The Atlanta Falcons are going to look a lot different in 2024 than they have in the last few years. That is because they made one major move this offseason, firing head coach Arthur Smith and hiring Raheem Morris to take over for him.
It is a major change in philosophy for the franchise as Smith was an offensive-minded coach and they are now going with the defensive-minded Morris. Who he picks as his offensive coordinator and playcaller will be a major decision as there is a lot of talent to work with on that side of the ball.
The Falcons have a solid offensive line and used a first-round pick inside the top 10 on a skill position player in three straight years. In 2021 it was tight end Kyle Pitts. In 2022, it was wide receiver Drake London and last year it was running back Bijan Robinson.
NFL News & Rumors: Jayden Daniels, 2024 NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons Updates
All that is missing from this offense is a quarterback to bring it all together. Smith bet on 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder being the guy and he was wrong. Ridder combined with Taylor Heinicke for some underwhelming quarterback production during the 2023 season, going 7-10.
Finding a quarterback this offseason is a must if Morris wants to have a successful tenure in Atlanta. Quarterback is their biggest need this offseason according to the draft simulator over at PFF and they could fill that need with Jayden Daniels.
“Daniels is a good dual-threat quarterback who has a ton of yards from scrimmage. Last year, he focused on taking care of the ball and had one of the lowest turnover-worthy play rates in the nation. This year, he’s focused on playing better under pressure while pushing the ball downfield more often — and he’s done both at career-high levels. His growth in all areas is encouraging and shows that he could be a QB to invest in,’ written at PFF’s Big Board Analysis.
Currently slated to pick 8th overall, the Falcons would have to get aggressive to guarantee the chance to select Daniels. He is likely a lock for the top four, as he is in the mix with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye near the top of the draft.
There is a strong chance the first three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft are quarterbacks, meaning a trade up the board will be necessary for Daniels to land in Atlanta. The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, slotted into Nos. 2 and 3, are almost certainly going quarterback.
NFL News & Rumors: Jayden Daniels, 2024 NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons Updates
The Chicago Bears, owners of the No. 1 pick courtesy of the Carolina Panthers, will either select a quarterback or make a trade with a team looking to pick one. Unless the Commanders or Patriots move up to the first pick, meaning Chicago is sticking with Justin Fields, the first three picks could conceivably be a quarterback.
Moving up the draft board would be costly for Atlanta, but could be worthwhile. They cannot run it back with Ridder and Heinicke as their only options at quarterback for a second season, as something needs to change under center for the Falcons in 2024.
Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
