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Having a draft pick in the top 5 is actually somewhat rare for the Falcons. The last time it happened was in 2008 in the aftermath of the Michael Vick scandal and the Bobby Petrino disaster of 2007. Having a pick this high gives you a host of options, with the hope being that you won’t be here again for a long while.
In this series, we’ll take a look at all the different ways the Falcons can use this pick to rebuild under a new regime. Today, we consider the option of drafting a cornerback.
Why it makes sense
If you want to build a top-tier defense in today’s NFL, being able to lock down the top receivers in the league is a hell of a way to do it. Pairing a player like Patrick Surtain with A.J. Terrell could give the Falcons an incredible long-term pairing at one of the premier positions in the NFL.
Many of the best defenses in recent memory featured formidable duos on the outside, forcing a QB to have to move to his 3rd or 4th receiving option more frequently. Having this level of coverage can make the job of your pass rushers that much easier and have a cascade effect on the entire defense. Corner is one of the few positions considered to be a premier position worthy of a high pick, as well.
Why it might be the wrong move
Honestly, this move means you’re ready to give up on the host of corners you’ve drafted over the last few years. It’s not like the Falcons haven’t invested heavily in the position, having just used last year’s first round pick on A.J. Terrell. Investing the top pick in two straight drafts into the same position seems a bit rich, even if it is a critical position on the defense. Will this staff give up entirely on Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield?
With Terrell showing incredible promise in 2020, you can probably craft a good defense without having to lock down both sides of the field. A bigger impact may be had by investing in a pass rusher, something the Falcons also desperately need.
What do you think? Would you support grabbing a cornerback with the first round pick? Let us know in the comments below.