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The Atlanta Falcons are a team to keep a close eye on in the 2021 NFL Draft. With just hours left to decide what direction they want to go, no one truly knows what the franchise will end up doing. There are obvious expectations for them in the first round, but they could change their mind and go a completely different direction.
Last season, the franchise was disappointed once again with their campaign. They finished the season with a 4-12 record, which placed them last in the NFC South division. A new era of football could be beginning in Atlanta soon.
Prior to the NFL trade deadline, rumors were flying that the Falcons could be open to trade both Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. Those two did not end up being moved, but nothing can be written off moving forward. Atlanta will have some tough decisions to make in the very near future.
Recently, the rumor mill has included the Falcons once again. This time, it was reported that they may be open to trading Jones ahead of or during the NFL Draft. Nothing has happened yet, but that could be something to keep a close eye on.
Only time will tell what the Falcons will end up doing in the NFL Draft. However, we do have some predictions to make for them.
Without further delay, let's take a look at three last-minute predictions for the Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft.
3. The Falcons Find Themselves A New Running Back In Round 3
First up, there is a major need for Atlanta at the running back position. Gone are both Todd Gurley and Ito Smith, which leaves a major hole that they will likely look to fill in the draft. While we don't have them taking one earlier than the third round, they could find a new starting running back with the No. 68 overall pick.
This prediction has the Falcons deciding to take North Carolina standout running back Michael Carter. He has not received a ton of hype throughout the pre-draft process, but he is a great talent and Atlanta would be happy with their decision to take him.
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During his four-year career with the Tar Heels, Carter carried the football 514 times for 3,403 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also caught 82 passes for 656 yards and six touchdowns. Carter is a dual-threat running back and we have the Falcons taking him in the third round.
2. Julio Jones Does Not Get Traded
The rumors may be flying, but most of the time the rumors do not end up coming true. Just like the NFL trade deadline last year, the Falcons are not going to give up on Julio Jones.
Jones is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and can still produce massive numbers. He has struggled with some nagging injury issues over the last couple of years and those hampered him badly in 2020. When everything was said and done, Jones ended up playing in just nine games, catching 51 passes for 771 yards and three touchdowns.
His production may be disappointing, but the Falcons aren't going to trade him yet. That may change at the 2021 trade deadline, but not on draft night. Jones will start the season in Atlanta.
1. Atlanta Will Happily Select Kyle Pitts At No. 4 Overall
Finally, the Falcons are going to be getting themselves a new dynamic offensive weapon in the first round at No. 4 overall. They have been mentioned in a ton of trade rumors with their first-round pick over the last month. But, they will end up holding onto the pick and will take Florida star tight end Kyle Pitts.
Many draft analysts believe that Pitts is the best tight end prospect that we have seen in years. The expectation is that he will develop into a star very quickly in the NFL. His numbers in college with the Gators were not massive in 2020, but they were still very good with him hauling in 43 passes for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-6 and nearly 250 pounds with top-notch athleticism and a great attitude and work ethic, the sky is the limit for Pitts. He will fit perfectly with the Falcons and will be a massive part of their offense right off the bat.
