Mock Draft Has Atlanta Falcons Picking Pitt’s Kenny Pickett As Matt Ryan’s Replacement

Matt Ryan has been the franchise quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons since his rookie season in 2008. He has been one of the most successful QBs in franchise history. In 2016, he was named the NFL’s most valuable player.

He also isn’t getting any younger. The Boston College alumni is 36 years old and has seen his team struggle since losing to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. The time may be coming to start thinking about who is next in line.

With the Falcons sitting at 7-8, they may wind up with a choice pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Pro Football Focus thinks it’s time for Atlanta to pick up that quarterback of the future. That QB is predicted to come in the form of Pitt’s dynamic Kenny Pickett.

Pickett smashed some lofty records during his time at the University of Pittsburgh. That’s no small feat. Many of the previous career and season marks were held by none other than NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino.

Kenny had a season worthy of an invite to New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. He’s thrown for more yards and touchdowns than any player in school history. He led the Panthers to their first outright conference championship after a blowout win over Wake Forest in this year’s ACC Championship game.

Pickett has opted out of Pitt’s Peach Bowl game against Michigan State to keep himself healthy for the upcoming draft. Matty Ice has a few years left. The next quarterback will have a few years to study under his tutelage. Kenny Pickett may be skipping his college team’s game in Atlanta, but he may have plenty to come in A-Town.

Do you think the Falcons will draft a quarterback this year? Share your thoughts in the comments!