Every year I get excited for the NFL Draft, more-so than the other competing league drafts. Part of it feels like Christmas, waking up knowing I’m about to get a new favorite player (Maybe?). Waiting like a gambling addict for the draft trade action so I can evaluate each side and see if anyone got ripped off (who doesn’t like trades?). However, the best part of the draft for me has always been the lead up to the draft.
I love watching the combine, seeing how players move and change speeds. That’s where you can see if guys might be “maxing out” their bodies or if they’re fluid with room to grow. Waiting for 40 time results to see who’s faster than I ever thought and who has “Game Speed“. Usually, I spend my free time researching college stats from the previous season while comparing schemes of defensive and offensive coordinators to see if there are guys with good traits who were underutilized on the stat sheet due to scheme fit or depth chart log jam. I love Trying to find guys that are under the radar. (Who doesn’t like an underdog story?)
Through researching and trying to predict team needs/wants, I always came across some players that I personally loved and would root for. Always looking to see where they ended up being drafted (Round, Team), and following their careers. Some guys end back up on the Falcons later
The Draft Day Steal creates considerably more intrigue in the draft the deeper we get. The first round always has shockers and not everyone pans out but most people are aware of the names/players. Teams will take a number of approaches to the their time on the clock. Best Player Available vs Team Need vs how many more players at a certain position are still available vs Taking a chance on someone with high upside.
The drama is there.
My intrigue is not.
“Being a Falcons fan has ruined my NFL viewing experience“. The front office almost never does what I or many other fans think they should do and it hasn’t gotten us too far. The Falcons Franchise used to be the poster child for Inconsistency having not had back to back winning seasons until finishing 2009 with a 9-7 record. Since then, we’ve had 5 winning seasons, including epically losing the Super Bowl where we’ve become a mockery.
Since the Super Bowl loss and subsequent 1st and Goal loss to the Eagles in 2017, the Falcons have gone 47-69, with 0 winning seasons. We are currently in the midst of 7 consecutive losing seasons. What is a winning season anyways? Does it really even matter? (Not Really)
On top of that, we’re rolling out a Rookie QB with Kirk Cousins drama because our GM decided to bring in 2 QBs last year with Cousins failing to live up to his contract so much that other teams won’t trade for him without the Falcons eating major parts of it.
We lost Grady Jarrett, our only real threat to effect pass blocking schemes so we’ll need to address the defensive line.
Throughout the year our offensive line failed to really push opponents around so beefing up the line to help open holes for Bijan and keep people off Penix would be a huge addition as well.
I’m not saying the sky is falling for the Falcons, only their consistent theme of losing has been much of a perennial downer these days. It doesn’t feel like this draft is going to be one that helps much. Especially with 5 picks.
The cap has all but been reworked, now we have to figure out the Cousins situation so we can clear the books for future years.
Does any of this make you want to glue yourself to the television to see who the Falcons draft on Thursday Night?
Me Neither.
But I will be anyways.
-RJ
The Other Side of Sports 