The Atlanta Falcons top wide receiver tandem has yet to really display its full potential. The trio of Julio Jones, Roddy White and Harry Douglas has started and stalled thanks to injuries and other offensive inconsistencies which is leaving the Falcons to consider their options. With Jones the only receiver under 30 and in need of a giant contract extension, the Falcons could target a wide receiver in the early rounds of the NFL Draft to get a young body in place.
To the surprise of many, the idea of signing Jones to a big contract extension is controversial amongst the fan base. Jones is one of the best in the league, but has struggled with some injuries during his tenure with the Falcons. However, he is easily their best offensive weapons and the need to keep him around is high regardless of the money. Jones is a security blanket for quarterback Matt Ryan and has proven that time and time again. Head coach Dan Quinn has made it clear that Jones' contract is a priority, but that does not mean the Falcons will not add a receiver in the draft.
White and Douglas are aging along with Eric Weems and Devin Hester. White will finish his career with the Falcons while Douglas is at risk of being a salary-cap casualty with his $3.5 million hit. Weems is a free agency in need of being re-signed. As a result, ESPN.com predicts the Falcons will target a wide receiver in an early round or potentially their first pick.
Most of the NFL Mock drafts have the Falcons aiming to get a pass rusher with their first pick. However, if they want to take a risk, drafting Amari Cooper could be an option. Cooper and the Falcons has been an idea floating around with several draft experts. The Alabama product running tandem with Jones is wishful thinking at best, but not a totally crazy idea to consider. White might have one more quality year left in him meaning the Falcons need to find his replacement sooner rather than later. Who better than the best wide receiver in the league? However, the Falcons have a lot of holes to fill so spending their top pick on a receiver might not be wise.
The second round could gift the Falcons with the receiver they want. Devante Parker out of Louisville would be quality if he slips out of the first year. He missed a good portion of 2014 with an injury, but still put up 855 ayrds and five touchdowns while coming in at 6-foot-3 and 211 points. His size makes him a threat regardless. Kevin White out of West Virginia is expected to be a solid pick for the Falcons or Phillip Dorsett out of Miami who might be the fastest receiver in the draft this year.
