After finishing 7-10 in 2023, we assumed the Atlanta Falcons could really focus heavily on immediate-impact players in the 2024 NFL draft. Then, after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a huge free-agent contract, that sentiment seemed to be even more true.
Then the draft came and Atlanta threw it all out the window. Despite having Cousins on the roster, the Falcons spent their first-round pick on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. This took that all-important first choice and essentially threw it away from the upcoming season.
Looking at the rest of the draft class, we see several guys on the fringe but none of the Falcons rookie class appear to be poised to earn a starting spot this season.
That’s not to say defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus and Ruke Orohoro won’t play. Both guys should be key rotational players along the defensive line.
One sleeper guy we love and want to see crack the starting lineup at some point is edge defender Bralen Trice. The Cardinals starting outside linebackers are Lorenzo Carter only had three sacks in 2023 and Arnold Ebiketie wasn’t much better with six.
Offensively, however, there’s no one here that really excites us in terms of impact in 2024. The Falcons needed another wide receiver but Casey Washington as a sixth-round pick has his work cut out for himself despite some solid potential.
