Falcons pick WR Frank Darby with 187th pick in Round 6

Atlanta’s flurry of three selections within six picks between the end of the fifth round and the beginning of the sixth round concluded with the selection of wide receiver Frank Darby out of Arizona State.

This was the selection where our own Eric Robinson perked up on the Falcoholic Live Show, comparing him to San Francisco spark plug Brandon Aiyuk, and letting us know that this is a “sneaky good pick.” This is yet another selection the Falcons have made who was at the Senior Bowl, the fourth such pick for the Birds in this draft.

Darby doesn’t have great size but he will be a deep threat who wins with good routes and with toughness (19.9 yards per catch in 2019, 20 yards per catch in 2020). His problems chiefly steam from what happens after he uses that speed and fighting spirit to get open, as his scouting report on NFL.com notes drops have been a consistent issue. He fights for one on one balls and competes, according to Eric.

“I think he can really give Russell Gage a run for his money” said Robinson on the Falcoholic Live Show. We’ll see how impressive Darby can be this summer and where he fits on the team’s receiver depth chart in 2021 and beyond.

That wraps up Atlanta’s 2021 NFL Draft class, barring any future trades back in for additional picks. What do you think of it?

Round 1, Pick 4: TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

Round 2, Pick 35: S Richie Grant, UCF

Round 3, Pick 68: OL Jalen Mayfield, Michigan

Round 4, Pick 108: CB Darren Hall, San Diego State

Round 4, Pick 114: OL Drew Dalman, Stanford

Round 5, Pick 148: DL Ta’Quon Graham, Texas

Round 5, Pick 182: DE Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Notre Dame

Round 5, Pick 183: CB Avery Williams, Boise State

Round 6, Pick 187: WR Frank Darby, Arizona State