In Ryan Wilson’s last simulated draft for CBS Sports, the Falcons switch to the Panthers – who catch their next quarterback in the franchise – and take Florida’s tight end superstar, Kyle Pitts, with the eighth overall choice.
New draft simulation @ryanwilsonCBS
1. QB T. Lawrence (JAX)
2. QB Z. Wilson (NYJ)
3. OL P. Sewell (CIN) *
4. QB J. Fields (CAR) *
5. WR J. Chase (MIA) *
6. OL R. Slater (PHI)
7. WR J. Waddle (DET)
8. TE K. Pitts (ATL) *
9. LB M. Parsons (DEN)
10. QB T. Lance (SF) ** Via Mock Trades pic.twitter.com/gYE9Bilk6n
– CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 22, 2021
Such a move makes a lot of sense. With Matt Ryan being the starting defender at least this season and probably another season after that, it looks like the Falcons may be in the business of getting down in the draft and collecting more choices.
As Alex mentioned last week, now that Philadelphia has left Carson Wentz, many believe they may be in the market for another quarterback. Adam Schefter also reported that Jalen Hurts is not guaranteed to be the next year’s starter.
Adam Schefter said about @ 975TheFanatic that Jalen Hurts is not an obstacle to start the next season, and the #Eagles could explore other options through FA or draft š
– NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) February 21, 2021
This is fantastic news for Falcons. Anyone who wants to choose the litter – as far as quarterbacks are concerned – will want to skip Philadelphia and must call the Falcons, who may also be in the market for the franchise’s quarterback.
In this scenario, returning with Carolina probably gives the Falcons a future choice in the first round and more. However, what I find most unlikely about this simulation is that the Panthers and Falcons would negotiate with each other. Atlanta is much more likely to strike a deal with another team – one that is not in their division.
Despite that, acquiring more draft capital and still landing in Kyle Pitts would be a definite blow. Pitts is arguably the player with the best skill position in this draft and would add a totally different aspect to Arthur Smith’s attack. This from the draft of Alex’s profile in Pitts:
Pitts has no potion. He can line up on the edge, in the crevice or with his hand on the ground. He is as good a runner as any receiver in this draft with a big burst of clearance, giving him cutting edge turning skills for a person his size. Pitts is as good after capture as before, a rare and tremendous red zone threat. Excellent at beating the press one-by-one, but also excellent at finding weaknesses in areas. The former Gator, like Julio Jones, makes normal 50-50 balls, close to 60-40 in favor of Pitts.
I would not be disappointed if the Falcons agreed to the fourth choice and selected Pitts; he has a lot of talent. Adding him to a skill position group of Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Hayden Hurst and Russel Gage would give Matt Ryan perhaps the best weapons of his career, which says a lot. Sprinkle some Arthur Smith there, and the Falcons may finally be able to replicate their 2016 success under Kyle Shanahan.