The Atlanta Falcons feel farther away from the playoffs than you’d expect for a team that just went 7-10. But with a strong offseason performance in 2023, they can change that. In this Falcons 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot speed up the clock and add vital talent across all seven rounds.
In this scenario, simulated trades were active among other teams via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Falcons held steady and did not make any moves.
Latest Atlanta Falcons 2023 NFL Mock Draft
OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State | Round 1, Pick 7
We still don’t know what the Falcons will do at quarterback. There’s a chance they could stick with Desmond Ridder of their own volition, but in this Falcons 2023 NFL Mock Draft, their hand was forced.
All of the top QBs were already off the board at their pick, leaving a decision between Myles Murphy, Christian Gonzalez, and Paris Johnson Jr.
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All of those players were intriguing, but because of Ridder’s status as the starting QB, I went with the premier offensive player in Johnson. The star offensive tackle has valuable positional flexibility and can play guard (or right tackle if Kaleb McGary departs in free agency) before eventually succeeding Jake Matthews at left tackle.
That flexibility is only a bonus beyond Johnson’s elite physical profile. With his explosiveness, length, power, leverage acquisition, and recovery athleticism, his upside is through the roof wherever he lines up.
EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn | Round 2, Pick 44
In Round 2 last cycle, the Falcons selected edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. In this mock draft, the Falcons take Derick Hall in the same range.
Interestingly, Hall is somewhat similar to Ebiketie as a prospect. They’re not carbon copies, but they both have a combination of burst, natural leverage, and proportional length that makes them exceptional speed-to-power threats.
CB Alex Austin, Oregon State | Round 3, Pick 75
Alex Austin is one of the biggest sleepers in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he could go on to become a lockdown cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell on the boundary. Austin notched two INTs and 10 deflections in 2022. At 6’1″, 191 pounds, he has elite fluidity and short-area athleticism for his size — two vital components for coverage against NFL athletes.
WR Parker Washington, Penn State | Round 4, Pick 110
The Falcons have a couple key pieces on offense in Drake London and Kyle Pitts, but they still need more complementary threats through the air. Parker Washington would serve that purpose well.
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Washington profiles as a big slot at the next level, and particularly in Arthur Smith’s scheme, he could eat over the middle of the field with his high-end catching instincts and RAC ability.
DT Byron Young, Alabama | Round 4, Pick 113
Byron Young has a Day 2 grade on my board, so I’m running to the podium if he’s still available at this point. Especially for the Falcons, who need to solidify their interior rotation, Young presents plenty of appeal. Not unlike Falcons lineman Ta’Quon Graham, Young is a high-level run defender already, but he may have even more pass rushing upside.
OL Juice Scruggs, Penn State | Round 6, Pick 202
File this selection under the list of sixth-rounders who could go on to become major contributors early on for their respective teams. Juice Scruggs has starting experience at both guard and center, which is already a plus for the Falcons. But he’s not just a depth piece. He has enough lateral mobility and power to potentially start in the NFL.
WR Malik Knowles, Kansas State | Round 7, Pick 226
If you’re looking to double-up at wide receiver late in the 2023 NFL Draft, Malik Knowles is one of my favorite options available. He has size, he’s a smooth athlete with kick return experience, he has versatility between the boundary, slot, and motions, and he’s shown he can use throttle control to manipulate blind spots and cut stems with urgency.