Sunday, February 7, 2021

Atlanta Falcons 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 5.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Atlanta Falcons from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in August 2020 mock drafts for the Falcons:

NFL.com - Zierlein (2/4)

4. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Surtain is a big, long, fast cornerback with the ability to mirror and match pass routes. He can strangle the catch point and is exactly what the Falcons need as a top-tier CB1.

NFL.com - Brooks (2/1)

4. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

With Matt Ryan heading toward his age-36 season, it is time for the Dirty Birds to find an heir apparent at quarterback.

Akron Beacon Journal - Kadar (2/1)

4. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

The last time the Falcons were picking inside the top five was 2008 when the team took quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons also had a new head coach and general manager that year. For 2021, the Falcons will again have a new head coach and general manager. They could also have a new franchise quarterback.

The Ringer - Kelly (1/31)

4. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Whether the Falcons decide to move on from Matt Ryan this offseason or wait until 2022, the team's new brain trust―GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith―have a chance to add a long-term answer at the quarterback position. Wilson is a dynamic talent who's well suited to excel in Smith's play-action-heavy, deep-passing attack.

USA Today - Davis (1/28)

4. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

He's been steadily rising and could well be the Jets' choice at No. 2 if they decide against chasing Watson and keeping Darnold. Wilson, who has exceptional arm talent, blossomed as a junior, completing 73.5% of his passes, 33 going for TDs with just three picked off. A solid athlete, he also ran for 10 scores. Matt Ryan is still playing at a high level in Atlanta. But he'll be 36 in May, and this may be the new regime's best shot at getting a worthy successor.

ESPN - Kiper (1/26)

4. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

It's time for the Falcons to think long term on offense under new general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith. Quarterback Matt Ryan turns 36 this summer. Wide receiver Julio Jones will be 32 next month. Center Alex Mack is 35 and a free agent. They can build around Wilson, who had a phenomenal season for the Cougars, throwing 33 touchdown passes and only three picks, and give him at least a year to learn from Ryan and adjust to the NFL. I thought about Justin Fields here, too, but I'm giving a slight edge to Wilson for now. If Atlanta doesn't go with a quarterback, I'd expect a defender to be the target.

NFL.com - Jeremiah (1/22)

4. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

This decision will likely come down to Lance versus Ohio State's Justin Fields. I can make a strong argument for both players, but I'll stick with Lance because of his advantage as a decision-maker on the field.

Baltimore Sun - Doon (1/22)

4. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Matt Ryan's best days are behind him, and while he's signed through 2023, the Falcons can get out of that contract after this season or even look to trade the 35-year-old. Wilson is one of the biggest risers in this year's class, showing off the kind of tools -- arm strength, athleticism, playmaking out of structure -- that teams covet.

Previous update: Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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