What are the odds Falcons draft a Georgia Bulldog in the first round in 2023?

I’m a few months away from being a Georgia alum, and I have love for all my guys, but I’m not one of those “the Falcons have to draft Georgia players” kind of guy. The Falcons should have a litany of options with the eighth overall pick, including trading down or even potentially trading up. Nolan Smith is a guy who is gaining a lot of steam for the Falcons among scouts, and there’s always the possibility that Jalen Carter ends up being available with the eighth selection. The Falcons could also go with an offensive lineman, which means Broderick Jones might be in play, but it would be surprising. FanDuel has posted their odds for the eighth pick, and two Dawgs make the top five:

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Bijan Robinson +250

Tyree Wilson +300

Lukas Van Ness +400

Nolan Smith +500

Jalen Carter +1000

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Broderick Jones isn’t listed, and there are a few notable omissions. I was surprised not to see any cornerbacks in the top five. Even after the Jeff Okudah trade, I think a corner is still in play. Of course, the elephant in the room is Bijan Robinson leading the pack.

I would be open to adding Robinson — he’s garnering LaDainian Tomlinson comparisons. While I think Robinson and Carter are the best players, it seems that there’s some real smoke there with Nolan Smith. EDGE is still a need for Atlanta, and Smith has a ton of upside and is a very high character player with a brilliant football mind. With some actual depth and veterans on this roster, the Falcons have the luxury of easing Smith into the NFL.

Jalen Carter has plug-and-play potential, and I think he’ll be an All Pro more than once. The character concerns are all bologna to me, and alongside Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Eddie Goldman, Ta’Quon Graham, and Calais Campbell — the Falcons would have a hellish defensive line. Something they haven’t been able to say in over a decade.

We’ll see what the Falcons end up doing, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if they dip into Athens to grab their first round pick in the 2023 draft.

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Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire