SE Atlanta News

The offseason brings familiar questions for the Atlanta Falcons, notably why they do not draft players from the University of Georgia. Tori McElhaney, a Georgia graduate, explores this query and shares insights into team-building strategies in her column.

Barry W. from Rex, Georgia suggests that the Falcons should model their strategy after the Philadelphia Eagles' approach to drafting players from top college programs like Alabama and Georgia. McElhaney acknowledges Barry's point, noting that six out of ten of the Eagles' first- or second-round picks since 2020 have ties to these universities. She highlights that "the Eagles' success in drafts since 2020 is a byproduct of them going after significant playmakers on two of college football's best teams at the time: Alabama and Georgia."

McElhaney explains that while many successful players come from specific colleges, it is more about selecting top talent early in the draft rather than focusing solely on school affiliation. The Eagles have prioritized drafting high-caliber players who became key figures for their team.

Comparing this with the Falcons' draft history, McElhaney points out that outside of a few notable selections like Matthew Bergeron and Arnold Ebiketie, many other picks have yet to make a significant impact. She states that "it's who has been impactful and what capital was used to obtain them" that makes the difference.

In another reader question addressed by McElhaney, Will S. from Summerville asks about Kirk Cousins' contract situation with the Falcons. McElhaney clarifies there is no way around paying Cousins due to his contract terms: "There is no way around the compensation owed to Cousins." The financial obligations remain regardless of whether he stays as a backup or gets traded.

McElhaney concludes by emphasizing that financial repercussions are inevitable due to Cousins’ guaranteed $90 million contract with Atlanta.