Atlanta Falcons NFL draft picks 2024: Full list of team's round-by-round selections
Here is a 2024 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Atlanta Falcons:
Round 1 (No. 8 overall) — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington: This draft's first real shocker given the Falcons just signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency. However, if not for the four season-ending injuries (one to each of his shoulders and two torn ACLs) he suffered while at Indiana University, Penix would likely have been picked even earlier – especially after two stellar seasons following his transfer to the Huskies. While at UW, Penix threw for more than 9,500 yards with 67 TDs and 19 INTs. His left arm may be the most electric in this draft, and it carried Washington to within a win of the 2023 national title. Before a title game loss to Michigan, Penix showed pro scouts everything they needed to see in a semifinal victory over Texas, lasering the ball all over and through a stout Longhorns defense to the tune of 430 yards and two TDs, from the pocket and outside of it. Penix (6-2, 216), a first-team All-American last season, will be 24 next month, so you wonder how long he'll sit behind Cousins. But the adversity he faced and experience he gained over six college seasons should help him adjust to a backup role ... however long that is. Draft tracker
Round 2 (35, from Cardinals) — Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson: He had nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss over the past two years for the Tigers. Orhorhoro could succeed Grady Jarrett in a year while playing behind him and David Onyemata in the interim for a defense that needs to generate more pressure. Draft tracker
Round 3 (74) — Bralen Trice, DE, Washington: He had 18 sacks and 28½ TFLs in three years with the Huskies, production that would be welcome given Atlanta's perennial deficiency there. High-effort defender if not the best athlete. Draft tracker
Round 4 (109) — Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon: Dorlus, who was named first-team all-Pac-12 in 2023, is a disruptive pass rusher who has the proven versatility to play anywhere along the defensive line. Draft tracker
Round 5 (143) — JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame: Bertrand led the Fighting Irish in tackles over the past three seasons and was a Campbell Trophy finalist in college. He's an effective blitzer but lacks the athleticism to keep up against top-tier athletes in the NFL. His instincts, motor, and preparation will offer rotational value. Considering the other prospects at the position still on the board, this is a reach. Draft tracker
Round 6 (186, from Vikings through Cardinals) — Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama: Atlanta's running back room is getting more crowded with the addition of the Crimson Tide's top rusher in 2023. McClellan is a big back who runs hard and accelerates quickly to the hole. But he lacks top-end speed and with multiple more productive running backs on the roster already, this feels like a reach. Draft tracker
Round 6 (187) — Casey Washington, WR, Illinois: Washington's a speedy deep threat with ideal athleticism at prototypical size. His route running leaves a lot to be desired and, for such top athlete, he struggled with separation at the college level. He needs time to develop compared to other prospects on the board at the position. Draft tracker
Round 6 (197, from Browns) — Zion Logue, DT, Georgia: Logue is one of the taller DT prospects in recent history but he lacks the wingspan you'd expect at that height. His power is limited to straight line explosion and can be a plugger in the run game. But there were plenty of other better talents at the position left on the board. Draft tracker
Atlanta Falcons' recent top draft picks
2023 (No. 8 overall): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
2022 (No. 8 overall): Drake London, WR, USC
2021 (No. 4 overall): Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
2020 (No. 16 overall): A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
2019 (No. 14 overall): Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Previous drafts: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020
2024 NFL draft: Every team's picks
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons NFL draft picks 2024: Round-by-round selections
