The best way to set a quarterback up for success in the NFL is to invest in the offensive line, and the Atlanta Falcons have done a decent job of this in recent years. The team extended left guard Matthew Bergeron over the offseason, while Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom still has two more years left on his deal.
Jake Matthews has been holding things down at left tackle since 2014, but the team needs to be prepared for a future without the former first-round pick. As the Falcons learned with Kaleb McGary's surprise retirement back in April, you never know when a player might decide to call it a career.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been very good this season when he has time in the pocket. If the Falcons want to see his continued success
- and less of what we saw in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers - then they should probably prioritize the offensive line in this year's draft.
In SI's new mock draft, Atlanta was projected to take Kentucky offensive tackle Lance Heard with the 13th overall pick.
"Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Bill Callahan will have a say if the organization drafts an offensive tackle. He'll love Kentucky's Lance Heard, who fits his mold from a size and physicality perspective. This is all about getting a Jake Matthews replacement." - Justin Melo, SI
Heard is a name that we're starting to see pop up more in mock drafts as the season goes on. Atlanta could also use some help at right tackle with Jawaan Taylor set to be a free agent next year. Taylor has been up and down, but he was easily the best option on the market for a team low on cap space and draft capital.
Fortunately, the Falcons won't have to worry about either of those two things in 2027. According to Over The Cap, Atlanta will have over $109 million in cap space available this offseason. That's more than enough for general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan to do some serious damage.
Another player to watch is starting center Ryan Neuzil. The former undrafted free agent has developed into an above-average starter and deserves a new deal.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons help Michael Penix Jr. in SI's new 2027 NFL mock draft
