Will a Georgia Bulldog be selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft this year?

As the NFL Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing questions surrounding the Atlanta Falcons is whether they will select a player from the University of Georgia. The Falcons, located in Atlanta, have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the wealth of talent produced by their state’s flagship university, which has long been a powerhouse in college football. With Georgia football’s recent dominance—culminating in back-to-back national championships—the question isn’t if a Bulldog will be drafted, but will the Falcons recognize the value of staying local and adding another Georgia player to their roster?

Georgia Bulldogs have become synonymous with elite NFL talent in recent years. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have churned out NFL-ready players year after year, particularly on defense. Georgia’s NFL success has transcended the traditional perception of the program, with a reputation for producing not only first-round talent but also impactful players across every position. From dominating defensive linemen to standout linebackers and playmaking wide receivers, Georgia’s players are well-represented in the NFL, and the Falcons, as the only NFL team located within the state, are in a unique position to take advantage of that pipeline.

The question is whether the Falcons will lean into the local talent available this year. Historically, the Falcons have been somewhat conservative in selecting players from Georgia, but with the current crop of Bulldogs ready to make an impact at the next level, this might be the year that the Falcons decide to turn to the state’s own to help elevate the team’s future.

This article will explore the likelihood of the Atlanta Falcons selecting a Georgia Bulldog in the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll take a look at the top Bulldogs entering the draft, how their skills fit with the Falcons’ current needs, and the potential impact these players could have on the Falcons as they continue to build for the future.

The Atlanta Falcons’ Draft Philosophy and Current Needs

Before delving into the potential Bulldogs that could join the Falcons, it’s important to examine the team’s draft philosophy and current roster needs. The Falcons, under head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, have been focused on building a team that is strong at the line of scrimmage, with an emphasis on physicality, toughness, and versatility. This philosophy has been evident in the team’s previous drafts, which have prioritized offensive and defensive linemen, as well as players with high athletic ceilings and leadership qualities.

In terms of current roster needs, the Falcons have a few positions that require attention. The team has made significant strides in building a potent offense, especially with quarterback Desmond Ridder at the helm and an improved receiving corps featuring players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts. However, there are still areas where the Falcons need to strengthen their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

The Falcons’ defense has improved under coordinator Dean Pees, but there are still significant gaps in pass rush, run defense, and overall playmaking ability. The team has struggled with consistency in these areas, and with the NFC South being a competitive division, the Falcons must continue to build a stout defense to keep pace with other contenders.

Key areas of focus for the Falcons’ draft should include:

1. Defensive Line – The Falcons have been inconsistent in generating pressure on the quarterback, and adding a player who can immediately step in and contribute to the pass rush would be invaluable.
2. Linebacker – While the Falcons have talent at linebacker, they need a playmaker who can be a leader in the middle of the defense, particularly someone who can cover ground sideline to sideline and provide stability in both the running and passing games.
3. Edge Rusher – The Falcons have struggled to find consistent pressure from their edge rushers, and securing a dynamic pass rusher to complement Grady Jarrett on the interior could transform the defense.
4. Wide Receiver or Offensive Line Depth – Although the Falcons’ offense is generally solid, depth at the wide receiver position and offensive line could further enhance their versatility and protection for their young quarterback.

With these needs in mind, it’s clear that the Georgia Bulldogs are well-positioned to address some of the Falcons’ key concerns in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Top Georgia Bulldogs in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is a historic one for Georgia, as the program boasts a strong group of prospects who could hear their names called early on draft day. Several Bulldogs have already made a name for themselves as first-round prospects, and many are projected to go in the top 50 picks. Here are the top Georgia Bulldogs to watch for the Falcons:

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle

One of the most dominant players in college football over the past two seasons, Jalen Carter is an elite defensive tackle who is expected to be selected near the top of the 2024 NFL Draft. Carter’s combination of size (6’3″, 310 pounds), quickness, and versatility makes him one of the most highly coveted defensive prospects in recent years.

Carter was a central figure in Georgia’s national championship defenses, both against the run and the pass. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, rush the quarterback from the interior, and clog up running lanes makes him a perfect fit for a Falcons defense that needs a game-changer in the trenches. He would provide an immediate upgrade to the Falcons’ pass rush and bolster their run defense.

