The Atlanta Falcons were slated to make the 3rd selection (35th overall) of Friday night's 2nd Round of the 2021 NFL Draft. That didn't happen.
Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot traded out of the 35th pick and slid back down to 40 in a swap with the Denver Broncos. The trade also saw Atlanta send Denver their 219th overall pick (6th round) for the Broncos 4th round pick (114 overall).
Brilliant!
You move back 5-spots in round 2, and move up 2 rounds that meant shooting up 105 overall spots.
And then the Falcons selected Richie Grant, safety, from UCF.
I always believe in being 100% honest with my audience. I've never heard of him. Most of you know, that I consume a ton of college football and for me to not know of him (or have not seen him in any early round 2 mock-for whatever that's worth) speaks volumes.
That said, I have no problem with being wrong if this kid ends up being a starter for 7-8 years and sprinkles in a few pro bowls. We need a safety who makes an impact and I hope he pans out.
The comparisons are Malcolm Jenkins and the Honey Badger.
Here's to being wrong and great safety play!