Few teams are going to have worse draft grades than the Atlanta Falcons. Arthur Smith became infamous due to his questionable personnel choices, and first-year head coach Raheem Morris might have outdone him. While anything could happen once the season starts, all signs point towards Atlanta wanting a do-over.
Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft Grades: The Worst in the League?
First Round (8th Overall): Michael Penix, QB
This is one of the worst draft picks in recent memory. Even if the Falcons needed a quarterback, Michael Penix would be a reach with the eighth overall pick. However, they just handed $100 million in guaranteed money to Kirk Cousins, which means the 24-year-old oft-injured Penix will not be able to play for 2-4 years. Ultimately, the win-now Falcons invested a high pick into an older prospect who can’t help the team in the short term and will be due for an extension shortly after he finally hits the field.
Falcons Draft Grade: F
Michael Penix NFL Draft Profile
Second Round (35th Overall): Ruke Orhorhoro, DT
The Falcons traded up to use the 35th-overall pick on a player most expected to go off the board in the back of the 2nd round or early in the third. Not only that, but they passed on a better prospect in Jer’Zhan Newton to select Orhorhoro. Things are pointing up though, as the defensive tackle will at least be able to help in 2024.
Falcons Draft Grade: D-
Ruke Orhorhoro NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (74th Overall): Bralen Trice, OLB
Bralen Trice isn’t the flashiest player in the world, but the edge defender should be able to help out situationally as a rookie. While he’s not the most impressive athlete, he’s fundamentally sound and should be able to provide some consistent pressure on the outside. Don’t expect him to become an All-Pro, but this pick will help Atlanta claim the NFC South.
Falcons Draft Grade: B
Bralen Trice NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (109th Overall): Brandon Dorlus, DT
The Falcons continue to bolster their defensive line with yet another big body. Brandon Dorlus is a strong, physical defender who can play tackle and edge, giving the unit some much-needed versatility. While he’s not ready to be a starter, he’ll be a valuable rotational piece in the short term with decent long-term upside.
Falcons Draft Grade: B
Fifth Round (143rd Overall): JD Bertrand, LB
JD Bertrand overcame subpar physical gifts to record over 75 tackles per season during his three years as a starter. The question now becomes whether he can do that against bigger, faster, and stronger competition. The answer is probably ‘no’, but he’s worth a gamble in the fifth round.
Falcons Draft Grade: C
Sixth Round (186th Overall): Jase McClellan, RB
The Falcons don’t need another running back, but this late in the NFL Draft, you need to go with the best player available and worry about fit later. Jase McClellan is nothing special as a runner or a receiver but can provide some cost-effective depth in the event Bijan Robinson or Tyler Allgeier go down.
Falcons Draft Grade: B-
Sixth Round (187th Overall): Casey Washington, WR
Drake London has superstar potential and Darnell Mooney is a fine WR2, but the rest of the depth chart is up in the air. Casey Washington can compete with Rondale Moore for reps as the fourth or fifth option in the passing attack.
Falcons Draft Grade: B
Sixth Round (197th Overall): Zion Logue, DT
The Falcons have officially created a logjam at the defensive tackle position. With their final pick, the team brought in the third rookie defensive tackle of the draft. Zion Logue looks like a late-round pick or undrafted free agent, so it’s hard to see him making the roster ahead of all the other rookie talent.
Falcons Draft Grade: C-
Main Photo: Dale Zanine – USA Today Sports