While Carter is likely to be drafted early, if the Falcons were to land him, he would instantly become the centerpiece of their defensive line. Given the Falcons’ emphasis on building from the inside out, selecting Carter could provide the team with a foundation for their defensive line for years to come. If the Falcons are in position to take Carter, they should strongly consider pulling the trigger on the elite Georgia prospect.

2. Nolan Smith – Edge Rusher

Nolan Smith, the dynamic edge rusher from Georgia, is another player who could help transform the Falcons’ defense. While Smith’s size (6’3″, 235 pounds) is considered slightly undersized for a traditional defensive end, his speed, explosiveness, and ability to rush the passer make him a potential force at the NFL level.

Smith was an integral part of Georgia’s championship-winning defense, showcasing his ability to get after the quarterback and disrupt plays. His speed off the edge, combined with his relentless motor, makes him a standout player in this draft class. The Falcons need an edge rusher who can consistently pressure the quarterback, and Smith fits that bill perfectly.

While the Falcons may not be in position to take Smith with a top-five pick, they could find themselves in a great spot to land him later in the first round. If Smith is still available, the Falcons should seriously consider selecting him to provide a much-needed boost to their pass-rush unit.

3. Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle

Although the Falcons’ offensive line is generally solid, securing a top-tier offensive tackle to provide depth and protect Desmond Ridder for the long term could be a smart move in this draft. Broderick Jones, Georgia’s standout left tackle, has all the tools to be an NFL starter from day one.

Jones has exceptional size, strength, and mobility, making him a perfect fit for the Falcons’ run-heavy offense. With the team committed to a physical, ground-and-pound approach, Jones’ ability to block for the run game while also providing protection for the quarterback would be invaluable.

While the Falcons might not prioritize offensive line as their top need, adding Jones would give them a potential franchise left tackle who can develop alongside Ridder and solidify their front five for the next decade.

4. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback

The Falcons have a solid secondary, but adding a shutdown cornerback like Kelee Ringo would help them compete with the pass-heavy offenses in the NFC. Ringo, Georgia’s standout cornerback, has the size (6’2″, 210 pounds) and athleticism to be a top-tier corner at the next level. His ability to match up with top receivers and his ball skills make him a highly sought-after prospect.

Ringo’s physicality and intelligence make him a good fit for the Falcons’ defense, which has emphasized developing a balanced and aggressive unit. If the Falcons are looking to improve their pass defense and add depth in the secondary, Ringo would be a perfect addition.

Why the Falcons Should Consider Drafting a Bulldog

The Falcons’ proximity to Georgia gives them a unique advantage in evaluating Bulldogs players, and it would make sense for them to take a closer look at these players. Selecting a Georgia Bulldog not only gives the team a talented athlete, but it also strengthens their connection to the local fanbase. Georgia football fans are some of the most passionate in the nation, and seeing their Bulldogs play for the Falcons would increase local excitement and support for the team.

Additionally, the Falcons are in the midst of a rebuild, and adding a Georgia player, who has already been developed by one of the best college football programs in the country, could help expedite the process. Georgia players, particularly on defense, are battle-tested and ready to contribute from day one, which is crucial for a Falcons team that needs immediate contributors.

 A Bright Future for the Falcons with Georgia Talent

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Atlanta Falcons are in a great position to add one or more Georgia Bulldogs to their roster. Whether it’s Jalen Carter’s dominant presence on the defensive line, Nolan Smith’s explosiveness as an edge rusher, Broderick Jones’ potential as a franchise tackle, or Kelee Ringo’s ability to lock down receivers, there are several talented Bulldogs who could fill a critical role on the Falcons’ roster.

By selecting a Bulldog, the Falcons would not only be bolstering their roster with elite talent but also building stronger ties to their local fanbase and the state

of Georgia. Given the strength of Georgia’s football program and the impressive crop of players entering the draft, this is an opportunity the Falcons should seriously consider.

The future is bright for both the Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs, and as the draft nears, it will be exciting to see if the Falcons take advantage of the local talent available to them. Whether they draft a Bulldog or not, the presence of Georgia football in the NFL, and especially in Atlanta, will continue to be a force to reckon with for years to come.