Pete Schrager is an analyst, personality on NFL Network and he has released his latest Mock Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons have been the subject of much speculation in this draft because of their No. 4 pick and willingness to take one of several players at various positions as well as trade back.
The latest draft rumor had the Falcons and Broncos making a deal.
Schrager has the Falcons staying at No. 4, passing (no pun intended) on their quarterback of the future, and selecting tight end Kyle Pitts from Florida.
Schrager says of the pick, “Pitts would sure make sense, given what Atlanta’s done this offseason. Matt Ryan can still sling it, and is accounting for plenty of cap space to do so. Remember, Arthur Smith’s offense in Tennessee excelled with tight ends Anthony Firkser and Jonnu Smith, and neither has the otherworldly talent that Pitts possesses.”
For months, we’ve been an advocate of taking Justin Fields with the No. 4 pick if he’s available. In this mock, Fields is not only available, he falls to the Carolina Panthers at No. 8. Should the Falcons pass on Fields, and have to face him twice a year against a team 250 miles up I-85, it’s a decision that could haunt them for a decade.
In 2020 the Falcons finished dead last in total defense, had the 27th ranked rushing attack, allowed the fifth most sacks and have a quarterback that will be 36 heading into the 2021 season.
Kyle Pitts is an exciting talent, but of the elite talents available in the Top 10 in this draft, he does the least to help Atlanta win in the next two seasons. With Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley has primary receiving weapons, Schrager actually makes the case AGAINST Pitts. Anthony Fisker and Jonnu Smith didn’t need unworldly talent to excel in Arthur Smith’s offense.
They needed a running game. They needed an offensive line. The Titans needed a defense.
The Falcons come up short on those three categories. Where the Falcons clearly have the Titans beat? Pass Catchers.
If the Falcons decide they don’t want a quarterback at No. 4, trading down would be the best scenario. This team isn’t one player away from competing for championships, and stock piling talented, young players while getting the salary cap under control would be the best option.
