It is now less than one month until the start of the 2021 NFL draft. The Falcons have the No. 4 overall pick, but considering the recent movement by Miami and San Francisco, many are wondering if Atlanta will be the next team to pull off a first-round trade.
After spending the most guaranteed money in NFL history in one offseason, Pro Football Focus’ Austin Gayle predicts the New England Patriots will trade up to the fourth spot in order to draft quarterback Trey Lance. As I noted Saturday, the Patriots could be one of four teams eyeing the Falcons’ top-five selection
In this scenario, Atlanta adds another top-flight Alabama wide receiver to an already explosive unit with the No. 15 overall pick. Crimson Tide wideout Jaylen Waddle is the choice, giving quarterback Matt Ryan another toy to play with.
“Waddle is arguably a better receiver prospect than Henry Ruggs III was coming out of Alabama in 2020. An explosive, dynamic athlete, Waddle ranks inside the top five in yards per route run (3.64) and yards after the catch per reception (11.5) over the past two seasons. Adding him to play inside and split outside reps with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley would give Matt Ryan every reason to lead a top-flight offense in 2021.”
Even with the likes of Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley on the roster, adding another talented receiver will only make the offense more threatening. In college, Waddle averaged over 17 yards per catch, and 21 yards per catch through six games in 2020.
Before breaking his leg midway through the season, Waddle was the main guy at Alabama and the likely Heisman winner for 2020. Waddle’s elite speed makes him a threat to take the top off of any defense as well as take one to the house on any kick return.
The second round of PFF’s mock draft sees the Falcons bring in Wake Forest EDGE Carlos Basham, and via the New England trade, Elijah Molden, the talented cornerback from Washington.
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