The Atlanta Falcons Offseason
The Good: Letting Go of Alex Mack
Alex Mack's release might hurt the Falcons on the field, but taking his salary off their books will help the Falcons maintain some cap stability. Alex Mack's play had started to diminish in 2020 and at the age of 36, he's nearing his end in the pros. The Falcons have the #4 overall pick which they are likely to trade and can grab a guy from the draft with one of those picks and get the same amount of play from the position with potential upside.
The Bad: Signing Mike Davis to a 2yr/5.5 Million
Mike Davis is serviceable short yardage back that had a career year in 2020 but nothing he did in 2020 warranted him getting 2 yr contract in free agency. I know it's a small number and shirt contract but the reason it's a bad deal is because of the guy he's replacing in Atlanta. Unless the Falcons get someone in the draft, they are likely to see similar struggles in the run game in 2020.
The Ugly: Letting go of Todd Gurley II
Todd Gurley II's signing with Atlanta was a dream matchup for Falcons fans as Gurley II brings that Bulldog allure as well as the ability to still occasionally make a play, although his ability has diminished. He'd cost just as much as Mike Davis above and would certainly make sense for the Falcons with his receiving skills out of the backfield.
Offseason Grade (Pre Draft): C+
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: B
Selections: Kyle PittsThe Falcons may have disappointed some fans in the draft by not trading back in order to grab picks and help on defense but drafting the most freakish offensive weapon in the draft in tight end Kyle Pitts is a great consolation prize, especially since Julio Jones was traded this offseason. Pitts is easily the best hybrid tight end in the draft with the ability to line up at any receiving position on the team. He's a transcendent player on offense and will be a nightmare for even the best defensive players to cover.
Day 2 Grade: A-
Selections: Richie Grant, Jalen MayfieldThe Falcons had a great Day 2 in the draft with the selection of Richie Grant and Jalen Mayfield. Richie Grant is one of the best ball hawks in the draft with his great range, explosion, and hands and will fit nicely into Atlanta's defense as they try to outscore opponents. Jalen Mayfield is a big offensive lineman with good athleticism and positional versatility and will likely compete for a starting spot by midseason if their offensive line play doesn't improve. Both were highly ranked prospects and getting both them outside of Day 1 is a phenomenal score for both teams.
Day 3 Grade: B-
Selections: Darren Hall, Ta'Quon Graham, Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Avery Williams, Frank Darby
The Falcons grabbed good depth on the defensive side of the football considering it was their biggest need. Darren Hall is a small but tenacious defensive back with a nose for the football. Ta'Quon Graham will be a good rotational player in their defensive line and could make a name for himself as a run stuffer. Adetokunbo Ogundeji was a good pass rusher at Notre Dame but needs considerable development before finding himself receiving consistent playing time. Avery Williams is a potential slot corner with his small stature and quickness as well as ability to disrupt receivers at the catching point. Frank Darby is likely a special teams player with the potential to sniff the field as a slot receiver.
Selections: Kyle PittsThe Falcons may have disappointed some fans in the draft by not trading back in order to grab picks and help on defense but drafting the most freakish offensive weapon in the draft in tight end Kyle Pitts is a great consolation prize, especially since Julio Jones was traded this offseason. Pitts is easily the best hybrid tight end in the draft with the ability to line up at any receiving position on the team. He's a transcendent player on offense and will be a nightmare for even the best defensive players to cover.
Day 2 Grade: A-
Selections: Richie Grant, Jalen MayfieldThe Falcons had a great Day 2 in the draft with the selection of Richie Grant and Jalen Mayfield. Richie Grant is one of the best ball hawks in the draft with his great range, explosion, and hands and will fit nicely into Atlanta's defense as they try to outscore opponents. Jalen Mayfield is a big offensive lineman with good athleticism and positional versatility and will likely compete for a starting spot by midseason if their offensive line play doesn't improve. Both were highly ranked prospects and getting both them outside of Day 1 is a phenomenal score for both teams.
Day 3 Grade: B-
Selections: Darren Hall, Ta'Quon Graham, Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Avery Williams, Frank Darby
The Falcons grabbed good depth on the defensive side of the football considering it was their biggest need. Darren Hall is a small but tenacious defensive back with a nose for the football. Ta'Quon Graham will be a good rotational player in their defensive line and could make a name for himself as a run stuffer. Adetokunbo Ogundeji was a good pass rusher at Notre Dame but needs considerable development before finding himself receiving consistent playing time. Avery Williams is a potential slot corner with his small stature and quickness as well as ability to disrupt receivers at the catching point. Frank Darby is likely a special teams player with the potential to sniff the field as a slot receiver.
