Way-too-early Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft preview

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit. Per Tankathon, here is the first-round order.

Atlanta is done waiting. The organization began a necessary rebuild in 2022 with Matt Ryan's trade to the Colts, which accounted for a then-record $40.525 million dead cap hit against the Falcons that season. Through the ashes of the Ryan era that came oh so close to a Super Bowl victory, a young team with substantial upside has emerged in the immensely winnable NFC South.

This past season, rookie running back Bijan Robinson was electric (when former head coach Arthur Smith designed plays for him), and the defense was much improved. It ranked eighth against the pass, allowing 202.9 yards per game, its first top-10 finish since 1999. 

As the team looks to continue its climb, here are three NFL Draft prospects who need to be on their radar. 

2023 record: 7-10 | First-round pick: No. 8 | Team needs: QB, EDGE, WR

Potential first-round picks: EDGE Dallas Turner, WR Rome Odunze, QB J.J. McCarthy 

Atlanta's most effective pass-rushers in 2023 were Calais Campbell, 37, and Bud Dupree, 31, so getting younger at that position should be paramount for the front office. Turner had 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last year at Alabama, leading to him being named a consensus All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Drafting another skill-position player is also a possibility. The Falcons lack depth at wide receiver behind Drake London, who was selected No. 8 overall in 2021. In 2023, London led the team with 110 targets, 69 receptions and 905 yards, while all other Falcons wideouts combined for 99 targets, 55 receptions and 745 yards. 

Odunze was one of the standout performers at the combine, solidifying himself as a top 10 pick in the upcoming draft. During his senior year, Odunze led the NCAA in receiving yards (1,640) and finished his college career with 3,272 yards, tied for the 10th-most in Pac-12 history since 1956.

Atlanta is expected to pursue quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency and could also be in play for Justin Fields if a deal with Cousins fails to materialize. By going that route, the Falcons would be out of the market for a quarterback. However, if they strike out on veteran options, McCarthy could be an attractive option at No. 8. Per The Athletic's Kevin Seifert, the College Football Playoff championship-winning quarterback is viewed highly by people in the NFL, and if the Falcons aren't in play for one of the top three quarterbacks in the class, he could fall in their lap.