Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — My favorite day of the year has arrived! It's what I have dubbed the "Second Annual Digital, Comms and Creative Team Mock Draft That Did Become a Yearly Occurrence"... formerly known as the "Inaugural Digital, Comms and Creative Team Mock Draft That Is Sure To Become a Yearly Occurrence" from last year.
If you're new here or need a refresher on what all of these words mean, here you go.
Every year, I pass the drafting responsibilities for one of my eight mock drafts on to my coworkers — the members of the Falcons digital, communication and creative team. We randomly draw teams, and the person who draws said team gets to be the general manager, doing their own research and making their own picks in a live mock situation. Trades are able to be made, but must be run through the PFF simulator before being accepted. If there is a less than 65% chance the trade would be accepted then it is vetoed.
A new wrinkle in this year's mock draft is that each person was asked to bring in a food or drink item that they feel represents the team or city they are the general manager for. I have included their food item of choice as well as their picks and reasoning for said pick.
I hope you have as much fun reading this mock draft as I had putting it together.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, WR, EDGE, LB, S
General manager: Taylor Garner, Manager of Football Communications
Food/drink item: "I couldn't bring in Tennessee whiskey, so I brought sweet tea instead."
Pick analysis: "Why not start with a bang? He's earned the right to be the No. 1 overall pick. He's an elite pass rusher with impeccable speed, quickness and acceleration off the edge. He'll come in, be an immediate impact player and will be a problem for years to come."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, OL, EDGE, RB, S
General manager: Shanna Lockwood, Manager of Photography
Food/drink item: Shanna had the opportunity to go to the Masters, so she regretfully declined to participate in this year's mock draft. She did, however, give full power to the Commission (i.e. Tori McElhaney) to make her pick. Tori thought about bringing in pimento cheese sandwiches to represent Shanna being at the Masters, but as Commish, Tori was a very busy woman in the lead up to this all-important day and didn't have time. Or she forgot until the Browns were on the clock. No one really knows.
Pick analysis: "Picking in Shanna's place, I decided to read the tea leaves a little bit. If the Browns are holding out to ultimately figure out their QB situation, then Abdul Carter going No. 1 is the best case scenario for the Browns — who now have the chance to draft the best quarterback in the draft class." — Tori, picking for Shanna
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, LB, CB, DL, long-term QB
General manager: Jarvis Carter, Football Communications Coordinator
Food/drink item: "Cheesecake, New York style."
Pick analysis: "Took our guy Travis Hunter because he's a generational talent that we couldn't ignore. His versatility will be used potentially on both sides of the ball to clamp defenders and be in specific situations to catch moon balls."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, DL, RB, TE, S
General manager: Brandon Magnus, Director of Photography
Food/drink item: "Dunkin' Donuts, duh."
Pick analysis: "Wanted to draft punter Kai Kroeger and say it in a bad Boston accent while adding that he was 'wicked good' and 'a pissa of a kicka.'
But Commissioner Tori said I had to draft a 'real player.' So, I was gonna draft Travis Hunter and say he was 'a wicked player on both side of the ball.' Then, the Giants drafted him. So, I said (with no Boston accent) that I would take Armand."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DL, CB, S, OL, WR
General manager: Josh Kluchka, Creative Operations Manager
Food/drink item: "Fun fact: Burger King was founded in Jacksonville. So, spoiler alert: My pick is going to be a whopper."
*holds up Burger King bag filled with Whoppers for added effect*
Pick analysis: "Graham is a WHOPPER of a d-lineman. The team desperately needs a three-down defensive tackle who can stop the run and has enough juice as a pass rusher to take some of the pressure off Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Graham can do all of that and be a disruptive force in the middle of Jacksonville's defense. He has the opportunity to become the (Burger) KING of the Jags defense."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: RB, WR, CB, OL, LB
General manager: Elisia Landis, Digital Manager
Food/drink item: "Since alcohol is not permitted on the premises, I brought vanilla espresso cupcakes, which will keep you up in similar fashion to Vegas."
