Before we offer up our final first-round mock draft next week, let's take some time to focus on what the Falcons might do – not just with the fourth overall pick but throughout the draft.
Atlanta has nine picks overall, including three in the fifth round and two in the sixth. Of course, what the Falcons do with the fourth overall pick will undoubtedly affect the direction they go in subsequent rounds. And there's no guarantee that players they may be targeting even in the second or third rounds will still be available when they're on the clock. For now, here's a (slightly educated) guess as to how it might go…
Round 1
No. 4: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
We still fully expect the Falcons to trade this pick. So the question is: Which prospect will draw the most interest and force a team to send a bundle of picks to Atlanta for this spot? Lance, a dual threat QB, might not start on Day 1 for the team that drafts him, but he's got a very high ceiling.
If the Falcons don't find a trade partner and decide to draft their QB of the future here, Lance makes sense because he can sit behind Matt Ryan for at least a year.
Round 2
No. 35: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
This one could be wishful thinking because there's a chance Basham sneaks into the first round. And even if he makes it to Day 2, the two teams picking ahead of Atlanta (Jags, Jets) might both be interested. Heck, if Basham is still available late in the first round, it wouldn't be a bad idea to move up a few spots and grab him. Basham has a non-stop motor and would be a good fit opposite Dante Fowler Jr. Oh yeah, and he's got a great name for a pass rusher.
Round 3
No. 68: Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
Whether it's finding Alex Mack's replacement at center or taking the best available offensive tackle, the Falcons use this spot to bulk up the front line. There are some OTs worth taking here – maybe BYU's Brady Christensen? – but the 6-5, 312-pound Myers has the foundation, strength and big-game experience to step into the starting lineup quickly.
2021 Atlanta Falcons Tickets
Click below to learn more about 2021 Season Tickets and find your seat today!
Round 4
No. 108: Tre McKitty, TE, Georgia
Okay, so he's not Kyle Pitts. But here's the thing: Most first-round tight ends don't pan out, anyway. George Kittle? Fifth-round pick. Darren Waller? Sixth-round pick. McKitty certainly hasn't been used the way Pitts was in college, but the 6-4, 245-pounder has some potential. He's got 11-inch hands – biggest among the 2021 TE class.
Round 5
No. 148: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
The Falcons haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2016. In three seasons at Oklahoma and his senior campaign at Ohio State, Sermon never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season – but he flashed his potential when he rushed for a Buckeye record 331 yards in the Big Ten Championship Game and followed that with 193 yards vs. Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. We were reminded of his injury history when he went down early in the National Championship Game loss to Alabama—and that's why he's still on the board here -- but a fifth-round flyer is worth the risk for this potentially electric back.
No. 182: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Safety might be a more pressing need for Atlanta, but you can never have enough cornerback help in the pass-happy NFL. With this pick, the Falcons get a second-generation NFL cornerback. Asante Samuel was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion. His son has similar size and skill.
No. 183: Caden Sterns, S, Texas
The Falcons look to replace departed safety Keanu Neal with Sterns, an underclassman who had a terrific freshman season in 2018 but was slowed by injury as a sophomore. He only played seven games in 2020, but it was enough to show that he has some good coverage skills.
Round 6
No. 187: Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
Few teams have a better 1-2 punch at receiver than Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, but it couldn't hurt to at least consider life after Julio. The 6-1, 210-pound Palmer isn't polished, but he turned heads at the Senior Bowl with big-play ability.
No. 219: Tarron Jackson, EDGE, Coastal Carolina
If it were strictly a matter of need, Atlanta might look for a traditional linebacker here. But you can never have enough pass rushers. Jackson could be a developmental player, coming from a smaller school. The reason he could be available in the sixth round is that he was less productive against Coastal Carolina's tougher opponents. But considering Jackson had 18 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons he's an intriguing prospect.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here belong to Craig Ellenport and and do not represent the opinions of the Atlanta Falcons' front office staff, coaches and executives unless it is noted otherwise. Veteran NFL writer Craig Ellenport is editor-in-chief of The33rdTeam.com.
Welcome to Atlanta | See the new faces the Falcons have signed in 2021 Free Agency.
Chicago Bears' Cordarrelle Patterson tries to get past Green Bay Packers' Chandon Sullivan during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) scores a touchdown on a run against the Detroit Lions in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) makes a catch before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) warms up before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches the ball in warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) plays against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) in action against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson throws a football to a fan before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 in Chicago. The Vikings defeated the Bears 19-13. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions defeated the Cardinals, 26-23. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Duron Harmon (26) intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (21) runs after intercepting the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) is tackled by Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) during an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions beat the Cardinals 26-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (21) catches the ball prior to an an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. Houston won 28-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Duron Harmon catches during drills at the Lions NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon runs back an intern option against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Washington Football Team cornerback Fabian Moreau (25) runs to the locker room at half time during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart)
Washington Football Team cornerback Fabian Moreau (25) intercepts a Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sep. 13, 2020 in Landover, Md. Washington defeated the Eagles 27-17. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) tackles Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) misses the ball against Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) tries to stiff arm Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Kyzir White (44) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis scores against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) leaves the field after an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 46-23. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) lies down in the end zone following a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis )
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) flexes after a touchdown during an NFL football game between the against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 with Houston Texans outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo #52 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
New Orleans Saints Deonte Harris (11) is tackled by Chicago Bears Barkevious Mingo (50) and Demetrius Harris (86) on a punt return in the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Chicago Bears linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) in action on defense against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. The Bears defeated the Panthers 23-16. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) in action against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) looks on from the sideline during the NFL game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Chicago. The Saints defeated the Bears 26-23 in overtime. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) defends against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Copeland watches from the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Brandon Copeland before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches a Russell Wilson pass and is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (52) for a 9 yard gain during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Patriots 35-30. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) celebrates after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is sacked by New York Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) is tripped by New York Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Las Vegas Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) plays against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a pass over Las Vegas Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) poses for a photo before an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won, 14-3. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris returns an interception for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 27-14. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. Oakland won 31-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith catches a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) rests against the Houston Texans in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Houston. The Texans defeated the Bills 22-19. (Greg Trott via AP)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) runs for yardage after a catch during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. The Bills defeated the Patriots 38-9. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith blocks for quarterback Josh Allen, rear, in the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) catches an 8-yard touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game Sunday, October 6, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Jets offensive lineman Josh Andrews is pictured during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 40-3. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
New York Jets guard Josh Andrews (68) lines up in a two-point stance during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. The Jets defeated the Rams 23-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets offensive lineman Josh Andrews looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Jets 35-9. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Jets center Josh Andrews (68) wear a salute to service shirt during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
New York Jets offensive guard Josh Andrews (68) celebrates after a win over the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is pressured by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) after releasing the ball in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. The Saints won 31-9. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Bullard sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Chicago Bears defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) walks to the field prior to a week 2 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 in Chicago. Chicago won 24-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Chicago Bears defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) fires off the line during an NFL Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Bears defeated the 49ers 14-9. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Chicago Bears defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) looks on from the sideline bench during the NFL week 7 regular season football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in Chicago. The Patriots won the game 38-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles' Carson Wentz (11) passes against Chicago Bears' Jonathan Bullard (90) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
