From Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to Georgia defensive tackle Zion Logue, here's a deep dive on the Atlanta Falcons' 2024 NFL Draft class.
It wasn’t always smooth; it wasn’t always well supported, but it certainly has a chance to dictate the franchise’s long-term future, for better or worse.
Perhaps no pick turned more heads Thursday night than this one. After all, the Falcons were a month and a half removed from giving Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract with $90 million guaranteed over the next two years.The 6-2, 216-pound lefty impressed the Falcons’ brain trust during a private throwing session in Seattle that lasted roughly 30 to 45 minutes.
The Falcons won’t fully know what they have in Penix until he starts, which may not come until 2026 or 2027. If he hits, the grade is entirely different – he turns 24 on May 8, the roster-building value of having a quarterback on a rookie contract is mitigated, and he provides very little impact on Atlanta’s 2024 hopes.: “It's been a childhood dream of mine,” Penix said. “So, as far as what anybody else feels about the decision that was made, I have no control over that.
There were, at least by consensus boards, better players available – and Atlanta gave up a top-80 pick to make the selection. In Atlanta, Trice reunites with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, who recruited him to Washington in 2019 and served as his head coach from 2020-21. Dorlus was an All-PAC-12 honoree each of the past three years, receiving first-team nods in 2021 and 2023 and a second-team honor in 2022.
Morris said the Falcons were most attracted to Dorlus’ ability to be disruptive inside and at a variety of spots. Atlanta plans on putting Dorlus in position to attack the edges of offensive lineman, with Morris saying he’ll play a similar spot to Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata.DORLUS DIARIES During his final season in South Bend, Bertrand logged 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Bertrand projects as a special teams contributor and No. 4 linebacker as a rookie – and although he was selected earlier than expected, he arrives in Atlanta with a safe floor and should see the field in some capacity as a rookie.: “I couldn’t imagine a better situation,” Bertrand said.
As for McClellan, the 21-year-old from Aledo, Texas, led the Crimson Tide in rushing with 180 carries for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 15 receptions for 137 yards. The 6-1, 197-pound Washington saved his best for last at Illinois, catching nine passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns in a loss to Northwestern.
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