The 5 Keys to the Falcons' Playoff Push with Kevin Knight!

Our position review series concludes with a look at the safeties. Jessie Bates was a revelation for the Falcons in 2023, and host Will McFadden explains why he is poised for similar success in a new defensive scheme. There are a few other important players in this group, including Richie Grant. Three years into his NFL career, Grant has shown some flashes but hasn't impressed the way many hoped. Is he a potential cap casualty or can he flourish under Raheem Morris?

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Will McFadden is joined by Trevor Sikkema, the lead NFL Draft analyst at Pro Football Focus. They discuss the quarterback prospects who best fit Atlanta's new offense and why it could make sense for the Falcons to go with a veteran option. Then, Trevor shares some of the non-quarterback options who could be on the table at No. 8 if the Falcons want to continue their BPA approach. Will and Trevor discuss second-round value options and some highlights from the NFL Combine, including a freakout about Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mim's size.

Will McFadden takes a close look at Atlanta's cornerback room. A.J. Terrell enters the final year of his rookie contract and is firmly established as the team's top corner. But the Falcons are once again in the market for a long-term option at the No. 2 spot. This year's draft offers several enticing options, but Atlanta could also make a play in free agency to land a starter. In-house, the Falcons have some complementary young pieces who offer some promise.

Will McFadden continues the position review series with a look at the Falcons' inside linebackers. This was the biggest pleasant surprise of the 2023 season, and the emergence of players like Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman helped Atlanta overcome the early loss of Troy Andersen. Andersen is set to return for a pivotal third year, which could be huge for the Falcons. However, will a new defense shrink the role of a talent-laden group?

Will McFadden is joined by Josh Kendall of The Athletic, who is out at the NFL Combine covering the Atlanta Falcons. The two discuss the swirling Justin Fields rumors as well as what Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot had to say about Atlanta's quarterback search. Will and Josh also go over the NFLPA's recently released report card and what it had to say about the Falcons' head coach. Finally, they wrap it up with a brief discussion about free agency and expected scheme changes.

Will McFadden takes a look at Atlanta's edge defenders, which is a position in flux as Raheem Morris arrives with a new defensive scheme. Two of the most productive players at the position are set to hit free agency, but could either Calais Campbell or Bud Dupree find their way back to the Falcons for another season? There are some promising young players in this group, but Atlanta could take a long look at some of the top free agents or edge prospects in this year's draft.

Our position review series returns with a look at the defense. Will McFadden goes through the Falcons' defensive line production last season and shares his expectations for the changes the could be coming. New defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake has said the Falcons will use a 3-4 base front, but the roster is set up to handle that transition well. Will explains why as he takes a deep dive into the D-Line.

Will McFadden is joined by his Bleav colleague Joe DeLeone, host of The First Team, to get into some NFL Draft talk. Will and Joe have each released new mock drafts, and they go through some of the biggest surprises and eye-catching player/team pairings. They examine a loaded receiver class and how that could have a ripple effect on the first round.

Will's Mock Draft
Joe's Mock Draft

The offensive part of our position review series concludes with a look at the tight end position. This group was central to Arthur Smith's offense but could look different come this Fall. One thing that won't change: The Falcons need to figure out how to get Kyle Pitts going. He has yet to live up to his lofty draft status, but there's hope that he could thrive if Atlanta lands the right quarterback. Will McFadden takes a look at a very unique part of the Falcons' offense.

Next up in our position review series is a look at the Falcons' wide receivers. Drake London's stats don't signify a huge leap forward in his second season, but he firmly established himself as a No. 1 option in the NFL. London's toughness, acrobatics and versatility have become hallmarks of his game, and it's clear the future looks bright for the first-round pick. Outside of London, however, the Falcons had shockingly little production. Will McFadden explains why that was and what the team should do about that moving forward.