[ad_1]
The Atlanta Falcons proceed to do their due diligence on the 2023 NFL Draft quarterback class as they host arguably the top-ranked quarterback for a go to. Nonetheless, is Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud really of their plans, or are the Falcons pulling one other one of many many smokescreens seen throughout NFL Draft season?
C.J. Stroud Visits With Falcons on a Prime-30 Go to
Extensively anticipated to go both first or second total throughout subsequent week’s NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud is assembly with a group he hadn’t beforehand been related to previously. Mike Garafolo NFL Network reported that the Falcons hosted the Ohio State QB on a go to on Wednesday.
Atlanta has the No. 8 total decide, and whereas it’s assumed that Stroud might be lengthy passed by then, Atlanta is conducting due diligence. Bryce Younger has develop into the overwhelming favourite to go first total to the Carolina Panthers, and there have been a couple of studies suggesting that the Houston Texans may not be as excessive on Stroud at No. 2 as some may think regardless of his prolific profession for the Buckeyes.
Nonetheless, it should be remembered that is smokescreen season. Whereas there could also be some validity to the Texans’ rumors, I’d proceed to take every thing with a grain of salt this time of yr.
MORE: FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
On the identical time, Atlanta is completely good to convey Stroud in for a top-30 go to, as they would want excessive conviction to commerce as much as the No. 2 total decide for Stroud.
Who is aware of? Perhaps they’re simply getting in some early scouting in case the division-rival Panthers draft him.
Stroud has been busy making the rounds for the reason that 2023 NFL Mix. He joined Kentucky QB Will Levis in visiting the Panthers on Tuesday. Moreover, he additionally labored out for the Indianapolis Colts and met with the Texans, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders.
It has additionally been rumored that the Tennessee Titans are excessive on the Huge 10 prospect and could possibly be a possible candidate to observe ought to he slide past the highest two total choices, as they might need to make a run on the No. 3 decide (at the moment held by Arizona Cardinals).
Desmond Ritter is Ready to Begin in 2023 if Given the Alternative
Don’t get me incorrect: The shiny new toy is all the time the one you need to play with. However having gone 5 straight seasons and not using a playoff look, the Falcons know each choice they make is essential.
After Atlanta moved on from veteran quarterback Matt Ryan in a commerce with the Colts earlier than final season, veteran Marcus Mariota was initially signed to convey management and stability to the place. Nonetheless, he struggled on the sector, finishing 61.3% of his passes for two,219 yards with a 15-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio, main the Falcons to a 5-8 report.
MORE: List of Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft Picks
Atlanta handed the keys over to former Cincinnati standout QB Desmond Ritter, who the Falcons chosen with the 73rd decide within the 2022 NFL Draft. An unpolished rookie possibility, Ridder served because the backup after head coach Arthur Smith named Mariota the beginning quarterback to open the season.
On December 8, the Falcons benched Mariota naming Ridder the beginning quarterback for the remainder of the season. He made his Week 15 debut towards the New Orleans Saints, towards whom he went 13 of 26 for 97 yards. He completed his rookie season with 708 passing yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, an 86.4 passer ranking, and 64 speeding yards.
Regardless of Outdoors Noise, Ridder Views Himself as QB1
Ridder has seen the headlines stating the group ought to pursue a starter. “Yeah, I do have a TV in my home,” Ridder said. “So I see that typically.”
Regardless of the shortage of reps below middle, Ridder views himself as a frontrunner for the Falcons, expressing the sensation is mutual between himself within the group.
“They told me that they trust me, and so they see what I do out on the sector,” Ridder mentioned. “They see my management, and that’s necessary. I’m simply going to proceed to be myself, be who I’m, be the chief I could be, and go on the market and simply preserve proving myself.”
Ridder is coming into his second yr with the mindset of being a beginning quarterback within the NFL. He informed reporters on Tuesday that he’s thought-about himself the starter for the reason that Falcons made the choice to advertise him final yr.
“Week 14, every time that was, and going by way of the bye week, that’s once I was informed then,” Ridder mentioned, by way of D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Structure. “From that time on, it was simply going into the offseason, myself simply taking it as for those who’re the starter… That was my mindset from as quickly as I stepped on the sector for the primary time down in New Orleans, was to clearly take it and run with it.”
However the final time I checked, confidence and statements within the media didn’t put factors on the scoreboard or wins within the stat columns. Continued improvement, making the fitting choices, and maximizing your expertise do this. And up to now, Ridder’s ceiling stays as large of a query simply because it was this time final yr when he was nonetheless a draft prospect.
Are the Falcons prepared to move up on a possible top-tier expertise like Stroud if the chance arises? Are they that bought on Ridder? That’s one thing we’re not going to know till draft evening. Nonetheless, it should be famous that there’s a 3rd quarterback in play who everybody seems to view as an afterthought.
Taylor Heinicke is Arthur Smith’s Insurance coverage Coverage
The Falcons signed former Washington Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke as a free agent this offseason. Heinicke offers the Falcons with a high quality backup, as he registered 1,859 yards, a 62.2% completion proportion, and 12 touchdowns in 9 video games for the commanders in 2022.
Whereas it has been very clear that Heinicke is viewed as the backup, he has had some magical moments, together with practically knocking off Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the Wild Card spherical of the 2020-2021 NFL Playoffs only a few weeks earlier than the Bucs gained the Tremendous Bowl. Heinicke might be nipping at Ridder’s heels.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Overall Team Needs
Heinicke has proven poise within the pocket, a strong arm, the flexibility to flee when crucial, and even the toughness to play by way of accidents. He’s the kind of man gamers like to play with, as proven in his earlier spots.
Though counting on Heinicke isn’t one thing the Falcons need to do, as they would favor that Ridder progresses to the purpose the place they don’t want to show to a backup, Heinicke might be there to regular the ship if wanted. If that occurs, the Falcons might be prime contenders to assault a loaded 2024 QB class that includes Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Quinn Ewers, and Shedeur Sanders.
[ad_2]
Source link
