NEWSLETTER
The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we’re putting together an Atlanta Falcons 7-Round Mock Draft today. The Falcons have seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and will be looking to fill out their roster around new franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins and an impressive arsenal of offensive weapons.
Atlanta Falcons 7-Round Mock Draft
TRADE!
We’re getting creative from the jump here. With the Falcons having their quarterback, they’re trading back with the Denver Broncos so that Denver can jump in front of Minnesota and select J.J. McCarthy at No. 8.
Falcons Receive
Broncos Receive
Round 1, Pick 12: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
With Dallas Turner off the board at twelve, the Falcons still land one of the best edge rushers in the draft in UCLA’s Laiatu Latu.
Latu shows a veteran-like maturity, remarkable effectiveness as a run defender, and a well-thought-out approach to pass-rushing. His field awareness extends beyond mere blockers, and he has a relentless motor. Despite concerns about a previous neck injury, his performance at UCLA offers promising indicators for his NFL prospects, potentially excelling as a 3-4 outside linebacker and earning Pro Bowl recognition.
Round 2, Pick 43: CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Outside of the edge rusher position, the Falcons’ most significant need was a cornerback, and we could attack that here with Michigan’s Mike Sainristil.
Sainristil is a former receiver with surprising field awareness and attention to detail as a zone defender. He has potential as a nickel corner and has top-notch ball skills with six interceptions (two for scores) in 2023. While he has room for improvement, he is a reliable and tough player who is not afraid to step up as a run defender. He will be an impact player in the slot from the jump.
Round 3, Pick 74: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
The additions of Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore were excellent, but there’s always room for more offense in today’s NFL. Polk is a solid pick here, especially considering we have three picks in the third round (thanks to the trade back in round one).
This receiver has good size and had a productive final season. However, he may struggle against NFL press corners due to his lack of early acceleration and suddenness in route running. Still, he runs routes consistently and excels at catching contested balls and tracking deep passes.
Round 3, Pick 76: CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky
We’re returning to the well at cornerback with Kentucky’s Andru Phillips. Sainristil and Phillips fall inside most top 100 big boards this year, so we can give the Falcons a good chance at building some depth at corner.
Phillips is a promising player with some strengths and weaknesses. He has a lot of completions and drops, but a different playing scheme and more experience could improve his performance. Although he lacks anticipation in zone coverage, he can play man coverage and stick closely to routes. He is a strong run supporter and has good toughness, but he needs to work on his tackling. The key to his success will be finding the right scheme and proving himself in the slot. Despite his shortcomings, Phillips has the potential to improve and become a better player.
Round 3, Pick 79: DI Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
Hall is a bit of a project but worth a swing inside the top 100. With three third-rounders here and an excellent class thus far, this is a good spot to roll the dice.
Hall’s size limits his potential in the NFL, but he has good strength and can hold his own against bigger players. He is quick and agile but lacks the necessary power to take advantage of early opportunities against stronger opponents. Hall needs to gain weight, but he can still compete as a backup and be a valuable asset as a sub-rusher in a one-gapping scheme.
Round 4, Pick 109: QB Jordan Travis, Florida State
Kirk Cousins is 36, and he won’t last forever in Atlanta. Jordan Travis is an excellent developmental quarterback who will open day three of the NFL Draft.
Travis overcame career challenges and finished strong. He’s undersized but has an adequate arm and uses his legs well. His improvisational throwing is effective and accurate, but he can be slow in getting through progressions. He is a good leader and values ball security. His mobility and continued growth as a passer make him a good long-view project for Atlanta.
Round 5, Pick 143: LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
Bertrand will be a good swing linebacker/depth piece for an NFL team.
Bertrand is a team leader who has above-average production and carries good lean mass on his frame. He has appealing stats and plays with a decent nose for the football. However, his lack of speed and short-area quickness could be a major concern for teams as they assess his ability to keep up with NFL skill players who are on the move.
Bertrand needs to significantly improve his ability to take on or slip blocks and find ways to improve his angles and positioning to become a more consistent tackler. It is possible that Bertrand could get a look on Day 3 of the NFL draft, but his success on special teams might be the key to his future in the league.
Round 6, Pick 187: WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State
A lottery ticket here on a wideout in round six feels right.
Gould’s small size shouldn’t overshadow his impressive skill set. He has electrifying long speed and can play all three levels of the field as an outside receiver. Despite his size, he can outmaneuver tight man coverage from the slot and be a deep threat against slower cornerbacks. Gould can also be effective as a catch-and-run specialist and punt returner.
Round 6, Pick 197: CB Kamal Hadden, Tennessee
A big cover corner with athletic talent and a versatile skill set. He has good feet and strength to redirect routes from press but can be a little tight in transitions. He anticipates route breaks well and has good ball skills, but can panic and grab when behind. His speed is unclear, and his performance in the 40-yard dash will be telling. Hadden has good size and improved his coverage squeeze in 2023. If he stays healthy and runs well, he could be an eventual starting wide corner.
