Will the Falcons break their cornerback mold in next month’s draft?

The Falcons have done a lot of things to irk their fan base over the past few years. Things that were momentarily endearing, like head coach Dan Quinn’s fascination with slogans, are now the functional equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. But 2020 should be different. It should be this regime’s last chance to get back on track. Because if they don’t, it’s hard to envision a scenario where they’re welcomed back in 2021.

The Falcons can’t change the past; they can only move forward. But are they willing to stretch the limits of their imagination as they fill out the roster, both in free agency and the draft? Or will they continue to zero in on the same types of players? Cornerback is a good place to start this discussion.

Size, length, and athleticism (or at a minimum, fluidity) are the three most important traits any potential Falcons cornerback must exude, at least they have been since Quinn took over. Looking at the cornerbacks drafted during Quinn’s tenure, the Falcons certainly have a mold they look to fit. And that begs an important question: if the Falcons decide to draft a cornerback early in next month’s draft, will they just add more of the same?

If you’re curious who the Falcons might zero in on at cornerback in next month’s draft, then Kevin Knight’s recent piece is a good place to start. The simple reality is that, as cornerbacks go, Desmond Trufant is the only sure thing on this roster. The Falcons already have several players on the roster (Isaiah Oliver, Kendall Sheffield, Jordan Miller) that ostensibly fit their “mold.” I can’t see them changing course now.

So what say you, Falcoholics? Can the Falcons set aside their paradigm and surprise us all? Or are we sure to land an Oliver/Sheffield/Miller clone? Discuss!