The Atlanta Falcons ended the 2022 season with a 7-10 record. After starting with a 3-3 record, the Falcons lost five of their final seven games with Marcus Mariota under center.
However, the team switched to Desmond Ridder after their bye week. The rookie went 2-2 as the starter, pulling off back-to-back victories to end the season.
Following their fifth consecutive losing season, the Falcons will have several decisions to make this offseason. The good news for the team is that they project to have the second-most salary cap space this offseason and a top-10 draft pick.
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What Draft Picks Do The Atlanta Falcons Own?
The Falcons have the eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the third consecutive year the team has a top-10 draft pick. The last time Atlanta didn’t have a top-10 selection was in 2020 when they selected cornerback AJ. Terrell 16th overall.
Atlanta has eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. They have one selection in the first three rounds. The Falcons also own the Tennessee Titans’ fourth-round pick as part of the Julio Jones trade from a few years ago. The team also has a fifth or sixth-round pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the Calvin Ridley deal.
Who Could The Atlanta Falcons Draft In The First Round?
The team averaged 21.5 points per game this year, ranking 15th in the league. By comparison, the Falcons gave up 22.7 points per game, ranking in the bottom 10 in the NFL. Therefore, the team could go in multiple directions with their first-round pick. However, how things play out in free agency and the trade market will have a massive impact on Atlanta’s draft plans.
Clemson’s defensive lineman Bryan Bresee or Myles Murphy are excellent options if the Falcons use their first-round pick on defense. However, the team could return to the well and draft another offensive player.
Ridder played well in the season-finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the Falcons lack weapons outside of Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Adding a play-making wide receiver like USC’s Jordan Addison could be the missing piece to elevating Ridder’s game.
The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner is an outstanding route running and separator. Addison did well replacing London as USC’s No. 1 wide receiver last year. He would be an excellent addition next to London and Pitts.
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