Owner says Falcons need long-term plan at QB … Atlanta owner Arthur Blank was recently quoted as saying that the Falcons are a team in search of a ‘long-term plan at quarterback.’ The Falcons, of course, just traded away long-time starter Matt Ryan after being heavily invested in the pursuit of former Houston QB Deshaun Watson who ultimately ended up in Cleveland. On the one-hand its not entirely clear that Blank wasn’t simply trying to justify trading Ryan whose contract situation was killing the Falcons’ cap. While he didn’t directly mention this year’s draft where the Falcons have the 8th pick, the implication was certainly there when he talked about ‘having to get ready for the next 14-15 years.’ Indeed, the Falcons were one of several teams all over the pro day workouts of QBs Malik Willis of Liberty and Pitt’s Kenny Pickett. And sitting at #8 the Falcons could very well be in position to select one of the two top-rated passers. However, if that’s their goal it could be a nervy position. Division-rival Carolina, which picks two spots ahead of the Falcons, is pretty much in the same boat as Atlanta when it comes to QBs; i.e., the Panthers desperately need one too. So, if the Falcons really like one of Willis or Pickett more than the other, or are afraid the some other team leapfrogs them to grab the guy the Panthers don’t take, they may have to think about trading up if they don’t want to wait another year to address the position. And that would likely mean having to deal with either the Jets at #4 or the Giants at #5. Stay tuned!
