Could Falcons Overlook Bigger Needs to Draft a WR at No. 8?
As many learned last year when the Atlanta Falcons used the No. 8 pick on running back Bijan Robinson, general manager Terry Fontenot isn't afraid to select the "best-player available" even when it doesn't exactly fill a major need on his roster.
Is it possible that the Falcons do this again and pass on a quarterback or edge rusher in favor of drafting a receiver with the eighth overall pick?
Is receiver a need for the Falcons? Yes, even with former first-round pick Drake London already on the roster, they could still use a second option out-wide. However, you'd be hard-pressed to make an argument that it is more important than the need at quarterback or even edge rusher.
Although, in a draft where NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has 12 receivers in his top 50 prospect rankings, taking at least one seems very plausible. It would almost be a mistake for the Falcons not to add a weapon, considering receiver looks to be a strength of this draft class.
Washington Huskies receiver Rome Odunze (left) and Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot (right).
USA Today Network
However, after the Falcons were linked with Mike Evans among other teams, who just re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, there seems to be a notion that Atlanta sees receiver as a position of need.
Which could create an interesting predicament for the Falcons at No. 8 overall. Based on the recent projections, Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. is unlikely to be on the board when Atlanta is on the clock. But what about the receivers behind him, like LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze?
The Cardinals seem to be the most likely landing spot for Harrison Jr., but behind them and above the Falcons on the board are the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans. All of whom, minus the Chargers, could theoretically take a quarterback.
This could leave two of the top three receivers on the board for the Falcons to choose from. Add in the possibility of Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner still being on the board, and the Falcons are put back into a similar situation that they were in last year when deciding between Robinson and now Philadelphia Eagles' defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
However, because the Falcons passed on a priority need for Robinson last year, it is hard to believe they'd do two years in a row. If Jeremiah's prospects are any indication, the Falcons could find a first-round talented receiver on Day 2.
