The selections made in the Atlanta Falcons 2023 NFL Mock Draft cycle will certainly be a turning point for the rest of the NFL draft — the Falcons hold a pivotal spot in the first round. Where the franchise goes with their first pick of Round 1 will have one of the larger domino effects in this year’s draft. In these scenarios, trades were active among others via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Falcons held steady and did not make any trades.
Latest Atlanta Falcons 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia | Round 1, Pick 8
A no-brainer in this situation, the potential best player in the entire draft class falls to No. 8 because of positional importance ahead of the Falcons. Jalen Carter is a game-changing player in the middle of a defensive line that needs an influx of talent.
Carter is big, fast, mean, and has terrific fundamentals. The fact that he also may be the most instinctually savvy player in the class makes him that much more desirable. Carter is a 10-year starter at a potential All-Pro level on the inside.
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee | Round 2, Pick 44
We didn’t see as much of Cedric Tillman in 2022 as we wanted, but the tape from 2021 is more than enough to be blown away. Tillman has speed to burn, sure hands, and a full route tree.
Tillman’s ability to create separation both everywhere along his routes and at the catch point with his burst is uncanny. He’s a terrific threat on the outside with elite athleticism.
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington | Round 3, Pick 75
Few edge rushers got after the passer as well as Bralen Trice did in 2022. Trice utilized a bag full of pass-rush moves to beat tackles. But his speed is what jumps off the camera.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
When tasked with slower, sluggish tackles, Trice should be able to immediately translate his game speed and get-off at the NFL level. With a few more pounds on his frame and no loss of speed, his power game should catch up as well, making him one of the more well-rounded edge defenders in the league.
Myles Brooks, CB, Louisiana Tech | Round 4, Pick 107
Betting on himself this past season, Myles Brooks transferred to Louisiana Tech from Stephen F. Austin and vaulted himself into the NFL draft with high-level play. He’s an incredibly sticky cover corner with a long frame at 6’2″, 200 pounds.
He’s as good with his back to the ball as he is staying in phase with his receivers. His burst to the ball is great, and his understanding of receiver movement is already next-level.
Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama | Round 4, Pick 110
The Falcons need help all over the offensive line, and a good place to do so in the 2023 NFL Draft is along the interior. Emil Ekiyor Jr. is a prime example of the depth available at guard in this class.
Ekiyor, at one point, had first-round hype and still presents a high-upside player on the inside. He’s sound in pass protection and tosses defenders at will in the ground game.
Clayton Tune, QB, Houston | Round 6, Pick 185
With the promise Desmond Ridder has shown in the late stages of the 2022 season, quarterback wasn’t a top priority in this Falcons Mock Draft. Instead, the chips fell as they did, and Clayton Tune was still available here.
The big-armed Houston signal-caller is nearly NFL-ready right now. He has great arm strength and terrific accuracy. Decision-making wasn’t as crisp in 2022 as it was in 2021, but the right decisions are capable with his overall pocket awareness and arm strength. At worst, Tune pushes Ridder, and the two make each other better over the course of their careers.
Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State | Round 7, Pick 202
Size will absolutely be an issue in Deuce Vaughn’s pre-draft evaluation. But that really shouldn’t matter. Vaughn is every bit of 5’6″ and 175 pounds, and he’s a blur to try and tackle.
He isn’t cut out to be a three-down back here with the Falcons, but when he does see the field, his speed and elusiveness belong in the NFL. Spelling Tyler Allgeier in obvious passing downs will maximize Vaughn’s impact as early as Year 1.