2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams

1 (4): Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

This was a no-brainer pick in the 2021 NFL Draft for the Atlanta Falcons. Pitts was the top non-quarterback on the board. The only bummer is — how long will he be on the same roster as Julio Jones? This pick is way more fun if the Falcons can keep the entirety of their offensive core intact.

There is no pass thrown Pitts’ way he won’t be favored to come down with.

2 (40): Richie Grant, S, UCF

Although he’s going to be 24 in his rookie season, the Falcons got arguably the best safety in this draft class here. Grant gets his hands on the football, and doesn’t make many mistakes out there. He committed just one penalty in over 2,300 snaps according to ESPN’s Jesse Palmer.

3 (68): Jalen Mayfield, OL, Michigan

Although raw as heck, Mayfield has shown some first-round type stuff on tape while at Michigan. There’s development needed here, but Mayfield in round three is a far better value at right tackle (or even guard) than many in a deep offensive line class.

4 (108): Darren Hall, CB, San Diego State

New Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees is going to require press-man abilities from day one and Darren Hall is a young player who can provide exactly that.

He is a good athlete at corner with below-average size and some nice production, including 31 pass breakups and six interceptions over his last three seasons.

4 (114): Drew Dalman, C, Stanford

In the days leading up to the Draft, rumors began emerging that NFL teams coveted Dalman. The Falcons managed to get him in the fourth round with a selection they acquired from the Denver Broncos trading back in the second. Dalman will be competing with 2020 third-rounder Matt Hennessey.

5 (148): Ta’Quon Graham, DL, Texas

Team captain at Texas with long 35-inch arms, tremendous upper-body strength, and quickness off the ball. He needs to be more consistent as a pass rusher but there’s upside here, no question.

5 (182): Adetokunbo Ogundeji, EDGE, Notre Dame

Ogundeji is a big body off the edge who could play standing up or as a down lineman. He has strong hands and long limbs. I really like his upside as a three-down defender in the NFL.

5 (183): Avery Williams, CB, Boise State

They don’t get much better than Avery Williams on special teams. Although he’s a small defensive back, he was productive for the Broncos, taking back 9 total returns (five punt returns, three kick returns, and a blocked punt) for touchdowns. He had five kick blocks in his years at Boise State and is an absolute star in that phase of the game.

6 (187): Frank Darby, WR, Arizona State

You’ve got to look back at Darby’s tape in 2019 to be excited for this pick. He’s a great deep threat on the outside with an average of nearly 20 yards per reception when he was playing in tandem with Brandon Aiyuk.

Team captain who will bring a great presence to the Falcons’ locker room.