Pick analysis: "He had the second most single season rushing yards Division I history (2,601, just 28 yards behind Barry Sanders' all-time record), which is much needed since the Raiders averaged an NFL-low (79.8) in rushing yards per game in 2024. Pete Carroll's teams in Seattle consistently had a strong rushing attack, so Brock Bowers and Jeanty behind Geno could really help create an identity for this offense."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, TE, S, DL
General manager: Jack Ozmer, Senior Graphic Designer
Food/drink item: "Bagels. But don't eat them... they fell on the floor, which funny enough makes them feel very New York."
Pick analysis: "The Jets haven't had a true franchise QB in my lifetime, so why not grab one of the most polarizing prospects out there. Who knows, maybe they will swing back around and pick up Deion in a few years. (And yes, I know they just hired a head coach, but it's the Jets. Let's be real)."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, S, CB, WR, DL
General manager: Ryan Delgado, Director of Social
Food/drink item: "Cheerwine Zero, for those who are pre-diabetic."
*Note: No one is pre-diabetic that this author knows of.
Pick analysis: "Wanted to get a large target and combo for Bryce Young for years to come. We believe he gives Bryce the confidence to throw it anywhere and go get it and allows Xavier Legette to run wild. The pick rounds our offense into form."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, OL, WR, DL, QB
General manager: Sawyer Benge, Studio Producer
Food/drink item: *heavy boos from the audience*
"Well, considering I am picking for a dumpster fire team I decided to be a dumpster fire myself. So, I brought nothing."
Pick analysis: *continued boos from the audience*
"He's a proven talent playing against a number of NFL caliber pass rushers in the SEC, pass set is agile and hands work quick against different moves. He has a strong first step/punch in the run game, plus heavy hands keep defenders off balance. Oh, and he has the oiliest hips I've seen in a big man."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, RB, EDGE, WR, TE
General manager: Ed Cahill, Senior Director of Brand & Digital Partnerships
Food/drink item: Ed was working out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the day of the draft. Therefore, he did not have a food item.
Pick analysis: "Been a lot of offensive guys coming off the board so wanted to go a different route."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DL, EDGE, OL, RB, CB
General manager: Jess Stephans, Football Communications Coordinator
Food/drink item: Like Ed, Jess was also virtual for this mock draft, so no food item to be listed here.
Pick analysis: "Campbell is a perfect fit to pair with Fred Warner, and is a ready-made starter for the 49ers. He is a proven competitor against SEC competition, and is an absolute powerhouse of a player. Also, he went to Alabama, which immediately adds points in my book. Roll Tide."
*Note: Jess went to Alabama.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: WR, RB, CB, LB, DL
General manager: Austin Hittel, Senior Director of Video Production
Food/drink item: "I was going to bring in brisket but I couldn't get Jerry to pay for it."
Pick analysis: "As we've stated before, we're not building a new stadium to fix this alleged sun problem. But we really liked finding a player who knows how to play with this bright Texas sun. Dak Prescott can't wait to get to work with him."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, DL, S, CB, TE
General manager: Abbie Jackson, Graphic Designer
Food/drink item: "Key lime pie. Of course."
Pick analysis: "You know, he's no Tony Stark but good enough. His past season wasn't the best, but he fills a huge need for our defense. Fins up."
TRADE!
The Indianapolis Colts (Taylor Vismor) have reached an agreement to trade the No. 14 overall pick for the Cincinnati Bengals' (Will McFadden) No. 17 and No. 119 pick plus Trey Hendrickson.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, S, LB, OL, CB
General manager: Will McFadden, Senior Editor and Staff Writer
Food/drink item: "I brought nothing because Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins took all of our money."
Pick analysis: "Having reached an impasse in our conversations with Trey Hendrickson, we were able to find a suitable trade partner and move ahead of a pair of teams to grab the player we believe is the best all-around defender in this draft. I threw in a fourth-round pick because you can't be a player and a penny-pincher at the same time.
"Walker is one of the most physically well-suited players for today's game that our scouts have ever evaluated, and he's more ornery than a scorned hornet. Given our financial investment in our offense, we have to reimagine our defensive approach and deployment. Walker is central in that and a player we can build around."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, DL, CB, OL, S
General manager: Dimitris Griffin, Video Editor
Food/drink item: "Thought about bringing in wings, but landed on peach cobbler instead."
