The Atlanta Falcons hold the eighth pick in the NFL Draft, scheduled to commence on April 25 in Detroit. They possess a total of eight picks across all seven rounds of the draft.
Here are the Falcons’ draft picks:
1. Round 1: 8th pick
2. Round 2: 8th pick
3. Round 2: 11th pick
4. Round 3: 10th pick
5. Round 3: 15th pick (from Jaguars)
6. Round 4: 9th pick
7. Round 5: 11th pick
8. Round 6: 11th pick
9. Round 7: 21st pick (from Browns)
The complete draft order for all rounds will be available for viewing during the seven-round NFL Draft.
Here are the key details of the NFL Draft:
– Round 1: April 25, 8 p.m. ET
– Rounds 2-3: April 26, 7 p.m. ET
– Rounds 4-7: April 27, Noon ET
All rounds of the draft will be broadcasted on ESPN/ABC and NFL Network, with Spanish coverage available on ESPN Deportes.
Stay tuned for Dane Brugler’s comprehensive guide to the NFL Draft, set to be published on Wednesday, April 10.
About the Falcons:
– Head Coach: Raheem Morris (first season with the team)
– Last Year’s Record: 7-10
During the offseason, the Falcons made significant moves in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million. Additionally, they acquired three speedy but unproven wide receivers: Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, and Ray-Ray McCloud. Despite these additions, the team still has pressing defensive needs, particularly at edge rusher and cornerback positions. It’s anticipated that they will address one of these areas with their first-round pick. The Falcons’ No. 8 pick holds significant trade value, especially with quarterback-needy teams like Minnesota (No. 11), Denver (No. 12), and Las Vegas (No. 13) potentially interested in making a deal. If Atlanta can secure a couple of defensive starters in the draft, they are poised to become strong contenders in the NFC South.
Key position needs for the Falcons:
1. Edge Rusher: With the transition to a 3-4 base defense, the Falcons may not bring back last year’s starters, Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell, both of whom are still free agents. While Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Zach Harrison, and DeAngelo Malone are currently on the roster, adding a starting-caliber player through the draft would be beneficial.
2. Cornerback: Despite hoping that a trade for former No. 3 pick Jeff Okudah would address the cornerback position, the Falcons allowed him to depart in free agency after a one-year trial. Dee Alford and Clark Phillips III appear better suited for a nickelback role, leaving an immediate opening for an outside cornerback.
3. Wide Receiver: Although the Falcons signed three wide receivers in March to complement Drake London, there’s still room for more talent. It would be particularly intriguing if one of this year’s top prospects—Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze—is available with the eighth overall pick.