Dallas Cowboys star continues to make Atlanta’s drafting strategy look stupid

In Arthur Smith’s first draft with the Atlanta Falcons, there was an argument to be made at almost every position group that he was worthy of first-round consideration. Atlanta held the 4th overall pick and chose to select Kyle Pitts.

Let’s be clear from the start, Pitts is an extremely talented player and poised for a breakout season with Kirk Cousins ​​now under center. However, Atlanta chose to select Pitts without the two positions the team needed to address the most quarterback and passer numbers.

The best passer in this draft now plays in Dallas. Micah Parsons was a great potential fit for the Falcons, had the team been able to trade up adding some much-needed picks and finding their franchise pass rusher. Instead, the team opted to add a tight end who has been incredibly disappointing over the past two seasons.

The reasons for Pitts’ lack of production are understandable and clear. Even so, that doesn’t make it any easier for Falcons fans who realize how close they always were to landing a much-needed franchise edge rusher.

Three years before Atlanta passed on TJ Watt to add Takk McKinley who would become an even bigger bust than Vic Beasley. Perhaps deterred by their recent decisions at the position, the Falcons opted to add a weapon they couldn’t use well.

Since this decision was made, Parsons has accumulated 40.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 89 QB hits and 51 tackles for loss. Among those numbers is a memorable strip-sack by Matt Ryan during an absolute drubbing of Atlanta during Parsons’ rookie season.

It’s easy to play the “what if” game not just with Watt or Parsons, but with any number of talented passers Atlanta has chosen to look past. Over the past four years, the Falcons have added Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr. in the first round.

Every year, a large portion of Atlanta fans loudly asked their franchise to consider drafting a pass rusher. In a pass-heavy league, not being able to get to the quarterback consistently will end your season. Whether it’s in Week 9 or the first round of the playoffs, if you can’t get to the quarterback, you’re not winning anything important.

For Atlanta, the answer was the same each time by going with the most exciting offensive player. Building for the future without ever meeting the needs of the present. Micah Parsons isn’t the first and it doesn’t appear he’ll be the last on a list of star pass rushers Atlanta refuses to draft.