The Atlanta Falcons have a big decision to make when it comes to the upcoming NFL draft. With the No. 8 overall pick, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot must determine whether it’s time to select a quarterback in the top 10 for the first time since 2008.
Draft analysts are all over the place when it comes to this year’s quarterback class. Liberty’s Malik Willis, a Georgia native, is the top QB prospect according to most scouts.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Falcons and Panthers are scheduled to meet with Willis next week.
Liberty QB Malik Willis is scheduled to visit next week with, amongst others, the Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) and Carolina Panthers (No. 6), per source.
Willis already has met with the Steelers, Saints, Giants, Titans and others.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2022
Even if Atlanta does in fact want Willis, there’s a good chance that Carolina will take him at pick No. 6. The Panthers have struck out over and over again in finding their next franchise quarterback.
The Falcons traded 14-year veteran Matt Ryan away to the Colts a few weeks ago, and signed Marcus Mariota the same day. Head coach Arthur Smith has experience with Mariota, but the team could still look to draft a quarterback in the first or second round.
Willis is probably the only option Atlanta is considering at pick No. 8, although some have speculated that the team is high on Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder.
The 2022 NFL draft kicks off on April 28 and concludes on April 30.
