Falcons trade up for franchise QB in latest mock draft

The Falcons currently have the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 in Detroit. But NFL.com's Lance Zierlein believes they will trade up to land their future franchise quarterback in his latest mock draft.

Zierlein predicts that Atlanta will strike a deal with the Chargers, who currently own the No. 5 pick. With that pick, the Falcons will then select UNC QB Drake Maye.

"New head coach Raheem Morris has plenty of offensive weapons, but he needs someone to run the show," Zierlein writes. "Maye was inconsistent last season, but he has fantastic traits and high upside, so Atlanta makes a move for the QB."

It would be surprising if Maye falls to pick No. 5, as he has been projected to go in the top three by most "experts." But Zierlein thinks there will be a run on wide receiver with the Patriots drafting Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 3 and Cardinals taking Washington's Rome Odunze at No. 4.

New England passing on quarterback seems unlikely but much crazier things have happened on draft night. Atlanta could surely be a benefactor if that happens.

Maye is a little raw, with just two years of starting experience. But he has been impressive throwing for 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns and 16 interceptions from 2022-23. He would be a day one starter over quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.

As for the Chargers, Zierlein believes they'll land Alabama CB Terrion Arnold at No. 8.

"Arnold fits the mold of press corner that Jim Harbaugh employed at Michigan," Zierlein writes. "Cornerback is clearly one of the top needs on the board for the Chargers."

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah believes Arnold could "go as high as fifth overall" after posting 63 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, five interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 2023.

So, trading down to acquire more draft assets while adding arguably the best corner in this year's draft wouldn't be a bad move at all for Los Angeles and could be a true win-win for both sides.