It’s common knowledge that the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. The position gets by far the most attention, the most scrutiny and paid the most money.
That was the theme of ESPN’s four-round re-draft, in which the site’s beat writers assumed the role of each general manager and selected new rosters for their teams. Four Atlanta Falcons were chosen out of the 128 players in the re-draft.
Quarterback Matt Ryan wound up back in Atlanta (pick. No 16), while All-Pro WR Julio Jones landed in Baltimore catching passes from Matthew Stafford. The other two Falcons selected were Grady Jarrett, who was taken by the 49ers, and Dante Fowler Jr. going back to the Rams.
Rounding out Vaughn McClure’s Falcons squad were Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan in the second round and two rookies — WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Jeff Okudah — in Rounds 3 and 4.
Here’s McClure’s excerpt on the team’s selections:
Eleven quarterbacks were drafted before my selection, and I’m one of those who believe Ryan is still a top-10 quarterback despite his age. You need your franchise QB, and he gives you almost a 70% completion rate and durability (one missed game over the past 10 seasons).
A consistent pass rush is also a must, and Jordan has averaged 13.5 sacks over the past three seasons. Pressure up front then needs to be coupled with great coverage, and all signs point to Okudah being a shutdown corner for years to come. Lastly, one NFL executive said Lamb will be a Pro Bowl receiver this year. As a rookie. So imagine how bright his future is.
In this theoretical league, the Falcons have a veteran franchise quarterback, and two of the best prospects to come out of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Check out how some of the other teams panned out in ESPN’s re-draft to see where Atlanta stacks up.
