Not bad value for Darnold really. This is also interesting because it takes Carolina out of the Watson sweepstakes (if that's even still a thing).

 

It also likely takes them out of the running to trade up from the 8th spot if a QB drops to 6th.

 

I don't see how it can be a thing again until/unless it is fully resolved. I think it shows that it likely will drag on at least past the draft and a chunk of the offseason.

I'd be more interested in seeing how it will affect their draft plans - will they go a year with Teddy and Sam competing, or will they still take a Lance/Fields/Jones if one reaches 8.

Best case for them is that Darnold pulls a Ryan Tannehill.

 

Atlanta is now in the most intriguing position at #4. CBS is claiming they’re open to dealing the pick and trading down, but of course they are going to say that at this point. Denver would be the most likely to want to move up, but Detroit has been mentioned as being in the mix.

 

Falcons are clearly blowing smoke to gin up interest in a trade. Something about this article and subsequent tweet doesn't feel right:

 

The options that make the most sense for Atlanta are QB and trade. Lance and Fields especially as high-upside guys who may need some acclimation time first make a ton of sense. Sit behind Ryan for a year or two, then step in and take over the reins when it's more financially feasible to cut or trade him. They have a good LT in Jake Matthews and between Jones and Ridley they have weapons. It's just hard to see Pitts, Chase or Sewell really adding much in the short term and if you aren't thinking short term then you should draft the QB. Alternately, trade back and take some defense, which is their biggest deficiency.

 

Yea atlanta is definitely not in the market for a quarterback lol maybe two years from now they will but quarterback theyre more thab okay with Matt Ryan.. they definitely need offensive line help..

 

I think the Falcons could take a QB, but blowing one up as a potential fit when you're picking fourth seems like they want to trade down and potentially have the QB they really like on the board. I think Atlanta is trying to convince Denver they're interested in Fields in the hope that they can trade down and get Lance at #9. Especially if they have intel that the Broncos are interested in Fields. Even if Lance is gone, they need help in multiple positions so taking Sewell, Surtain, Harris or another player while getting extra draft capital is more important than getting a QB at #4 who is going to sit for two years.

 

It's to our advantage if Atlanta trades that pick to someone who wants a QB. With everyone picking QBs, we'd have a better chance of taking who we want.

 

We're sitting pretty. With 5 expected QBs to be selected, there's going to be good value available at #18. It will be interesting to see what happens after the first couple of receivers come off the board too. Personally, the Falcons pick and our pick are going to set the stage for every team for the rest of the draft.

 

Honestly, if I was Atlanta, I'd take Justin Fields without question. Matt Ryan is 35 years old. Even if he does play for three or even five more years, having a prospect like Fields waiting in the wings would be grand.

 

It's a good chance to grab a possible franchise QB for Atlanta, and let the kid sit for a year while Ryan plays one more year. They could probably trade Ryan for a third rounder in 2022. A new coach will want to hitch his wagon to a younger QB, instead of waiting for Matt to break down and scrambling to find a replacement then.

No way they draft Fields and let him set for 3-5 years though. You have to win while the QB is on his rookie contract, which means getting him on the field by his second year.