The Atlanta Falcons' 2024 draft class was defined by Michael Penix Jr., who has been unable to take on the role the Falcons hoped the signal-caller would prove capable of. However, Penix is far from the only pick that isn't aging well in this class, leading us to turn back the clock and consider what could have been if things had fallen perfectly for the Falcons.
Before we begin, it is important to note that this is redrafting the first five rounds only, and any selections replaced must be after the initial pick and within ten selections. With this in mind, let's start by looking at the selection of a quarterback that continues to be questioned based on the team's current struggles at the position.
Round 1 Pick #8 Michael Penix Jr.
Penix remains a bit of a mystery, as Kirk Cousins has started the bulk of the past two seasons. The small sample size without a clear answer, along with the presence of Tua Tagovailoa, is telling. Atlanta doesn't trust Penix to be able to stay on the field and provide the stability needed for the position. No question, if the franchise had it to do over again, it would be Bo Nix if the franchise was going to select a signal-caller.
Penix simply hasn't had the consistency of Nix, who has been surprisingly durable and been a consistent threat both with his legs and a surprisingly accurate arm. If the Falcons were going to find a franchise answer at this point in the draft, it appears that it should've been Bo Nix.
Round 2 Pick #35 Ruke Orhorhoro
The defensive lineman hasn't had the hoped for impact, with there still being time for this to change. However, as things currently stand, there isn't an argument that the selection would be replaced by a far more accomplished defender taken only a handful of picks after Orhorhoro. Current Philadelphia Eagles corner and Super Bowl champion Cooper DeJean unquestionably would be the pick if Atlanta could go back in time.
The star corner has been a consistent force in the Philadelphia defense and would be an amazing option to pair with A.J. Terrell.
Round 3 Pick #74 Bralen Trice
Two years into the career of Trice and we are yet to see the edge rusher take the field and play any snaps of note. Injuries have kept Trice off the field, leaving little question that the edge rusher would be replaced in a redraft. It would be USC safety Calen Bullock the Falcons would add, putting together one of the league's youngest and most exciting secondaries.
Round 4 Pick #109 Brandon Dorlus
Dorlus is the first pick in this draft that there simply is no debate, the Falcons made the right decision. The pass rusher had a breakout season in 2025 and appears to be on the upswing as he puts together an increasingly impressive resume. The Falcons got at least one pick right in this draft class with Dorlus clearly sticking with the Falcons.
Round 5 Pick #143 JD Bertrand
Bertrand can be debated as a pick based on the fact that there aren't many solid selections made within ten picks of the young linebacker. Atlanta could've taken current Bears pass rusher Austin Booker or current Denver rusher Audric Estime. It is a trio of options that doesn't have a clear answer, with Booker bolstering the pass-rushing depth being where we landed for this exercise, understanding that none of this group is greatly changing Atlanta's roster.
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