The Atlanta Falcons rightfully earned the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NFL draft after a four-win season in 2020. Without a general manager or head coach in place, though, it remains a mystery which direction the team will go.
Per usual, the University of Alabama has produced several of the year’s top prospects. On Thursday, four Alabama players with first-round potential made their NFL aspirations official.
As reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, defensive lineman Christian Barmore and cornerback Patrick Surtain II have each declared for the 2021 draft.
Alabama QB Mac Jones, WR Jaylen Waddle, CB Patrick Surtain II and DL Christian Barmore have all declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
All four are considered likely first round picks.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 14, 2021
With the No. 4 pick, Atlanta will likely get a chance to select all four players. Jones outplayed Ohio State’s Justin Fields in the National Championship, however, probably not enough to pass him on big boards. Waddle is arguably the draft’s most talented receiver, but teammate DeVonta Smith has come on so strong this season that it could hurt Waddle’s stock.
Barmore is projected to go late in the first round, and therefore is an unlikely choice for the Falcons unless he falls to the second. Surtain is probably the most realistic option of the four. The projected top-10 pick could give Atlanta a second outside corner to pair up with A.J. Terrell next season.
