The Falcons have suffered back-to-back demoralizing losses, and it’s clear this roster needs a fresh infusion of young talent. I’m going to mix up my picks over the season, so I’ll link the previous mock drafts below if you think I missed out on a player. Once again, I’ll be using RiseNDraft’s simulator, so if you disagree with my picks, you can make your own.
Round 1, Pick 9: CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
How about another lockdown Clemson corner to pair with AJ Terrell? This is an incredibly talented cornerback class, and the Georgia native Booth my be the best one. Andrew Booth has been one of the most impressive defensive players in college football, a rare combination of a sticky man corner with good zone instincts and top tier ball skills. Booth can take away a team’s best receiver, and with AJ Terrell playing like an All Pro — you’re looking at a franchise duo at cornerback. If Isaiah Oliver can come back healthy in 2022 and play the slot as well as he was to start 2021, the Falcons secondary will be looking much better.
Round 2, PIck 42: WR Jameson Williams, Alabama
David Ojabo of Michigan was on the board here, but I took him in the 5.0 edition, so I’ll mix it up. Williams has been one of the best deep threats in all of college football in 2022, and I think there’s a real chance he sneaks into the first round. Like with Booth, I’m dipping into one of the deeper positions in this whole draft at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley‘s future is uncertain, and even if it wasn’t, the Falcons need a lot of help at receiver. Williams can take the top off of the defense, something that Atlanta will sorely need to consistently get Pitts and Ridley open.
Round 2, Pick 63: EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Florida State
One thing that stands out about Johnson is switchability. He played all over the defensive front for Georgia and Florida State, and he’s a guy that can play inside-out in multiple looks. He is an athletic freak, and he would immediately give some juice to this Falcons pass rush. He’s a plug-and-play starter at a huge position of need.
Round 3, Pick 73: RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
Pretty soon, I think James Cook is going to be going around this range, and I think he would be an excellent pickup for the Falcons. For now, I’ll stick with the hard-nosed and angry runner in Zach Charbonnet. What’s so appealing about Charbonnet is not only his ability to run tough between the tackles, but the athleticism and burst that he shows when he gets into the open field. The Falcons may look to save some money by cutting Mike Davis this offseason, and Cordarrelle Patterson is an impending free agent. Even if both are on the roster in 2022, the Falcons can start juicing up their backfield of the future.
Round 4, Pick 112: OT Rasheed Walker, Penn State
Rasheed Walker hasn’t had an incredible 2021 season, which is probably why he’s available in the 4th round. However, for now, I think he’s the best option on the board. Walker is an incredible athlete, and he has a pretty well-rounded skill set. I think he’s a pretty safe pick with a very high floor. You can sit Walker behind Kaleb McGary for what will likely be his last year in Atlanta, or let Walker challenge him for the starting right tackle spot from day one.
Round 5, Pick 151: LB Channing Tindall, Georgia
I don’t see any way Channing Tindall goes in the 5th round of the 2022 Draft, but he’s available on the Simulator, so I’m scooping him up. Anyone who has watched Georgia Football this year has seen Tindall’s incredible sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to rush the passer. He is going to test off the charts athletically, and if the Falcons lose Foye Oluokun in free agency or trade Deion Jones, Tindall and Mykal Walker can be two big pieces of the linebacking corps of the future in Atlanta.
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