No NFC team made a bigger NFL free agency splash than the Atlanta Falcons, who solved their most glaring and urgent need by signing Kirk Cousins. Now, as we approach the 2024 NFL Draft, the 2024 Falcons mock draft is wide open.
Before we can dive into the names, here’s everything you need to know about the Falcons needs and draft capital right now.
Atlanta Falcons draft picks 2024
Related: See where Kirk Cousins lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB Rankings
Here are the Atlanta Falcons draft picks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft
- 1st Round, 8th overall
- 2nd Round, 43rd overall
- 3rd Round, 74th overall
- 3rd Round, 79th overall
- 4th Round, 109th overall
- 5th Round, 143rd overall
- 6th Round, 187th overall
- 6th Round, 197th overall
Related: 2024 NFL power rankings, see where Atlanta Falcons land
Atlanta Falcons team needs 2024
Here are the Falcons team needs after free agency.
- Edge Rusher
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
- Defensive Line
- Offensive Guard
- Wide Receiver
Related: Are the Falcons predicted to make the playoffs with Kirk Cousins?
2024 Atlanta Falcons mock draft: Replenishing the defense
First Round, 8th overall: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
After focusing on offense in free agency, now the Atlanta Falcons can take the best player available in the NFL Draft, which also happens to fill a position of need. Alabama’s Dallas Turner is the top edge rusher in the draft class and managed to record 22.5 sacks while competing in the SEC. A true athletic freak, if Turner can improve as a run defender, he could become a superstar in Atlanta.
2nd Round, 43rd overall: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
The Falcons already have their shutdown cornerback with A.J. Terrell, but getting him a partner in crime could not only make life easier for the pass-rushing group, it would also take more pressure off the rest of the secondary. Kamari Lassiter is already a fan favorite for Atlanta fans who also double as Georgia football fans, and he already has plenty of experience in both man and zone coverage. Boasting a high IQ, Lassiter holds his own in coverage and as a run defender.
3rd Round, 74th overall: T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
At this stage in the NFL Draft, the Falcons can’t expect any new addition to make an immediate impact. But the team could address several areas, including adding to the defensive line. T’Vondre Sweat is one of two elite Texas DTs in this draft class, but of the two, he’s the far larger option at 6-foot-4, 362 pounds. While he still needs to develop more pass-rush moves, Sweat is already a problem for opponents in the running game.
Related: 10 worst moves in NFL free agency
3rd Round, 79th overall: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
Kaden Eliss has proven to be effective against the run and as a pass-rusher, but there’s room for growth in pass coverage. That’s where Jeremiah Trotter Jr. may be able to help the Falcons. The son of the former Eagles linebacker, Trotter has a good feel for the ball and benefits from his above-average awareness in coverage while being able to shoot the right gaps as a run defender too.
Related: Updated Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl odds
Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock draft 2024
Here is our full Falcons 7-round mock draft.
- 1st Round, 8th overall: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
- 2nd Round, 43rd overall: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
- 3rd Round, 74th overall: T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
- 3rd Round, 79th overall: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
- 4th Round, 109th overall: Matt Goncalves, OL, Pitt
- 5th Round, 143rd overall: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
- 6th Round, 187th overall: Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois
- 6th Round, 197th overall: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
