3 Most Likely Players the Falcons Will Draft No. 4 Overall

The Atlanta Falcons endured an unstable season, starting the year 0-5 and letting go of both their GM and head coach. Atlanta managed to go 4-2 in interim head coach Raheem Morris' first six games, but the team then regressed again and went on a six-game losing streak to finish out the season.

A 4-12 record mixed with uncertainty about the futures of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones have the mood in Atlanta down, but the team's poor play also gives them optimism when looking towards the draft. The Falcons, rarely a truly terrible team, have the No. 4 overall pick at their disposal come April.

With that in mind, here's three likely players the Falcons will take with the fourth selection.

1. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Justin Fields should be Atlanta's top priority if he lands to them at No. 4. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is shooting up draft boards, and he could be off the board as soon as the New York Jets make their pick at No. 2. If Fields falls to Atlanta, though, they should absolutely use their selection to take the franchise's QB of the future. The current Buckeye is coming off of a 385-yard, 6-touchdown performance to upset Clemson, showcasing both his mobility and arm strength. He'd be an exciting prospect for the Falcons' new front office and coaching staff to groom as Ryan approaches the end of his storied career.

2. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

BYU star Zach Wilson has intriguing dual-threat abilities that make him one of the draft's best QBs. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

BYU quarterback Zach Wilson will likely be available, as opposed to Fields, at No. 4, and he's another starting QB in the making that's worth selecting. Wilson has flashed his passing prowess (3,699 yards and 33 TDs) along with running potential (254 yards and 10 TDs) that would give the Falcons a possible dual-threat under center that they haven't had since the days of Michael Vick. If Wilson is Atlanta's pick, they'll hopefully have a head coach in place who can make maximize Wilson's abilities through the air and on the ground. He's a great choice who would benefit from a year or two as Matt Ryan's understudy.

3. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

Gregory Rousseau could help the Falcons' defense be an asset in 2021. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

If the Falcons' new regime looks for a playmaker on defense, Miami EDGE Gregory Rousseau fits the bill. He sat out the 2020 season, but his performance in 2019 spoke for itself, with the then-redshirt freshman racking up 54.0 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and a whopping 15.5 sacks. Pairing Rousseau with an interior threat like Grady Jarrett would give the Falcons a deadly pass rush and make their defense a real asset.

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