Falcons 2021 NFL Draft primer: Will they draft heir to Matt Ryan?
By Cory Kinnan
Looking at Falcons offseason thus far
This offseason, Atlanta has been one of the more uninspiring teams to witness on the free agent market. In fact, perhaps their biggest signing was the backup running back of the Carolina Panthers a year ago in Mike Davis. Other than that, the Falcons have filled out their roster with a boatload of depth players and rotational pieces.
The team has moved on from players formerly on their roster like running back Ito Smith, third-string quarterback Kurt Benkert, safety Ricardo Allen, offensive guard James Carpenter, and defensive lineman Allen Bailey. They have, however, re-signed a few of their own such as kicker Younghoe Koo, tight end Jaeden Graham, and defensive lineman Steven Means.
Other names added this offseason include former top-10 bust Barkevious Mingo, safety Erik Harris, nickel corner Fabian Moreau, safety Duron Harmon, and offensive weapon and return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson. Overall, however, there is not a name signed that instills confidence in the fanbase or fear into opponents.
The Falcons will have their work cut out for them in the 2021 NFL Draft. What are some of their top team needs and a handful of targets? We take a look there next as they look to begin the Arthur Smith era.