Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer released a full seven-round, 257-pick mock draft, taking his best shot at forecasting the 2024 NFL Draft. Iyer had a plan for Atlanta that resembles the recent shift in focus for General Manager Terry Fontenot and the front office in Flowery Branch: The attention turns to the defense.
We analyze each pick that Iyer gave to the future of Atlanta and their viability in 2024 and beyond.
Round one, Pick 8 – Dallas Turner, Alabama
The Falcons have been aggressive with their major offensive upgrades, led by signing Kirk Cousins. While that should please new coordinator Zac Robinson, this is a chance to get defensive-minded coach Raheem Morris a cornerstone pass rusher who also makes a lot of plays elsewhere.
Atlanta’s need for a difference-maker rushing the passer is one of the worst-kept secrets in this draft. The need is enough that a double-dip at edge rusher would not be out of the realm of possibility. Before they double-dip, they have to get the first edge rusher, and they choose Alabama’s Dallas Turner to headline this year’s draft class. Turner has elite physical traits that can help him develop to become more than just a great pass rusher. He can become a defensive weapon that Lake can deploy however he sees fit.
You can’t teach this
Dallas Turner athleticism is wild. pic.twitter.com/N0w47saLEu— Trigg Dibiase (@Trigg3100) April 4, 2024
Round two, pick 43 – S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
The Falcons can go defense again for Morris after getting Turner for the edge rush in the first round. The top safety on the board would form a terrific 1-2 punch with star Jessie Bates III.
The time of Richie Grant being that second safety next to Bates ends with the new regime’s arrival. One of the more versatile safeties in this draft hails from the Great Lakes in Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin. Nubin is one of the rangier ball-hawks at the safety position, and in the two-high system that Lake deploys, Nubin and Bates can be an interchangeable duo that can wreak havoc in the defensive backfield.
Minnesota Safety Tyler Nubin Since 2021:
🐿 91.0 PFF Grade
🐿 376 Yards Allowed
🐿 12 Interceptions
🐿 11 Pass Breakups
🐿 33.0 Passer Rating Allowed pic.twitter.com/cebmGxtkVr— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 8, 2024
Round three, pick 74 – DL Michael Hall, Ohio State
The Falcons stay defensive-minded for Raheem Morris, now addressing a key rotational backup piece with natural strength and explosiveness.
The barrage of defensive playmakers continues as the front lines gain another trooper in Ohio State’s Michael Hall. While undersized, Hall has solid strength and surprising agility to get around would-be blockers.
THREAD: Ohio State DT Michael Hall Jr told @KellyanneStitts at Ohio State Pro Day that he has a pre-draft meeting scheduled with Kansas City
At 6’3″ & 290 lb, Hall projects to be a B-Gap penetrator in the #Chiefs‘ defense. He can win off the snap w/ fast, impactful hands pic.twitter.com/8C2SEsrs8y
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 28, 2024
Round three, pick 79 – LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Clemson
The Falcons can keep up the strong defensive haul behind Dallas Turner, Tyler Nubin, and Michael Hall Jr. by addressing another key inside piece to upgrade next to Kaden Elliss.
Atlanta continues adding to the defense as they add another depth piece in Clemson ILB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. One of the top interior linebackers in this class, Trotter brings more than just a recognizable last name. He brings innate instincts and football intelligence that help him always be in a position to make a play.
#Clemson Jeremiah Trotter Jr would make a great addition to the #Cowboys #NFLDraft2024
pic.twitter.com/pGZKKe9gfI— Alex Esquivel (@esquivelalex22) April 1, 2024
Round four, pick 109 – CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State
Florida State’s Jarrian Jones is not afraid to mix it up near the line of scrimmage while showing great closing speed to make a play on the ball when it’s in the air. His versatility to play in the slot and outside will make him a fun chess piece for a defensive coordinator.
Love the instincts and decisiveness that Jarrian Jones plays with. Then combines it with the closing speed to break this pass up on the sideline. FUN player imo. pic.twitter.com/0ZiIqwRY71
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) April 2, 2024
Round five, pick 143 – WR Malik Washington, Virginia
Virginia’s Malik Washington plays with incredible instincts and a knack for winning at the catch-point. A slot-first receiver, Washington would be yet another weapon that could work from the inside out.
Malik Washington had a 92.4 PFF REC grade, which ranked 2nd in this draft class. pic.twitter.com/rBhSY6t5zz
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) April 8, 2024
Round six, pick 187 – RB Kimani Vidal, Troy
Running back isn’t a need in Atlanta. With Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier in the fold, Troy’s Kimani Vidal would be fighting an uphill battle to get on the field. However, the contact balance and ability in pass protection would make him a formidable option.
Former Troy HC Jon Sumrall (now at Tulane) told us Kimani Vidal is the best pass pro RB he’s ever been around.
Just rolled thru Vidal’s blitz pickup cutup and he just 𝑩𝑼𝑪𝑲𝑳𝑬𝑺 dudes (really fun tape!).
Reps like this👇are why @kimanividal is quietly a favorite among NFL… pic.twitter.com/gvxy6FwaWX
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 1, 2024
Round six, pick 197 – QB Joe Milton, Tennessee
At this point in the draft, drafting a quarterback with the athleticism of Tennessee’s Joe Milton would be a steal. Milton’s ability as a quarterback leaves a lot to be desired. Milton’s bazooka of an arm, mixed with his physical gifts, make this a worthwhile investment.
Turns out that wasn’t the moon blocking the sun. Joe Milton was just working on his deep ball again.
pic.twitter.com/G63SuNrJj0— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) April 8, 2024