Pick analysis: "Williams is a freak athlete, has explosive burst and lives to terrorize quarterbacks. Keep that Dawg home."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, EDGE, DL, CB
General manager: David Bassity, Vice President of Football Communications
Food/drink item: On account of the mock draft falling the day after Houston lost to Florida in the men's basketball championship, David Bassity (a Cougar fan) but unable to console himself long enough to cook.
Pick analysis: Still working through the emotions of the loss, Bassity could not bring it upon himself to look his coworkers in the eyes as he mourned the end of the Cougs' season. He sent a list of possible picks for the Commissioner to choose from when the Cardinals were on the clock. Johnson was at the top of said list.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: TE, OL, LB, EDGE, RB
General manager: Taylor Vismor, Digital Video Producer and Studio Host
Food/drink item: "You get air, because I wasn't going to bring in shrimp cocktail."
*Note: The mock draft started at 3 p.m., so said shrimp would have been ripe had it been the food of choice
Pick analysis: "Tyler Warren is a generational talent and a matchup issue for defenses. The fact that he was even available at No. 17 is insane AND being able to take a chance, drop back and get Trey Hendrickson was just an insane offer. Couldn't have written it better if I tried."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, CB, S, DL
General manager: Scott Kegley, Vice President of Digital and Production
Food/drink item: "Seattle's Best coffee, because apparently it's Seattle's best."
Pick analysis: "We signed Sam Darnold to a significant contract, and now we need to keep him protected. Turns out, the former USC Trojan (best university in the world) is a pretty good quarterback when he has time to throw. I was a little worried with the run on offensive linemen early in the draft, so I was shocked this guy was still on the board. Fight On, Sam."
*Note: Scott Kegley is a graduate of USC (not to be confused with South Carolina. The other USC).
Biggest needs per NFL.com: LB, CB, EDGE, S, OL
General manager: Grace Eberhard, Graphic Designer
Food/drink item: "I thought about bringing in mini cuban sandwiches, but decided to go with plantain chips instead."
Pick analysis: "He's used to a little flashiness with the gold BC helmets. I think he could rock the creamsicle throwbacks, which is even flashier."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: RB, WR, CB, TE, DL
General manager: Laramie Diestelkamp, Graphic Designer
Food/drink item: "Brownies — NO NOT THOSE KIND."
Pick analysis: "Ashton Jeanty gets all the hype but we didn't forget about Omarion Hampton! He was third in the FBS with 1,660 rushing yards. Had 15 rushing TDs and two receiving. No fumbles. We like the kid's stuff."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, RB, DL, WR, OL
General manager: Jared Call, Studio Producer
Food/drink item: "Apparently Pittsburgh does weird things to popcorn? So, here's some homemade popcorn with white cheddar and cinnamon seasoning."
Pick analysis: "Shocked he fell this far, and we couldn't waste the opportunity to take the best CB in the draft (yes, the best). We looked at some trades and other players, especially QB Jaxson Dart, but he does his eye black like Anakin Skywalker, a noted BAD teammate, so we decided to go best player available and address a big need at the same time.
"Also the QB class is stacked next year, so we're comfortable addressing other needs and getting our long-term starter behind center next year."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: TE, WR, DL, RB, EDGE
General manager: Jenny Ross, Senior Manager of Video Production
Food/drink item: "Salsa, because you can't spell 'salsa' without 'L' and 'A'"
Pick analysis: "Colston Loveland is a 6'6" cornfed monster who will immediately be a weapon for us, and I'm honestly shocked he was still on the board at No. 22. His history working with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan is huge and we are excited to see what he and Justin Herbert will be able to rain on opposing defenses."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, WR, EDGE, DL, OL
General manager: Sam Larsen, Studio Production Manager
Food/drink item: "Don't have a cow about my pick... I brought Brown Cows."
*Note: After the Commissioner inquired about a Brown Cow, Larsen informed the group he put ice in a plastic bag to keep said cows cold. He procured the cow from the bad.
*Additional note: There are a number of freezers at the facility in Flowery Branch.*
Pick analysis: "He may be my third choice but I will defend him with my LIFE."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, OL, S, LB, DL
General manager: Mark Whittingham, Senior Producer
Food/drink item: "Come to find out both Milky Ways and Boom Chicka Pop were created in Minnesota. So, it was either those two things or a fish dish and I didn't want to do that to you all."
