Falcons pick QB Kenny Pickett in PFF’s new mock draft

Matt Urben
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The Falcons have more than a few areas on the roster that need to be addressed in the offseason. Quarterback Matt Ryan is still under contract next season, but the front office could opt to find a successor in the 2022 NFL draft.

Following last weekend’s win over Detroit, Atlanta is slated to pick 10th. In Pro Football Focus’ new mock draft, Eric Eager projects the Falcons to use that No. 10 pick on Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett.

PFF's Eric Eager on Pickett selection

“While the Falcons are randomly 7-8, they are still a team with a -122 point differential and require a new direction at the league’s most important position. Pickett, who led the entire country in wins above average in 2021, would likely first sit behind Matt Ryan, who carries a $40.5 dead cap charge if released before June 1 next year. The Falcons offense is very quarterback-friendly with play action, a situation in which Pickett generated 9.4 yards per pass attempt this year.”

Kenny Pickett - 2021 season stats

  • Passing: 4,319 yards, 42 TD, 7 INT

  • Rushing: 241 yards, 5 TD

  • Record: 11-2

Does Pickett make sense for Atlanta?

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Plenty of draft analysts are down on this year’s quarterback class, but we continue to see as many as four go in the first round of mock drafts. Pickett is the second QB taken in PFF’s mock, one spot after Washington selects Matt Corral at No. 9.

In 2021, Pickett threw for 42 touchdowns with just seven interceptions, while leading Pitt to a win over Wake Forest in the ACC Championship. He’s not as mobile as someone like Malik Willis, but Pickett has enough speed to beat you with his legs on occasion. He could be a nice fit in Arthur Smith’s offense operating the play-action passing game. It would likely come down to whether or not the Falcons think he’s worthy of the No. 10 overall pick, or if they thought they could get a better value in the second round.

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