The Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith in January after three years in charge, with Atlanta going 7-10 and missing the playoffs in all three of those seasons. Former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was named the new head coach, bringing in some familiar faces with him from Los Angeles, including new OC Zac Robinson and new DC Jimmy Lake.
After using both Desmond Ridder (traded to AZ in March) and Taylor Heinicke at quarterback last season, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins, who turns 36 years old this summer, is coming off a torn Achilles last season.
This year marks the fourth straight draft in which the Falcons have a top-10 pick and the third straight with the 8th overall pick. Atlanta has used all of those picks on offensive playmakers, taking TE Kyle Pitts (4th overall in 2021), WR Drake London (8th overall in 2022) and RB Bijan Robinson (8th overall in 2023). Former head coach Arthur Smith was criticized for not correctly using those weapons, although that should change with a new staff and quarterback in Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft picks
Round 1: No. 8- Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
Round 2: No. 35 (from AZ)- Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Round 3: No. 74-Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Round 4: No. 109-Brandon Dorius, DT, Oregon
Round 5: No. 143-JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame
Round 6: No. 186- (from AZ through MIN)-Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama
Round 6: No. 187-Casey Washington, WR, Illinois
Round 6: No. 197 (from CLE)-Zion Logue, DT, Georgia
Check out 2024 NFL Draft picks for other teams in the NFC South:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 NFL Draft picks
Carolina Panthers 2024 NFL Draft picks
New Orleans Saints 2024 NFL Draft picks
Click here to see the entire 2024 NFL Draft order. Coverage of the latest news from around the NFL is available all year round from Pro Football Talk on Peacock and the NFL on NBC YouTube Channel.
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