The 2024 NFL draft is over five months away and there’s a lot we expect to change before the first round begins on April 25. Currently, the Falcons hold the No. 11 overall pick and their situation at quarterback is far from settled.
With that in mind, we’ve projected a new quarterback to Atlanta in our first mock draft of the year. Using the Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator, here’s our latest five-round projection for the Falcons at midseason.
Round 1, Pick 11: QB Bo Nix - Oregon
This year’s quarterback class has a handful of interesting prospects and it’s time for the Falcons to quit being stubborn and go get their next franchise signal-caller. Nix is completing 77.9 percent of his passes and has thrown for 25 touchdowns with just two interceptions at Oregon this season. Other QB options include Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
Round 2, pick 43: EDGE Jonah Elliss - Utah
Here in the second round, Atlanta grabs Utah edge rusher Jonah Elliss, the brother of Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss and son of former NFL defensive lineman Luther Elliss. Thus far in 2023, Jonah Elliss has 13 sacks, 24 QB hurries and a PFF pass-rush grade of 91.1. Atlanta’s defense has made strides up front, but they still lack that difference-making edge.
Round 3, pick 75: WR Brenden Rice - USC
Speaking of dads who played in the NFL, I have the Falcons adding the son of the greatest wide receiver of all time in the third round. Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, would be a good long-term No. 2 option to Drake London in Atlanta. This season, the USC standout has 563 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Round 4, pick 111: DL Tyler Davis - Clemson
The Falcons have some quality defensive linemen, but the future of Calais Campbell is uncertain. Therefore, I have the team adding Clemson’s Tyler Davis in the fourth round. Davis has been a force against the run and would add some much-needed youth to the middle of Atlanta’s defense. Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, who was drafted in the fifth round out of Clemson back in 2015, would be a perfect mentor.
Round 5, pick 143: CB Jason Marshall Jr. - Florida
Recap of first round
Mock Recap with PFF Draft grade
