Falcons fans are losing their minds over the thought of Atlanta selecting a wide receiver with their first-round pick, and rightfully so. Sure, it is the roster’s biggest need, followed closely by EDGE defenders, but Terry Fontenot has been quite outspoken about his “best player available” strategy. Whichever prospect the Falcons come away with, it won’t be because the team needs that position; it’ll be because that player is rated highly on their big board.
Receivers Drake London and Garrett Wilson are two of the names Falcons Fans have seen most consistently in mock drafts, but I can’t fathom selecting either with the eighth pick. In my opinion, neither of those prospects are top-ten players in this class; I don’t even think they’re the best at their position. Jameson Williams is the top pass catcher in this draft, but a late-season ACL injury has resulted in him falling down draft boards.
If the Falcons do select a receiver at No. 8, it will be Jamo. However, I still believe it’ll be a different prospect — Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jermaine Johnson II, Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Charles Cross, Derek Stingley Jr., Sauce Gardner, or Kyle Hamilton. Even though the Falcons’ leadership has consistently stated they’ll draft the best player available whether or not it adds to a position of strength, national draft pundits continue to mock Atlanta landing a receiver in the hours leading up to the draft. Dane Brugler mocked the Falcons coming away with Jameson Williams, which I could honestly see, and Mel Kiper put out his final mock with Atlanta selecting Garrett Wilson.Â
8. Atlanta Falcons
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
I thought about Jordan Davis for the Falcons; he could be an immovable object in the middle of their defensive line. But their wide receiver depth chart is No. 32 in the league. They have to get better. Wilson can be their No. 1 immediately.
First and foremost, Wilson at No. 8 is a total reach. Secondly, the thought of Jordan Davis landing in the top ten is another blasphemous take. Kiper is certainly plugged into the league, but I am so sick of seeing Wilson and London interchangeably mocked to the Falcons. If these pundits believe they’re the eighth-best prospect, then I’m arguing with their evaluation. However, these national draft analysts are just looking at the depth chart and predicting that the Falcons will land whichever receiver prospect they have rated highest. It’s indefensible, and completely inconsistent with Terry Fontenot’s draft strategy.
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Photographer: Steven King/Icon Sportswire
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