Atlanta Falcons 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
The Atlanta Falcons showed promise in the 2022 season with a 7-10 finish. Losing four consecutive games from Week 12 to Week 16 was disappointing with the NFC South up for grabs, but Atlanta ended the season with back-to-back wins while rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder made notable strides.
The Falcons landed the No. 8 overall pick, their third consecutive top-10 pick. With a good 2023 NFL Draft haul, Atlanta could contend in a wide-open NFC South next season.
Let’s check the most recent NFL picks, statistics, and the top betting insights for the 2023 NFL mock draft. Additionally, we have an abundance of NFL draft odds for your consideration.
2022 Season Record: 7-10
Status of Coach: Arthur Smith – Safe
Positions of Need
- Defensive line
- Cornerback
- Offensive line
- Wide receiver
Notable Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 8
- Round 2, Pick 45
Potential First-Round Targets
The Falcons have an interesting decision to make in the 2023 NFL Draft. Atlanta has yet to acquire a franchise quarterback since trading Matt Ryan. Marcus Mariota started the 2022 season until things unraveled, so rookie Desmond Ridder got his shot in the final month. Ridder progressed and flashed some potential, so the Falcons will likely give him a chance to start the entire 2023 season.
If this is the route Atlanta sides with, it will likely target defense in the first round. The Falcons have been one of the worst defenses in the NFL since coach Arthur Smith took over in 2021. They ranked last in team sacks in 2021 and second to last in 2022. Selecting a star edge rusher is at the top of the needs list.
With the No. 8 pick, Atlanta will likely have options on the defensive line. Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) and Jalen Carter (Georgia) are a pipe dream since they will likely be selected in the top five. The next best prospects are Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy, Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson.
Bresee has fantastic athleticism in his 6-foot-5, 305-pound frame and dominates against the run. However, the Falcons need to focus on the pass rush, making Murphy or Wilson better fits. Murphy could be a developmental piece but has elite length and athleticism. Wilson is one of the most physically imposing edge prospects you will see, which should allow him to smoothly transition to the next level.
Tyree Wilson is just a bull in a China shop 😂 pic.twitter.com/JZkCufJCvW
— Saivion Mixson (@MixsonS_NFL) January 11, 2023
Learn More About the NFC South Draft 2023
- Carolina Panthers 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- New Orleans Saints 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Positions Needed & First Round Draft Picks
Potential Second-Round Targets
The Falcons’ free agency moves will determine how they operate in the second round. Right tackle Kaleb McGary is due for a big payday. If Atlanta does not bring him back, tackle becomes an immediate need. Ohio State’s Dawand Jones and Tennessee’s Darnell Wright are good fits with their dominance in the run game.
At cornerback, Isaiah Oliver and Rashad Fenton are unrestricted free agents. Oliver comes off a good season but the Falcons could need a replacement. Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes is an intriguing option with his good length and ball skills. Plus, Forbes excelled in man coverage this season.
Atlanta also must add another wide receiver. Drake London had a great rookie season with 866 yards, but tight end Kyle Pitts has not lived up to the billing, when healthy. And Olamide Zaccheaus and Damiere Byrd are simply not good enough as No. 2 and No. 3 wideouts. Zay Flowers (Boston College) could be an excellent fit alongside London with his exceptional hands and run-after-the-catch skills.
The Falcons are entering a key offseason. They have found an identity under coach Smith, but the defense needs to improve while supporting spots on offense must be filled. If Atlanta has a good draft, it could be in the NFC South mix next season.
