NFL Draft 2024: What will the Falcons do with the No. 8 pick for third year in a row?

Atlanta Falcons Introduce Raheem Morris as Head Coach ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot of the Atlanta Falcons pose for the media after Morris is introduced as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

By Phil Cantor

ATLANTA — It’s not every day the Atlanta Falcons can say that coming off of a non-playoff season they only have a few positions of need in the NFL Draft.

Coming off of a 7-10 season in 2023, the Falcons have been very busy during the free agency period, highlighted by their signing of former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.

Add in WR Darnell Mooney, TE Charlie Woerner, and deals to bring back LB Nate Landman and DT Kentavius Street and the need for depth becomes different than it would without them.

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As things sit heading into the 2024 draft, the Falcons have the No. 8 pick. Before the Cousins signing, speculation was Atlanta was in the market for a quarterback. And while they still may add depth at QB, it’s no longer the top priority.

Many of the “draft-guru’s” think new Head Coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot will look to upgrade the pass rush. The belief is Alabama LB Dallas Turner or UCLA Edge Rushers Laiatau Latu could be the choice.

Of course, they could take a cornerback. Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo according to Scouts is the highest-rated one on the board.

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Because the Falcons are in a position where they have more specific needs, many experts believe they may be open to trading the 8th pick for more capital later in the draft.

Several teams could be trade partners: The Vikings, Broncos and Raiders are among several teams looking to move up in the draft. With several highly rated quarterbacks in line to be picked early, they could be willing to make a deal.

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You can watch the 2024 NFL Draft from Detroit beginning Thursday night on Channel 2.

Channel 2 Sports Anchor Alison Mastrangelo will be in the Motor City to see what the Falcons do along with reports on college players from around the state of Georgia who may get to hear their names get called from the podium.

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