Falcons GM Terry Fontenot’s draft resume takes another hit

Terry Fontenot hasn’t had a lot of success drafting during his time as the Falcons’ general manager.

His first draft class has all but dissipated. The only one who might play in Atlanta on a second contract is Ta’Quon Graham, who re-signed this offseason but isn’t guaranteed a roster spot. Kyle Pitts, the highest-drafted tight end in league history, is entering the final year of his contract, and it looks like it’ll be his last season in Atlanta.

Fontenot had five top 100 picks in the 2022 cycle, and it looks like Drake London is the only long-term piece to come out of it. Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Andersen have disappointed thus far as second-rounders, and don’t even get me started on the third-round picks of Desmond Ridder and DeAngelo Malone.

The 2023 draft class is headlined by Bijan Robinson, but Matthew Bergeron has the chance of also being a long-term building block in Atlanta. Zach Harrison and DeMarcco Hellams could be contributors as well, though it’s less clear if they’ll be with the Falcons for a second contract.

Last year’s rookie class played a historically small role for the Falcons, but it’s going to hinge on Michael Penix Jr. and Michael Penix Jr. alone. Ruke Orhorhoro will have high expectations in his second season because Fontenot traded up to get him, but again, it’s going to ride and die on Penix’s shoulders.

Fontenot’s 2025 class has the chance of being the best of his tenure, though, with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. potentially filling the Falcons’ longest standing need.

The Falcons haven’t gotten enough from their GM in the draft, and unfortunately, Terry Fontenot’s resumé took another hit. In the wake of signing the UFL’s leading rusher, Jashuan Corbin, the Falcons parted ways with Jase McClellan, a sixth-rounder from 2024.