The combine's coming right up. Hu-freaking-zah.
It's legit one of my favorite spots on the NFL calendar. I can't say that without caring for one second how fast anyone runs 40 yards or around three cones or to even to the bench press. The numbers don't matter to me. The interactions do. It's a chance to get a pulse of the league and its teams, to get familiar with draft prospects beyond what you see on the field.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Former Bears GM Ryan Pace joins Falcons scouting staff
- NFL Mock Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux falls to Falcons at No. 8 overall
- Rhim's roundup: Gardner or Stingley, trading the Julio Jones pick, Cordarrelle Patterson
- Question of the week: What do the Falcons do with Matt Ryan?; Impact of Tom Brady, Sean Payton departures; Will the Falcons re-sign Cordarrelle Patterson?; Biggest roster need
- 'We need more rings': Arthur Blank reflects on 20 years of ownership, Falcons future
You come out of it with a deeper knowledge of what teams think of certain prospects and how things might play out. It's a fascinating stretch that we're bringing the full squad to, so keep an eye out for extensive coverage from me, Tori and Kris next week and throughout the pre-draft process. It's also a free agency primer, with so much talk of what'll happen in coming weeks and where markets might land for important prospects.
A wealth of insight and information will come from it, but that's next week. Right now we've got more discussion about what the Falcons might do heading into this important time, so let's get right to it in Friday's Bair Mail:
Chris Atlas from Marietta, Ga.
Bair, Bair, Bair. Even after a few days I'm still sitting here trying to contemplate how you could possibly think drafting Treylon Burks/Drake London at 8. Neither are better then Julio when we traded up for him and I hesitate to believe they're the BPA at 8 even if we trade Ridley. That falls more into desperation then anything else. This class is loaded with WR. Given the likes of Diggs, Lockett, AB, Deebo, and others you don't have to reach for receivers unless they're unicorns. We need a game changing defender more than an offensive one especially since we took Pitts last year.
Bair: I'm glad you brought this up Chris. I've heard this quite a bit this week after Falcons Final Whistle dropped. Here's one thing I'd like to highlight from the last question of the week: I, too, think edge rusher's the biggest need. And it would be a pretty boring podcast if we all agreed. Like Tori, I have been screaming about edge rusher need for months. That doesn't change. The question about which receiver to take at No. 8 was following the line of dialogue highlighting the position.
While I'm taking Kayvon Thibodeaux, Kyle Hamilton or Derek Stingley over anyone, I do think there’s a scenario where receiver could be a possibility. Drake London is going to test off the charts at the combine. Book it. That'll generate some buzz, for sure. Do I think it's likely they go receiver that early? No. Is it possible? Sure, and it's higher in a trade down.
I still think there are better uses of the No. 8 overall pick than receiver, but I do think it's as pressing a need as any on this team.
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Charlie Ward from London, U.K.
Welcome back from your break. Broad question I guess but what likely free agents do you think we will target? I also saw a Browns rumor that Austin Hooper could be a potential cut there? I loved him when he was here and its not really worked out for him... likely we will hit a large number of vets for those 1 year deals again; anyone to keep an eye on?
Bair: We talk so much about prioritizing NFL draft needs and not enough about free agency in that light, despite the fact free agency is all about needs. The Falcons have several of them to fill, likely on shorter-term contracts, as Charlie points out.
Before we get to the list, let's point out that free agent activity will hinge on whether they re-sign some of their own, especially Foye Oluokun, Cordarrelle Patterson, Younghoe Koo (restricted free agent) and Russell Gage. Isaiah Oliver, too.
We could list several affordable options, but here are positions I think they should address with veteran help:
1. Receivers (plus draft additions)
2. Edge rusher (plus draft additions)
3. Left guard
4. Cornerback
5. Backup QB
6. Nose tackle
7. Tight end
I didn't include offensive tackle or running back because I think that's a better draft option. The Falcons will sign free agents in high volume and need to be smart finding great value throughout this process. That's a tough thing competitive open market, but that's the task at hand.
