NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Take Another Top WR?

The Atlanta Falcons are linked to LSU receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 8 pick in this year's NFL Draft.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 9, 2024

In this story:

The Atlanta Falcons have taken a skill player in the first round in each of the last three years. So, why not take another one?

In Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft, the Falcons are slated to select LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers after trading a second-round pick for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.

"After trading for Fields in this mock scenario, the Falcons don't have to reach for a quarterback here," SI writes. "A stud pass rusher is tempting, but if Nabers is still on the board (he shouldn't be), he'd be too much to pass up. Adding his explosiveness and big-play ability to an offense with Fields, Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts would be fun to watch."

Nabers has recorded over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons at LSU, including a 14-touchdown season in 2023.

Nabers would solidify an already explosive offense and would be another luxury pick, much like last year when the Falcons took Bijan Robinson after Tyler Allgeier ran for over 1,000 yards.

Falcons' Fontenot 'Eager' for Campbell's Return

Considering the fact that the Falcons now have a defensive coach in Raheem Morris rather than an offensive mind in Arthur Smith, it would be a surprise to see Atlanta go for an offensive player that isn't a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick.

That being said, Terry Fontenot is still the general manager, and if he opts for a "best player available" strategy, Nabers might be atop Atlanta's board when they are on the clock with the No. 8 pick.

Published Feb 9, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.