2024 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Picking Pac-12 Star?

In Pro Football Network's latest NFL Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons take UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu. Who else was available, and why was Latu the pick?

Whether a team is competing for a Super Bowl, racing to the first-overall pick, or chaotically navigating its way through the NFL’s middle class, it’s never too early to look towards the NFL Draft.

Of course, there’s little to be said about where the Atlanta Falcons will be picking in April. Atlanta is still firmly in a race for the right to win the NFC South and host a playoff game. Yet, subpar quarterback play and head coach Arthur Smith’s maddening decisions have the Falcons at 4-6, equally in the mix for a top-10 selection this April.

In Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft, the Falcons have the ninth pick. With pressure to find the franchise quarterback and a defense that has shown holes in recent weeks, they could go in several different directions.

Latu takes on a San Diego State tight end / USA TODAY Sports

This time, Atlanta selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

“Laiatu Latu is a dynamic pass rusher with superb technique and is capable of being a 10+ sack-a-year player,” A.J. Schulte wrote. “His medical history will have to be checked out, but Latu is a prospect worthy of being a top-10 pick.”

Other options left on the board included Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Louisiana State receiver Malik Nabers.

Frankly, if the Falcons do end up at No. 9, quarterback is likely a poor option anyway. Yes, quarterback Desmond Ridder has been bad. It’s increasingly clear they whiffed in the third round in 2022 (and that’s okay!). However, at this point in the cycle, 2024 is a two-man quarterback class, and it seems both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye will be long gone.

It’s no use over-drafting a Day 2 talent for the sake of filling the most important position. Perhaps one is available via trade or free agency, but kicking the can down the road is better than making a poor investment.

Should Falcons Fire Arthur Smith?

Latu is an explosive threat off the line that, at least physically, can be compared to Miami Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb and Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. If the technique is as good as some say, that’s a recipe for success.

Atlanta currently ranks 27th in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush grade and has just 21 sacks. Their peripheral pass-rushing marks are better, but with several pass rushers entering free agency in a matter of months, a spot could very well open for Latu.

The Falcons will have a chance to impact their draft position on Nov. 26 when they return from their bye week against the New Orleans Saints.