In the latest mock draft by Nate Tice of Yahoo! Sports, the Atlanta Falcons have reportedly passed over highly-touted tight end prospect Brock Bowers, opting instead for LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas. This decision is viewed by some as surprising, given the Falcons’ pressing need for a franchise quarterback and the availability of promising options in the upcoming draft class.
The Falcons, currently on track for a fourth consecutive top-10 draft pick, are expected to focus on resolving their quarterback situation in the offseason. After Desmond Ridder’s benching following a disappointing loss to the Panthers, Taylor Heinicke has stepped in, showing promise but likely competing for a backup role rather than the starting position in 2024.
The quarterback options in free agency and trade appear limited, with Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields standing out. However, the preference among Falcons fans is to secure a quarterback through the draft, considering the value of a rookie quarterback contract. The draft class presents attractive prospects in Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.
Despite this, the latest mock draft deviates from this expectation, with Tice projecting the Falcons to select a skill position player for the fourth consecutive time. Brian Thomas, the LSU wide receiver, is chosen over Brock Bowers, the highly-regarded tight end. Tice justifies this decision by emphasizing Thomas’s size, athleticism, and route-running skills, suggesting that he would complement the Falcons’ existing offensive weapons.
The mock draft has Bowers going just after the Falcons’ selection, potentially aggravating Georgia fans, as he is projected to join the New Orleans Saints. The author expresses a preference for Bowers due to his status as the best tight end prospect to come out of college, making him an ideal addition to a tight end room already featuring Kyle Pitts, the highest-drafted tight end in history.
The author concludes by stating that if the Falcons don’t trade up for one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, it would be considered a failure. The article reflects the ongoing speculation and anticipation surrounding the Falcons’ draft strategy and the potential impact on their roster for the 2024 season.
