Well, it’s time for speculation to end and the picks to begin. The Falcons are in an interesting spot at 8, and I wouldn’t be too shocked if they trade down. If I have the keys to this draft, this is how I would approach it. Before I get started, let me lay out my rationale:
- I think the Falcons are best served to target a quarterback in the 2023 draft cycle. Whichever quarterback they select will need to be surrounded with weapons and a competent offensive line.
- I think the Falcons are also best served using their cap space to target offensive and defensive line needs. In 2023, the Falcons should easily clear $100 million in cap space before any extensions or any other moves.
- I’m targeting the best player available regardless of position — testers with traits.
As always, I’ll be using TheDraftNetwork’s Mock Draft Simulator. Previous editions are listed below:
Jake’s Falcons Offseason Mock Draft 1.0 (7 Rounds)
Jake’s Falcons Offseason Mock Draft 2.0: Post Senior Bowl (7 Rounds)
Jake’s Falcons Offseason Mock Draft 3.0: Post Combine (7 Rounds)
Jake’s Falcons Offseason Mock Draft 5.0: Trade Down Scenario (7 Rounds)
Round 1, Pick 8: EDGE Jermaine Johnson — Florida State
With Kyle Hamilton and Travon Walker off the board, Jermaine Johnson was the easy pick at No. 8. Johnson was one of my priority targets for the Falcons in round two earlier in the cycle, but after an incredible Senior Bowl, they would have to consider him with the 8th pick. Johnson has an ideal blend of size, speed, and length for an NFL pass rusher. The fact that he dominated at the Senior Bowl and crushed the combine will rocket his draft stock. He’s built like a brick house and has incredible get-off when rushing the passer. Throw in that he’s a quality run defender, and the Falcons finally have a building block at pass rusher.
Relative Athletic Score: 9.21/10
TRADE:
Falcons Trade: Pick 43, Pick 74
Chiefs Trade: Pick 30
Round 1, Pick 30 (From Kansas City): CB Kyler Gordon — Washington
I couldn’t pass up moving up to snag Gordon out of Washington; he has superstar potential and would make an exceptional running mate with AJ Terrell. As is the case with many corners in this class, Gordon is an athletic freak who is a sticky defender in man coverage. Gordon has a nose for the football and always flies to the play on tape. He can get a little overaggressive at times, but if he can play within his bounds, he will be a stud corner on the inside or outside. He has very fluid hips and killer instincts; if he’s available at No. 30 like in my simulation, I’d love to see the Falcons get him.
Relative Athletic Score: 9.69/10
Round 2, Pick 58 (From Tennessee): WR George Pickens — Georgia
Give me all of your George Pickens stock. While we didn’t get too much of an extended look at Pickens, there are undeniable flashes of talent on tape. He has a MASSIVE catch radius, and he’s a very physical receiver at the point of attack. He looked healthy during Georgia’s National Championship run, and I think an NFL team will steal him on day two. He tested very well at the combine, and his raw athletic gifts are going to make him a problem in the NFL. His knee looked just fine as he ran his 4.47 40-yard dash. I like the prime Dez Bryant comparison.
Relative Athletic Score: 9.34/10
Round 3, Pick 82 (From Indianapolis): EDGE Sam Williams — Ole Miss
I actually have Williams ranked as my seventh-best EDGE prospect in a very deep class. Williams had some off-the-field allegations that have been disputed, but those things seem to be behind him and settled. He has a great frame and moves well in space, but he needs to work on his leverage when engaging with bigger blockers. Williams is a bully with great athleticism and hands, and he has all of the makeup of a franchise pass rusher. There’s a lot of potential here, and he tested well.
Relative Athletic Score: 9.71/10
Round 4, Pick 114: TE Jelani Woods — Virginia
If not for Jordan Davis, Woods may have been the biggest story of the 2022 NFL Combine. Woods ran a blazing 4.61 40 at 6’7” and 253 pounds, had a 37.5 inch vertical, a 10’9″ broad jump, and an impressive 6.91 3-cone drill. Seriously, was this kid built in a lab? He has a great wingspan and is a willing run blocker, but he needs to be developed as a route runner. You can teach him that. You cannot teach his freakish build and athleticism. In a class that isn’t that deep, I’m willing to bet on a player that looks like he was created in Madden.
Relative Athletic Score: 10/10
Round 5, Pick 151: RB Dameon Pierce — Florida
I think running back is a luxury here, but Pierce is way too good of a prospect to pass up on here. I’ve made a few comments about Dameon Pierce, and I think he’s a guy you could see the Falcons target later in the draft. The Flordia product didn’t get a ton of burn as a Senior, which was surprising considering he ran for 5.7 yards per carry and caught passes for 11.4 yards per touch. Pierce is also excellent in pass protection, and with those fresh legs — don’t be shocked if the Falcons take a swing at him later in the draft. He makes a lot of sense as a potential back of the future to pair with your quarterback of the future in 2023.
Relative Athletic Score: 7.02/10
Round 6, Pick 190: P Matt Arazia — San Diego State
A punter in the sixth round may sound crazy, but hear me out — I’ve made this pick before. Thomas Morestead is gone, and the Falcons need a punter. If you know who Matt Araiza is, it will all make sense. He set an FBS record with 51.19 yards per punt in 2021. Arazia also set NCAA records for punts of 50 yards or more with 39 and punts of 60 yards or more with 18. He also had two punts of 80+ yards in 2021, including an 86-yarder. Why not take a special teams weapon like that in the sixth round? Someone is going to.
Relative Athletic Score: N/A
Round 6, Pick 214: TE Daniel Bellinger — San Diego State
Two tight ends may seem excessive, but Bellinger is the best player on the board here. Atlanta also ran the fewest 3+ wide receiver sets in the NFL in 2021. Some of that is scheme, some of that is lack of talent at the position. Even with Kyle Pitts in the fold, the Falcons lost a lot at the position. Bellinger posted freakish numbers at the combine, and his vertical came in higher than I anticipated as well. He has a great catch radius and is a tough run blocker. While he doesn’t burn anyone or create a lot of separation, he has the makeup as a mismatch at TE2 or TE3.
Relative Athletic Score: 9.64/10
You must log in to post a comment.