NFL Draft Recap: Atlanta Falcons: 2023 NFL Draft Outlook

The Atlanta Falcons were very active in free agency. They signed two of their starting offensive lineman to long-term deals this offseason. The Falcons also added several impact players on defense.

Atlanta signed Jessie Bates III, Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, and Calais Campbell in free agency. The team also traded for former first-round cornerback Jeff Okudah. Therefore, it’s no surprise the Falcons spent the early part of the 2023 NFL Draft focused on offense.

Many in the media pushed for the Falcons to draft a quarterback with their first-round pick. Instead, Atlanta backed last year’s third-round pick, Desmond Ridder. After starting only four games as a rookie, the former Cincinnati Bearcat will be the undisputed starter in 2023.

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Who Did The Atlanta Falcons Draft On Offense?

Instead of drafting Will Levis with the eighth overall pick, Atlanta gave Ridder a weapon in the backfield. Bijan Robinson was the consensus No. 1 running back in the draft class. Not only is he arguably the best pure runner in the past 20 years, but the former Texas Longhorn is a mismatch weapon in the passing game.

The Falcons then double-downed in the second round, using the 38th overall pick on offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron. The former Syracuse offensive tackle can play multiple spots on the offensive line. Many expect him to start his career at left guard before replacing Jake Matthews at left tackle in a year or two.

Atlanta then spent their next three picks on defense. However, they selected South Carolina guard Jovaughn Gwyn with their final draft pick in the seventh round. The former Gamecock will have to fight for backup reps as a rookie.

Who Did The Atlanta Falcons Draft On Defense?

After using their top two picks on offense, the Falcons turned their attention to the defense. They selected Ohio State edge rusher Zach Harrison in the third round. The former Buckeye had 11 career sacks at Ohio State. He should be a rotational player as a rookie with the potential to become a long-term starter.

The Falcons might have gotten the steal of the draft in the fourth round, selecting Utah cornerback Clark Phillip III. The former Ute star had six interceptions last season, the most in the Pac-12 and the third-most in college football. Furthermore, he earned the second-highest PPF grade among Pac-12 cornerbacks.

Atlanta also spent a seventh-round pick on Alabama safety DeMarcco Hellams. The rookie safety led Alabama in tackles last year with 108. He should earn rotational snaps as a rookie behind Richie Grant and Bates.

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