The Atlanta Falcons are 0-1 to start the 2026 NFL season and are already facing one burning question: will they eventually have an answer at quarterback as the season moves forward.
As third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to make his way back from injury and Tua Tagovailoa also recovers from an abdominal strain, new head coach Kevin Stefanski has put his trust in Cooper Rush, who threw two interceptions in the team’s 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Could Stefanski turn to undrafted free agent rookie Jack Strand to lead a talented Falcons offense? If he does, that would only be a short-term answer. The long-term question is whether Penix Jr. can stay healthy and prove he is Atlanta's franchise quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons 2027 NFL Draft needs: Quarterback tops the list
Given the talent on both sides of the ball, quarterback is shaping up to be the biggest potential need for the Falcons. When Penix Jr. does return, he will need to prove he’s the answer at the position. Even if he plays well, could it still be in the Falcons' best interest to target the QB position?
Other areas of need include WR2 to pair with Drake London and help in the trenches on both sides of the ball. If the season ended today, the Falcons would hold the No. 5 overall pick, which puts them in the conversation when it comes to the top quarterback talent in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 5: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
With the No. 5 overall pick, the Falcons select Oregon star Dante Moore. Penix’s performance and health throughout the season will play a key role in where the Falcons select in the 2027 NFL Draft and what their primary need will be.
If Penix continues to struggle with injuries, I think Moore could be a perfect addition to the Falcons offense. While he gave scouts a reason to question his No. 1 overall potential in a loss against Oklahoma State, Moore does have the poise and arm talent to be effective with a team that has the type of talent the Falcons have at key positions.
An offensive core of London at wide receiver, Bijan Robinson at running back, Kyle Pitts Jr. at tight end, a young slot receiver in Zachariah Branch and Moore under center would be fascinating on paper. The question with Moore is whether he can be elite at the next level.
He has the talent and would have plenty of talent around him. He would also have the right system, as Stefanski’s offensive scheme fits his strengths when it comes to intermediate passing off play-action.
Round 2, Pick 36: KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers
With the No. 36 overall pick, the Falcons add even more offensive talent. Atlanta is currently banking on Jahan Dotson to fill that WR2 role, but a potential long-term option at the position is Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff, who has been ballin’ despite his team’s 0-2 start to the college football season.
At 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Duff is a defensive nightmare due to his size, catch radius and ability to make plays down the field. As a feature in our NFL Mocks Watch series, Duff’s hot start to the season is raising his draft stock and putting him in the first-round conversation. With 17 receptions for 333 yards and five touchdowns through just two games, Duff is emerging as one of the top receivers in the class.
With the Falcons, he would fit nicely into that WR2 role and give the offense a 1-2 punch with London that could emerge as one of the top duos in the NFL due to the size and contested-catch ability of both receivers.
Round 3, Pick 67: Anthony Smith, DL, Minnesota
The Falcons also project to have a significant need along the defensive line. In selecting Anthony Smith with the No. 67 overall pick, the Falcons add another young player to the mix who they can rely on to help fortify the trenches.
While Atlanta does have a veteran presence with Gervon Dexter Sr., Za’Darius Smith and Da’Shawn Hand, the Falcons are looking for more star power. The hope is that either Brandon Dorlus and/or Masson Smith develops into that role.
If both can become reliable impact defenders, the addition of Smith adds depth and gives the Falcons another young defensive end who offers size, athleticism and versatility. At 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, Smith is a player who can get after the quarterback as a powerful defensive end and slide inside to create pressure up the middle. He is also solid against the run, which would further strengthen the Falcons’ defensive line.
Round 4, Pick 103: Ian Moore, OT, Ohio State
The Falcons are also projected to have needs along the offensive line. In the fourth round, they select Ohio State tackle Ian Moore with the No. 103 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Following the sudden retirement of Kaleb McGary, the Falcons are looking for a long-term answer at the position. They did sign Jawaan Taylor to a one-year deal, but drafting Moore would give them a younger, cheaper solution.
At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, Moore is a versatile lineman who is currently Ohio State’s left tackle. With his draft stock rising, the athletic tackle is a player the Falcons could bring in to compete for the right tackle job in 2027 while also developing him as a potential successor to Jake Matthews, who will be 35 in 2027.
Atlanta Falcons 4-round mock draft: Building for the future
Overall, this mock draft answers the Falcons' biggest long-term question at quarterback. Selecting Moore with the No. 5 overall pick just a few drafts after taking Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick would certainly raise questions about Atlanta's previous investment at the position, especially after the Falcons also signed Kirk Cousins to a big contract that same offseason.
Could they have found star power at another position with that top-10 pick back in 2024?
It’s hindsight now, but the players selected in this mock draft would give the Falcons an opportunity to add youth and talent at key positions while also finding a long-term option at the position that matters most: quarterback.
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