32 for 32: NFL Draft Predictions for the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons should once again be a hot-bed of fantasy production in 2020. Riddled with plenty of talent in the passing game, the team now welcomes Todd Gurley II to town in hopes of revamping a stagnant running attack. Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further along this team's potential?  Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.

The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.

As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.

2019 Review

The 2019 Falcons were exactly who we thought they would be. They were an excellent passing attack with a suspect ground game. Matt Ryan provided yet another top-10 finish in fantasy (QB7) with the help of some of the best pass-catchers in the game. The expectations were even higher for a better year, but poor offensive line play led to the highest percentage of pressures that he had seen since 2013. He was tied for the league lead in 300-yard games (11) but was also tied for the most times sacked (48). If the offensive line play can improve, Ryan could be poised to push for a top-five finish in fantasy in 2020 based on the weapons at his disposal.

His pass catchers, as previously mentioned, were among the league's best. Julio Jones finished one catch shy of 100 on his way to finishing as fantasy WR3 on the season. He was third in targets on the year with 149 and among the league leaders in ADOT (12.32). Jones, with his injury questions aside, continues to show that he is among the elite pass catchers in the league.

The Falcons' second receiver, Calvin Ridley, continues to show that he has a knack for scoring with seven touchdowns in 2019 after posting 10 in 2018. Ryan looks his way often in scoring situations and if he can manage to stay on the field (three missed games in 2019) he could be a much more productive receiver in fantasy (WR27). Austin Hooper (now a Cleveland Brown), even missing three games, proved that he should be considered among the top tight ends in the league. He turned in a TE6 finish with a solid stat line (75 catches for 787 and six TDs) and found himself become Ryan's security blanket on crucial plays.

The running game for this team was where the Falcons were let down in 2019. Devonta Freeman handled most of the load, although he missed two games, but was very unproductive with the touches he received. Sure, he finished as RB18 on the year, but his saving grace was the 59 catches he hauled in. But the subpar YPR (3.6) led to his low rushing yardage total (656). Behind him, Brian Hill/Ito Smith/Qadree Ollison all proved that they do not have the overall skillset to become viable fantasy options.

Looking ahead, this Falcons team again looks to be stacked with talent that will be solid fantasy contributors. Matt Ryan will be among the top QBs off the board. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley will be WR1 and WR2s respectively. The new acquisitions in Atlanta will raise some eyebrows.

Former fantasy great, Todd Gurley, comes to town on a one-year deal to prove that he still has it. In this offense, Gurley could once again become an elite option in fantasy, but health is the major question. If he plays 16 games, Gurley is worthy of a high draft selection. Hayden Hurst now takes over for Austin Hooper as the Falcons tight end. In year's past, being in this position leads to high production and that is what we should see from the former first-rounder. Hurst should quietly provide a top-10 season at the position and his draft stock has yet to get out of control.

As for the Falcons draft needs, I expect to see this team spend most of their attention on the defensive side of the ball. With needs at virtually every level, this defense needs all the influx of talent that they can get. But also, with Gurley on the short term deal, finding his replacement should be a thought in the draft room as well. The pieces are there for this team to become competitive again, but the defense must improve and the offensive line has to keep Ryan protected for this to happen.

Atlanta Falcons - 2020 Outlook

TEAM GRADES
Offense: 75.7 (14th)
Defense: 66.3 (21st)
Overall: 78.5 (18th)

TEAM NEEDS
DL, CB, RB

First Selection (1.16)

Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin

Taylor may be the "can't miss" prospect in this year's draft class. A highly productive back in college, Taylor checks all the boxes. A well-built runner, that can attack the middle of the line but has bend and burst that will get him outside as well. He surprisingly has the home-run speed for a guy his size. He has the patience to allow his blockers to pave the road before he bursts through the line. He also has a knack to make something out of nothing which could come in handy behind a suspect Falcons offensive line.

Taylor also possesses chops as a pass catcher and can pass protect as well as anyone, meaning he will be one the field for all three downs. Sure, the position isn't a tremendous need for the Falcons, but passing on a player with his talent could be hard to do for this team. Playing with Gurley would, of course, hurt his potential as a fantasy producer for 2020, but in dynasty, he should still be one of the first names off of the board. A sure-fire RB1 in fantasy.

Second Selection (2.15)

Ross Blacklock, DT TCU

Blacklock is an extremely athletic and agile tackle that operates well in short spaces. He is very disruptive when in the gaps, but lacks intensity when asked to take on blocks. His technique and hand usage will need some work as he shows inconsistencies holding the point and keeping his feet.

He is relentless as a pass rusher but can have misses as a run defender. His lateral quickness and change of direction can exploit some of the best interior linemen. He will need some development in areas but his potential will make him a solid piece added to this defense.

Third Selection (3.14)

Jabari Zuniga, DE Florida

Zuniga looks the part of an NFL edge rusher with his long, athletic frame. He can flash playmaking talent on the other side of the ball with plus pass-rushing skills. He can be very disruptive in the gaps but isn't very strong at the point of attack. His explosion gets him around the edge very quickly and his closing speed will lead to several negative plays.

He has to utilize speed because he can be driven off of his spot by power. He can also tend to get bogged down by intense tight ends off the snap. Zuniga should fit in and compete right away in a Falcons Defense that will need pass-rush potential.

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