These are always much more fun to do after a big win. As it stands, the Falcons are in the playoff picture and tied for first in the NFC South. Right now, Tankathon has the Falcons picking 16th, as they would technically be the first team left out of the playoffs including the tiebreakers. That doesn’t matter at the moment, and since we have chosen at 11th and 1st so far, I think 16th is fair. The previous editions are listed below if you think I missed out on a player:
Round 1, Pick 16: CB Clark Phillips III — Utah
Keeping with the trend for the Falcons under this regime, Clark Phillips is an absolute monster. He plays like he was built in a lab, and he’s a huge part of Kyle Wittingham’s defense at Utah. Even at 5’9, he plays much bigger than his size, and he led the PAC-12 in pass breakups with 15 in 2022. He has great ball skills and can guard the opponent’s best weapon.
Being coached by Wittingham, he’s obviously very technically sound as well. So far in 2022, Phillips has snatched FIVE interceptions in seven games, with two of those being pick sixes. The kid is a playmaker, and someone that can create some turnovers for this Falcons defense.
Round 2, Pick 50: TE Darnell Washington — Georgia
Typically, I’ve had to harp on the Falcons addressing the trenches. Well, this upcoming offseason, they have tons of cap space — and the guys on the roster have been playing pretty well so far. Time for a luxury pick.
I think Washington is the best player available by a mile. He stands at a menacing 6’7 and 270 pounds. Not only does he move like a guy half that size, but he also has soft hands and is a tenacious run blocker. Pairing him with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and possibly Calvin Ridley is going to be difficult for any defensive coordinator to stop. Don’t be surprised if Washington starts getting some first round love — he is an absolute specimen.
Round 3, Pick 81: RB Zach Charbonnet — UCLA
I still think Warren McClendon would be a smart pick here if he’s available, but I’m trying to mix these up and talk about different players. The same goes for last week’s pick Garrett Williams, but we already snagged a cornerback. Let’s finally grab a running back to help solidify Atlanta’s backfield, which has been fantastic so far.
I wanted the Falcons to snag this guy last draft, but he decided to go back to school. He has been a huge part of a very good UCLA squad. Charbonnet is terrorizing defenses to the tune of 7.1 yards per carry. At 6’2 and 215 pounds, he’s the type of physical back that Arthur Smith covets. He has fantastic burst for a guy his size and great balance to boot. If Atlanta’s running backs keep producing like they are, they may not take a running back in the 2023 draft at all, but continuing to replenish the position each draft cycle is a wise move.
—
Photographer:Â Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.