The Falcons still have a long way to go, especially defensively, and many of their impact players are going to have to come from the upcoming NFL Draft.
One key event for the Falcons front office is the Combine, where they can get a look and measure and compare multiple prospects, but they can also do that this weekend at the HBCU Combine.
Former NFL Head Coach Hue Jackson, who is now the coach at Grambling, joined John and Hugh ahead of the HBCU Combine to discuss why it's such an important event and the quality of players that can be found there.
"They have not had a place where the HBCU athletes could be truly evaluated at a high level. The fact that they're going to take the most talented players from the HBCU rosters and let them compete and give the scouts a chance to see them is monumental for the HBCU schools," says Hue Jackson.
"Somebody is going to show up and show out," says Jackson. "These players are excited about this opportunity."
One of the names that has people buzzing early is FAMU DB Antwan Collier, a guy at 6'3 that would fill a need for the Falcons at the Safety position. Collier began his career at UCF and was one of the best members of the Golden Knights secondary before transferring to FAMU.
There are no shortage of NFL superstars and Hall of Famers from HBCU's including Walter Payton, Shannon Sharpe, Michael Strahan, and Jerry Rice, and despite no HBCU athletes being drafted in 2021, with nearly 40 players showcasing themselves at the HBCU Combine, that is likely to change in this years draft.
While it would appear likely that the Falcons will look to draft a pass rusher with their first pick, there will be plenty of chances to draft linebackers and members of the secondary in later rounds and you can't help but wonder if Collier or another HBCU stud is the next starter for one of those units.