Atlanta Falcons mock draft 2024: Building a playoff roster after NFL free agency

Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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

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

Atlanta Falcons team needs 2024

Here are the Falcons team needs after free agency.

Edge Rusher
Cornerback
Linebacker

Defensive Line
Offensive Guard
Wide Receiver

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.

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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.

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.