roster.