The Atlanta Falcons made a somewhat surprising move once their 2023 season ended, firing head coach Arthur Smith. He was with the team for three seasons, going 7-10 in each campaign as the team didn’t take as big of a step forward as ownership had hoped it would.
One of the biggest shortcomings of Smith’s tenure with the team was finding a quarterback to lead the offense. The Falcons moved on from Matt Ryan during the 2022 offseason, turning to Marcus Mariota and eventually Desmond Ridder to lead the team.
While Mariota was moved on from, Smith hitched his wagon to Ridder in Year 3 as a head coach and it proved to be the wrong decision. Ridder was benched at one point for Taylor Heinicke, who was signed in free agency.
NFL News & Rumors: Jayden Daniels, 2024 NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons Updates
The results were poor enough that they ultimately ended up in Smith losing his job. While finding a new head coach is the No. 1 priority in Atlanta, figuring out the quarterback situation is a close second.
There is certainly a chance the Falcons look to the 2024 NFL Draft to address their quarterback needs. A trade could be needed to get into range for the top prospects as Atlanta is slated to pick at No. 8.
If that is the route they go down, LSU’s Jayden Daniels would be a prime target. In the opinion of Trevor Sikkema of PFF, Daniels, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, is the perfect draft prospect for the Falcons this year.
“By going back and forth between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke this season, the Falcons have made it clear they know what their biggest need is. They likely won’t be picking high enough for Drake Maye or Caleb Williams, but the electric dual-threat Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels, could be just as good of a fit. His rushing ability (elite rushing grade in 2023) would give the Falcons another electric ground game weapon,” wrote Sikkema.
The Falcons certainly aren’t lacking for weapons on offense. In the first round of the last three drafts, they selected a skill position player. In 2021 it was tight end Kyle Pitts, followed by wide receiver Drake London. In 2023, it was running back Bijan Robinson.
NFL News & Rumors: Jayden Daniels, 2024 NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons Updates
A quarterback is needed to bring that all together and the next head coach could have the chance to select one in the first round. Daniels would be a great fit as a dual-threat option who is as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm.
Experienced and productive in college, Daniels is someone who is shooting up draft boards. If Atlanta wants to land him, they are going to have to make a trade to move up the draft board.
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