After rampant speculation that the Atlanta Falcons were going to use the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NFL draft on a quarterback, the team instead chose the most QB-friendly option in Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.
The Falcons think new head coach Arthur Smith can get Matt Ryan back on track this season, but don’t expect the quarterback speculation to go anywhere in 2022. Early mock drafts are already pouring in and it’s pretty hard to find one without the team selecting a new signal-caller. On Thursday, Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling released a new two-round mock in which Atlanta finds a quarterback, edge rusher and running back.
First, Easterling has the Falcons taking Liberty QB Malik Willis with the No. 7 overall pick. An Atlanta native, Willis transferred from Auburn and had an impressive 2020 season for the Flames. He led the team to a 9-1 record, passing for 2,260 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 944 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.
Here’s Willis tossing three scores and rushing for another against Virginia Tech last season.
Then in the second round of Draft Wire’s mock, the Falcons grab Oklahoma EDGE Nik Bonitto at pick No. 39 overall. Bonitto had somewhat of a breakout season for the Sooners in 2020, finishing with 32 tackles, 8.5 sacks and two passes defended.
Atlanta acquired a second second-round pick through the Julio Jones trade with Tennessee — which ended up being pick No. 54 in Draft Wire’s mock. Using that pick, the Falcons add Ohio State running back Master Teague III. Last season, Teague III rushed for 514 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry for the Buckeyes.
Check out Draft Wire’s full two-round mock here.
