The urgent need for a quarterback clashed with Terry Fontenot’s preference for selecting the best available player, setting off speculation. However, the signing of Kirk Cousins for a hefty $180 million deal relieved some of that pressure.
This has cleared the path for Fontenot to stick to his strategy, prioritizing the top talent or perhaps someone who also addresses a team need. Dallas Turner has emerged as the favored choice in mock drafts for the 8th pick, a consensus that extends beyond just hypothetical scenarios.
Even Vegas odds are leaning towards Dallas Turner:
– Dallas Turner +150
– Laiatu Latu +600
– Jared Verse +750
– Quinyon Mitchell +750
– Rome Odunze +850
– J.J. McCarthy +1300
Additionally, an unnamed NFC executive mentioned to ESPN’s Jordan Reid that any effective pass rusher could be a potential draft target for the Falcons in the first round. While Falcons fans may not see eye to eye on many things, there’s a general belief that the pick will focus on enhancing the defense, possibly with a pass rusher.
One notable exception is Brian Baldinger, who unlike sensationalists like Skip Bayless, commands respect in the industry. Baldinger boldly suggested on Twitter that the Falcons might opt for a quarterback in the first round.
However, the chances of the Falcons selecting a quarterback are virtually negligible. The signing of Kirk Cousins wasn’t aimed at grooming his successor, and there’s a lack of quarterback prospects worthy of the 8th pick. The available options, Michael Penix and Bo Nix, may not meet the team’s expectations, risking a backlash from the fan base.
By investing heavily in Cousins, the Falcons have signaled their intent to compete, suggesting they are unlikely to take a quarterback in the first round. While they might consider one in the later rounds, doing so in the first round would be a major departure from their current trajectory.