B-
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons left with their quarterback, and a B- to match.
by kjw23 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 2 steals
· 6 reaches
The rest of the league had time to spare on Nick Andersen; the Falcons did not wait, grabbing him 122 spots ahead at the Round 6 slot. Call it a sensible B-, earned the boring way.
Whatever else happened, they won the night they took Alexander. Drake Maye gives the offense a face and a plan, and the grade leans heavily on whether he hits. Leaving wide receiver unaddressed is the roster risk they will have to answer for in the fall.
Job largely done: offensive lineman settled and 6 of 8 of the wish list covered.
In sum, a sturdy weekend with one asterisk, the wide receiver spot they never got to.
Pick-by-Pick
In No. 10 they get their quarterback of the future. Exactly the need they had to hit.
A offensive lineman of that caliber at the 42nd overall pick is the definition of value, full stop. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
Value said wait; Will Shipley in Round 3, Pick 10 says they were not listening. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
A wild overpay on Tyler Batty in pick No. 110, the sort that defines a class for the wrong reasons. The roster fit checks out.
A reach for McCallan Castles in the 147th pick; a little patience would have been rewarded. A need, and now a little less of one.
This one needs a full-page explanation: Luke Reimer in pick 188, miles early. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
Nick Andersen at No. 204 is the pick scouts circle, and not in a good way. It adds depth where they could use a little.
Zy Alexander at slot 231 is daylight robbery; nobody expected him to last. Depth more than a fix, but depth they can use.
Phil Jurkovec in pick 247 is a bet on their own eyes over everyone else's grade. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.