After drafting Ridley, Falcons may look to defense on Day 2
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) For once, the Atlanta Falcons passed up a chance to bolster their defense.
They figure there will be plenty of options on Day 2 of the NFL draft.
The Falcons selected Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley with the No. 26 overall pick Thursday night, giving the team another deep passing threat to pair with star Julio Jones.
After losing Dontari Poe in free agency to division rival Carolina, Atlanta also was looking to bulk up at defensive tackle. Florida's Taven Bryan was available when the Falcons' turn rolled around, but they decided to go with Ridley instead .
Bryan didn't last much longer, snatched up by Jacksonville three picks later.
It was the first time since 2014 that Atlanta selected an offensive player in the first round.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff says there are plenty of talented players still on the board, providing ample opportunities to fill the hole left by Poe's departure. Offensive guard is another point of emphasis, even though the Falcons did sign free agent Brandon Fusco.
On Friday, Atlanta is set to pick at No. 58 in the second round and No. 90 in the third round.
---
For more AP NFL coverage: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
-
2024 NFL Draft odds: Washington rumors shift Jayden Daniels' 2nd pick odds
2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 100 led by Caleb Williams
NFL mock draft: Nick Wright has Bears pair Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr.
-
2024 NFL Draft QB rankings: Caleb Williams leads top 10 prospects
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: How to watch, date, TV channel
-
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft WR rankings: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads stacked top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years
-
2024 NFL Draft odds: Washington rumors shift Jayden Daniels' 2nd pick odds
2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 100 led by Caleb Williams
NFL mock draft: Nick Wright has Bears pair Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr.
-
2024 NFL Draft QB rankings: Caleb Williams leads top 10 prospects
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL Draft Schedule: How to watch, date, TV channel
-
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft WR rankings: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads stacked top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years