Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ex Falcons HC Arthur Smith to have 'major say' in Steelers draft

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated 4/24/24

As the Falcons prepare for Thursday’s first round, the club’s former head coach is settling in with his new team as Arthur Smith takes over as the Steelers offensive coordinator.

Atlanta and Pittsburgh acquired quarterbacks this offseason. Kirk Cousins for the Falcons while the latter brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both teams have high expectations, but they have very different draft needs.

The Falcons are expected to target a defender, whether it’s a first or third-level prospect. The Steelers, on the other hand, are expected to target an offensive lineman or receiver in the first round.

Apparently, Arthur Smith will have a “major say” in the war room, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

New OC Arthur Smith has a major say in the room in terms of the direction the #steelers go in the draft per Mike Tomlin. OL and WR are needs for Pittsburgh and history shows they don't draft WR in the first round very often and have found talent in later rounds.

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 22, 2024

I don’t know how wise it is to give Smith a prominent voice in draft discussions. It would be foolish not to consider an offensive coordinator’s opinion, but a major say? I don’t know.

Smith surely had a hand in Kyle Pitts being the highest-drafted tight end in league history, Desmond Ridder starting for the Falcons, drafting a running back 8th overall after a rookie fifth-round pick broke a franchise record, and third-round bust Jalen Mayfield.

Granted, if you dock Arthur Smith for questionable decisions, you have to give credit where credit is due. The Falcons found capable starters in Drew Dalman and Matthew Bergeron, so the Steelers may lean on Smith’s offensive line background for a tackle and center.

The Falcons are gearing up for an important 8th overall pick, and the Steelers are doing the same with the 20th pick. As we all get excited about the Raheem Morris era, the Steel City is doing the same with their new offensive coordinator.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: