The preparation for the NFL’s 2021 Draft is exciting and constantly changing, with opinions and reports. The rumor mill has been very busy lately, and it looks like we get a new rumor every day. It is understandable that the Falcons have a new regime that not only has a former league MVP as a defender, but also a selection among the top 5 in the draft to come.
The latest rumor came through ESPN Insider Chris Mortensen, who appeared in the network’s latest special draft. When they arrived at the Falcons ‘choice, Mortensen shared what he heard about the Falcons’ plans later in the month.
What I’m hearing is that [Terry] Fontenot is more focused on the quarterback, and Arthur Smith believes that Matt Ryan has two or more years ahead of him. He has no real medical history, hasn’t lost many games in his career, and there hasn’t been a big drop in his game.
Mortensen also mentions who he heard that Falcons can target the quarterback, assuming that this is the direction they decide to take.
One thing I hear is that if they’re quarterback at No. 4, then Trey Lance is probably the guy.
A report so far removed from the draft does not necessarily portray a complete picture, but Mortensen has been doing this for a long time and, presumably, is sharing ideas he got from someone in the Atlanta organization. I do not envy Falcons at all in the “recruit a quarterback or not” dilemma, as I find myself personally changing my mind on the subject. Ryan has shown that he is a player who can execute a powerful attack, especially if you have the right pieces around you, but you cannot blame the team for looking ahead with a brand new technical team and frontline planned. If things go according to plan, you usually don’t have one of the top five options on your lap. Leaving aside a future quarterback in the franchise can be an opportunity that Fontenot feels he simply cannot pass up, and most reports up to this point suggest that this is where he is.
Mortensen also mentions the prospect of Trey Lance being the guy they would target, and I’m all for it. Lance would find his way on the field to a limited extent this year – Arthur Smith is not going to let a player with his skills go a whole year without cracking – and then he will likely take up his starting role in a year or two. It will not be the year of impact choice that many fans are clamoring for with this team’s many holes, but if Lance wins, the Falcons can look after his position as a defender for many years.
Ultimately, however, it will all come down to Fontenot and Smith reaching an agreement on a decision and moving on, and there is no public indication or not that there is any kind of major battle between the two over who is on board in the draft. In the end, we hope that the new general manager of the team will stock the locker for Smith and the new coach will find a way to use them effectively and therefore it is worth continuing to observe what is being reported about where Fontenot is moving. tilting on April 29th.