Will Smith from Summerville, Ga.
Welcome back, Scott...The piece about Claude Humphrey (sidebar, I was at the preseason game when he blew out his knee) got me to thinking about the Falcons history of drafting pass rushers, and it ain't very good. With the exception of Humphrey and Beasley's fluke year, I can't think of any pick from any front office that wasn't a bust. Takk, anyone? Is this just bad luck or is there an underlying reason, or hidden philosophy that keep us drafting busts? It's kind of like the Jets and QB's.
Bair: I would caution against applying tradition to a new regime, Will, and, to borrow a sentiment from Joe Burrow, this year's Bengals didn't care about previous playoff futility. In that light, Terry Fontenot didn't draft any of the edge rushers you're referencing. You're right that it has been a while since the Falcons took an effective one and that has to change. Like, in a hurry.
I don't think there's a tie that binds those draft misses. The key to hitting here is finding the exact talent and character that’ll fit Dean Pees system. That also means adding bigger bodies on the interior to plug gaps and take blockers off the new edge rusher.
We take a look back at our favorite travel snaps from this season.
against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Scene setters prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday, January 2, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play in the huddle during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
A view of the coin toss prior to a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank talks with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians prior to their game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Jeremy Reper/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Jeremy Reper/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback Tom Brady #12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Jeremy Reper/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 catches a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Matt Pendelton/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 makes a throw against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Jeremy Reper/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Jeremy Reper/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 scores a touchdown during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, September 19, 2021. (Photo by Matt Pendelton/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 makes a tackle during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Gabriella Ricciardi/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 makes a tackle during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Gabriella Ricciardi/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 attempts to catch a pass during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warming up, pregame against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26th, 2021. (Photo by Gabriella Ricciardi/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Steven Means #55 pre game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26th, 2021. (Photo by Gabriella Ricciardi/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons prepares to take a snap during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cheer on their team against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta United President Darren Eales, Daniel Levy Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, and Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank pose for a photo before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, September 26, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans outside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Younghoe Koo #7 of the Atlanta Falcons kicks against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81celebrates after scoring a touchdown against against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #85 after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans inside the stadium while the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after scoring the game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, October 24, 2021. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, October 24, 2021. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks the game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, October 24, 2021. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 arrives to travel at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday November 13, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Both teams huddle for a prayer during the postgame against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, October 24, 2021. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 plays catch with fans prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 returns a kick during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Anthony Rush #94 reacts after a fumble recovery during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, November 28, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 dives for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, November 28, 2021. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, November 28, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, November 28, 2021. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 dives for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, November 28, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons warm up prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, December 12, 2021. (Photo by Doug DeFelice/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, December 12, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on December 12, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton #1 during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on December 12, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Michael Urakami/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 intercepts the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, December 12, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 catches a touchdown pass during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 rushes during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday, January 2, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 catches a pass during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a pass during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday, January 2, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday, January 2, 2022. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday, January 2, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Bill Witten from Killen, Ga.
Welcome back Scott. You didn't tell us what you did on vacation. Given the many needs the Falcons have and the value of the 2 second round picks do you think there's any thought of the Falcons trading one of those picks to swap positions for anyone in the first round and if so who would it be?
Bair: We talk a ton about trading down in the first round, giving up No. 8 overall for more swings at the plate. I like the thought of doing the opposite. Taking your shot at No. 8 and then using two second-round picks to get back into the first round.
One question you have to ask: Is getting a player wherever you could get back into the first round – realistically, in the mid to late 20s – significantly better than the player you could get at No. 43? The answer has to be an unqualified yes. If not, take two players instead of one. That Falcons need as many talented players as they can get. More picks equals more chances to do so.
Trading back into the first makes some some sense if a player you covet falls farther than expected and you have a chance to go grab him. Two second round picks can help you move around the board. If you're going to do something like that, you'd better be right with the player you get.
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