I don't care what your feelings are, that's them. How realistic are these options?
To guarantee yourself any of the top three, you need to be picking top three. That means a trade up. Are we sure any of the top three teams moves out of the spot when they need a QB themselves? Falcons picking 8 is a long way from these guys.
Let's assume the top three are gone. That's the most logical path. Can one fall? Anything can happen. But we're just dealing with odds/logic here. Majority of the projections for the top four picks because arguing against it is just poking holes.
That means the Falcons are left choosing from McCarthy, Penix, or Nix. Or basically looking like this group.
The odds of the Vikings letting Kirk walk are low. They have a QB. Why let him go to jump in this mess? Also, how happy would JJettas be seeing Kirk walk for... Any of those three guys? Keep Kirk and draft his replacement. This takes Kirk off the board. x.com/clutchpoints/s…
The odds of the Vikings letting Kirk walk are low. They have a QB. Why let him go to jump in this mess? Also, how happy would JJettas be seeing Kirk walk for... Any of those three guys? Keep Kirk and draft his replacement. This takes Kirk off the board. x.com/clutchpoints/s…
Russ in Atlanta makes little sense. He's likely a cut candidate, but I see him in Pittsburgh/Oakland more than Atlanta. But even so, he's the most likely vet to be available as a free agent. This is the only vet option if you want a starter.
Justin Fields. There is a reason Fields to Atlanta makes so much sense. You don't have to like it. There are questions about his game. But he's been in an objectively bad situation and is only 25 years olds. He showed flashes of good play at times.
Basically, the Falcons, without a trade up, are looking at Russell Wilson, trading for Justin Fields, or taking one of the three in McCarthy, Penix, or Nix. Or they can stand pat and roll with Ridder/Heinicke again. Somehow some think that's an option, so this is for you.
That's partly why I'm fine with Fields. The options otherwise are slim. I can want Williams/Maye/Daniels in Atlanta, but that requires things outside of the Falcons control. The Bears are motivated sellers on Fields. Who's a motivated seller on a top three pick?
Fields gives you the best mix of youth, low cost, upside potential, and fit, while allowing you to keep adding top ten talent to the roster and not hamstring your cap. If he doesn't work out, you didn't mortgage the future to acquire him.
Also, Fields brings the fans out. The city has missed Vick since 2007. Fields scratches that itch for them at a low cost. Whether you like it or not, half the fanbase exists solely because of 7. You want homefield advantage, you need fans locked in. Russ ain't doing that...
Fields would be like Antonio Pierce ended up being for the Raiders. Look at how different the team and fans were with him. It's immeasurable. Is he the best HC in the league? No. But he was the best fit for the Raiders. Same for Fields. That's how I see it.