WATCH: Falcons score 2020 NFL Draft win with Dolphins Week 9 victory
The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 26-18, in Week 9. In a normal year, a showdown between two AFC East rivals, two teams the Falcons don't play in 2019, wouldn't have an impact on Atlanta's football team.
But this isn't a normal year. The Falcons are 1-7 and some fans are already looking ahead to the 2020 NFL Draft.
While one can't blame fans for already turning the page to next season, it pains me to do that myself just halfway through 2019. There's a lot of season left to be played, which means certain guys can earn and lose spots for next year's team. The same can be said for kids vying to be taken in the 2020 draft.
Talking NFL draft this early usually comes with the term "tanking", which is not something that should ever be done or encouraged. It's disrespect to the game of football.
Having said all that, it's more than acceptable to root for other teams to do better than the Falcons such as the Dolphins, who's win Sunday throws a bit of a wrench in the race for the top pick in 2020.
Many predicted Miami to finish 0-16 before the start of the season, but after Sunday's win, the Dolphins are one of four teams with one victory. That list includes the Falcons, who currently own the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Based on what Falcon Maven Tom Pollin forecasts for Atlanta's second half, the Falcons might win one or two more games. Will a 2-14 or 3-13 record be enough to move up into the Top 2 or 3?
It's honestly too early to tell, but the chances of that are higher now that Miami has a win.
