Best and worst case scenarios for Falcons rookies in 2023

The Falcons brought in a six-player draft class, and several are primed to make significant impacts as rookies, while others will likely have to develop into roles. Not everything goes as planned — i.e., Jalen Mayfield‘s horrendous rookie campaign. However, in other instances, they go better than expected — Tyler Allgeier‘s record-breaking 2022 season. So, let’s talk through the Falcons’ first-year players’ best-case and worst-case scenarios:

Bijan Robinson

Best case scenario:

This one is relatively simple. In an ideal world, Robinson gets more than a bulk of the carries and turns into one of the brightest stars in the league, accumulating 1,500+ yards from scrimmage en route to an Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Worst case scenario:

This one isn’t going to be taken well by Falcons fans, and I am already knocking on wood, but the only way Bijan Robinson isn’t a sure-fire superstar is an injury. There isn’t a single reality where Robinson doesn’t set the league on fire, except the one where his body fails him. *knocks on wood*

Matthew Bergeron

Best case scenario:

The Falcons 2023 second-rounder will be different than the regime’s past selections. In an ideal scenario, Bergeron assumes the starting left guard position and never looks back, locking down the starting role for the next decade, forming one of the most menacing guard duos with Chris Lindstrom. Richie Grant, Arnold Ebiketie, and Troy Andersen played less than 50% of the defensive snaps in their respective rookie seasons; Bergeron will eclipse that mark easily in this scenario.

Worst case scenario:

I don’t think I have to elaborate too much on this one. Falcons fans are well aware of how bad the left guard situation can be. Bergeron, a collegiate left tackle, will attempt to kick inside — sound familiar? Jalen Mayfield played tackle at Michigan and kicked inside to guard, putting together one of the worst seasons we have ever seen from an offensive lineman. Worst-case scenario? We see Mayfield 2.0 with Bergeron.

Zach Harrison

Best case scenario:

Let’s try to keep it realistic. Obviously, we can be dreamers and hope the Ohio State product turns into a double-digit sack guy; that’s not even remotely possible. Harrison’s ideal situation in his first year is a supplemental role behind Calais Campbell, developing into a future starter. Ryan Nielsen has been heralded for his ability to get the most out of his long defensive ends; Harrison could be the next diamond in the rough.

Worst case scenario:

Harrison never turns into anything more than a contributor on special teams; he never realizes his full potential as a pass rusher. Despite all of the physical talent in the world, the Ohio State product never developed a pass rush at one of the best programs in the country; that’s not encouraging.

Clark Phillips III

Best case scenario:

The Falcons have a slew of cornerbacks gearing up for the starting position battles. The boundary corner opposite of AJ Terrell and the nickel role are up for grabs. In Phillips’ ideal rookie campaign, he mans the slot all season long and turns into an immediate impact defender. Phillips has a knack for finding the ball; several interceptions or, dare I say, a couple of touchdowns would be a lovely introductory season for the former Utah Ute.

Worst case scenario:

Clark Phillips never develops into anything more than a reserve cornerback. His size and speed severely hinder his ability to adjust to the NFL, and the Falcons part ways with him before his rookie contract ends.

DeMarcco Hellams

Best case scenario:

Hellams turns into a big nickel box safety that acts as the Falcons’ enforcer on defense. That isn’t a full-time role, but let’s be a bit realistic here. Hellams will likely never be a full-time starter in the NFL, but plenty of players have carved out a nice career as a special teams ace. Hellams can be a subpackage defender and mainstay in the third phase of the game.

Worst case scenario:

Hellams doesn’t adjust to the NFL quickly enough and doesn’t even make it out of Falcons training camp.

Jovaughn Gwyn

Best case scenario:

Again, we are trying to be realistic. Gwyn isn’t going to seize the starting left guard position right away. Ideally, he turns into a promising prospect that can act as an immediate interior reserve while potentially developing into a future starter.

Worst case scenario:

Very similar to Hellams, Gwyn doesn’t make it out of training camp.

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Photographer: Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire