Falcons Passing Up On Edge Rushers for QB Will Levis?

The Atlanta Falcons took one of the most talented prospects in the draft on round one in running back Bijan Robinson. Could they select another projected first-round pick in quarterback Will Levis on Day 2?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Atlanta Falcons went with one of the top players available in the NFL Draft on Day 1, selecting running back Bijan Robinson. Despite many believing the Falcons would look elsewhere, like edge rusher with the No. 8 pick. But as general manager Terry Fontenot has done, he went with the best player available. 

Now heading into Day 2 with another prospect in Kentucky quarterback Will Levis still on the board, despite garnering hype and projections as a first-round pick, could the Falcons take a quarterback? 

Head coach Arthur Smith has stated that he is committed to second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder as their starter for the upcoming season, which is why they didn't choose a signal caller at No. 8. But with a prospect like Levis still potentially on the board for the Falcons at No. 44 it could be an intriguing chance to take a flyer on him. 

He wouldn't get the same money he'd get if he went in the first round, and the Falcons won't have the fifth-year option to control his future further. Yet if there are still any doubts in the building that Ridder could be the guy long-term, Levis would provide an insurance policy. 

Then there is the problem of Atlanta potentially passing up on the opportunity to fill a big need in adding to their pass rush. Did the Falcons necessarily need Robinson? No, they found a diamond in the rough last draft with Tyler Allgeier, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie. But like it would be if Levis slips to the Falcons at No. 44, passing up on a dynamic playmaker in Robinson is tough. 

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