Atlanta Falcons’ Awkward Trades on Draft Day Shouldn’t Be a Surprise

The Atlanta Falcons’ entire draft process has drawn a lot of criticism this offseason. Signing Kirk Cousins ​​and drafting Michael Penix Jr. is well-covered territory. However, don’t expect the heat to die down anytime soon with the realization this week of Terry Fontenot and company fumbling on a draft day trade.

Chicago was nervous that the Falcons would take Rome Odunze, a target the franchise wanted to add alongside new quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears offered the Falcons a future 4th round pick for a chance to move up a spot.

Atlanta turned down the deal and drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ignoring all logic. Penix was not a highly sought after prospect considering he was the 4th player at his position to go off the board. The idea that Chicago would trade up a spot just to turn around and deal the pick to another team looking for a quarterback is ridiculous.

He assumes that the Bears front office would do what would be considered a “dirty move” by those inside. Or he simply chooses to ignore the potential value of a future 4th round pick.

One that has a little more interest now that you’ve lost a future 5th round selection due to tampering. This news is just further confirmation that there is reason to be concerned about Atlanta’s decision-making. A front office that has placed all its trust in Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder in back-to-back seasons has reason to be questioned.

It doesn’t help that these decisions were finalized by pushing Matt Ryan through the backdoor and adding Penix and Cousins ​​in the same offseason.

Whether it’s quarterback management or the lack of urgency on the rusher or receiver side, there is reason to be concerned. Just as Fontenot has shown an impressive ability to navigate the cap space and find surprise bargains, he has shown a tendency to ignore the obvious.

The positives are there, but don’t outweigh the concerns and continued lack of interest in key positions. There’s no doubt that Atlanta’s front office is making it incredibly easy for its detractors with an offseason filled with possible missteps.