Should Atlanta Falcons Take QB in 2024 NFL Draft?

Could the Atlanta Falcons be in the quarterback market in the upcoming NFL Draft?

The Atlanta Falcons are still gunning for a playoff spot in the 2023-24 NFL season, but the headlines around the team currently sit on the quarterback position, and not for good reasons.

In Week 11 of the season, the Falcons (4-6) find themselves in the midst of a full-fledged quarterback controversy, flipping back and forth between the young Desmond Ridder and veteran Taylor Heinicke. With a talented college draft class coming up this spring, could the Falcons look to take another quarterback when they are on the clock in April?

Sports Illustrated recently released an updated mock draft, and it projected the Falcons taking Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the ninth overall pick.

"This offense is loaded with playmakers, but Atlanta needs the right quarterback to take full advantage of that talent at the other skill positions," SI writes. "McCarthy is a complete passer who knows how to make plays inside or outside of the pocket, throws with accuracy and efficiency, and boasts an underrated ability to impact the game with his athleticism."

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy :: © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

McCarthy is not as "flashy" of a quarterback as the likes of USC's Caleb Williams or Washington's Michael Penix Jr., but he has led a Wolverines team mired in controversy to an undefeated season thus far and a top-four ranking in the College Football Playoff poll. So far in 2023, McCarthy has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns paired with just three interceptions, and he also has 171 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

If the adage "if you have two quarterbacks, you have none" holds true for Atlanta, perhaps the best route would be finding a new signal caller in the draft, and McCarthy appears to be more than capable of leading an NFL offense if he can gain some experience.

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There's still a lot of season left, so maybe things can get right for Arthur Smith and company, but if the Falcons can't right the ship, there's always the bonus of receiving a high draft pick. Maybe this one will be used on a quarterback.