Pick analysis: "We spent a lot of money this offseason but we could still use more depth at corner. Trey adds physicality, versatility and technique at a vital spot for a roster that is rebuilding the position group."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, DL, S, CB
General manager: Larry Luk, Vice President of Creative
Food/drink item: "You've got Dr. Pepper. You've got vanilla ice cream. All for your very own Dr. Pepper float."
Pick analysis: "Need a big target for C.J. Stroud. And this dude is from a big program and has played in some big games. Also, Austin Hittel reached and took my Texas guy."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: LB, CB, OL, TE, WR
General manager: Jackson Sipes, Creative Design Manager
Food/drink item: "I brought bottles of water because L.A. could always use more water."
Pick analysis: *Slack message with Commissioner*
"Azareya'h. Is he picked? If not, I'm taking him."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, CB, S, DL, EDGE
General manager: Jay Bendlin, Team Photographer (and birthday boy)
Food/drink item: "Nothing says Baltimore like some blue crab dip."
Pick analysis: "Lamar Jackson is coming off an MVP season (some might say MVP snub). If we want to make a deep playoff run we need someone who can develop behind Ronnie Stanley, after re-signing him in free agency, and Conerly Jr. is our guy. He had the fastest 10-yard split at the combine and he is a super fast blocker on tape. He can move quickly with Lamar as he eludes defenders."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, OL, S, DL, WR
General manager: Matt Haley, Director of Football Communications
Food/drink item: "In a similar vein to Larry and the Texans, I, too, brought a float-related item: The Boston Cooler, which is a Detroit delicacy made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream."
Pick analysis: "We lost a number of guys to injury last season, including Aiden Hutchinson, which hurt our pass rush at the end of the season, so we came into the draft wanting to bolster our defense with an impact player. We love the traits with Shemar. He's big and explosive, one of the best athletes in terms of testing. He's got the best relative athletic score of any player at his position since 1987. He's solid as a run defender.
"We know that he didn't have the pass-rush production at A&M but we feel like we can get him into our program, around the other guys we have here and maximize his potential."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, CB, WR, S, OL
General manager: Morgan Cowen, Senior Manager of Brand and Digital Partnerships
Food/drink item: "Technically, the Commanders play in Maryland. So, I brought crab chips to really lean into that fact."
Pick analysis: "We were in need of adding to the defensive line, and we felt Harmon dominated at the combine. He also played for Dan Lanning who was a part of the elite Kirby Smart coaching tree, so we're gonna keep the kid with another excellent coach named Dan."
*Note: Morgan is a graduate of the University of Georgia.
TRADE!
The Buffalo Bills (Zeldrick Martin) have traded the No. 30 pick in exchange for the No. 57 overall pick and a 2026 first- and third-round pick from the Carolina Panthers (Ryan Delgado).
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, DL, WR, EDGE, S
General manager: Still Delgado
Food/drink item: Still Cheerwine Zero. You know, for the pre-diabetics in the room.
*Note: There are still no new cases of pre-diabetes on the team.
Pick analysis: "We wanted to leave Day 1 with a DL who either would wreak havoc and/or come off the edge to set the tone on defense. With Pearce, we believed he was a top-end-of-the-first talent and we want him to be the menace that he is. We feel as though he brings an attitude and can grow into a pro with our coaching and intensity."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DT, OL, EDGE, S, WR
General manager: Jackie Kinney, Manager of Social Media
Food/drink item: "I brought in cinnamon rolls because Taylor Swift made them for Travis Kelce. And nothing says 'Kansas City' like Taylor."
Pick analysis: "Grant is a national champion who adds more size to the defensive line and is used to playing in big games at Michigan. He gets to stay home in the Midwest, plus Tori has been drafting him to the Chiefs for weeks.
"Oh, also, this video."
Biggest needs per NFL.com: S, DL, CB, EDGE, OL
General manager: Terrin Waack, Team Reporter
Food/drink item: "So, apparently Tastykakes were created in Philadelphia. Beats bringing in cheesesteak sliders that I can't eat."
*Note: Terrin is pescatarian.
Pick analysis: "A handshake apparently means nothing to the Titans, and my trade request was pulled out from under me at the last second. Regardless, now there are as many Alabama players as there are Georgia rostered."
*Note: Like Jess, Terrin went to the University of Alabama.
