ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are getting ready to make their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a new head coach, it could offer fans and analysts an indication of what kind of team the Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris is trying to build.
For a new head coach, it could give us tons of information about the direction Morris will take and how offensive vs. defensive his strategy will be.
As a former defensive coordinator, Morris' picks for the offense will certainly be important to watch, as he will look to build on an impressive group of playmakers starting with last year's first-round pick Bijan Robinson.
Falcons fans are hoping the team can rebound off of a disappointing 7-9-0 performance, precipitating Arthur Smith's firing after three seasons as head coach.
But where will the Falcons be in this year's draft lineup? We'll take a look at what picks the Falcons will have this year.
When do the Falcons pick?
Round 1: Eighth pick
Round 2: 43rd pick
Round 3: 74th pick and 79th pick
Round 4: 109th pick
Round 5: 143th pick
Round 6: 187th pick and 197th pick
It's the third season in a row that the Falcons have the eighth pick in the NFL draft.
While a new head coach could change the drafting strategy, let's take a look at the past five years of picks from the Atlanta Falcons and which programs they came from.
2023: Bijan Robinson (eighth pick) | Running back, University of Texas
2022: Drake London (eighth pick) | Wide receiver, University of Southern California
2021: Kyle Pitts (fourth pick) | tight end, University of Florida
2020: A.J. Terrell (16th pick) | Cornerback, Clemson University
2019: Kaleb McGary (31th pick) | Offensive Tackle, University of Washington
After a string of disappointing seasons, with the new head coach and the poaching of Kirk Cousins from the Vikings as quarterback, it'll be interesting to watch where the Falcons season takes them.
With last year's pick, Bijan Robinson, being a standout for the Falcons, fans are likely crossing their fingers that they'll be able to replicate their success from last season with the eighth pick and possibly setting the stage for a successful season under the bright lights of the Benz.