Heading into Year 3 of the Arthur Smith era, the Atlanta Falcons need a spark and looked to their 2023 NFL Draft picks to get it. How many selections did the Falcons have in tow?
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Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks by Round in 2023
- Round 1 | Pick 8
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas - Round 2, Pick 38
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse - Round 3 | Pick 75
Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State - Round 4, Pick 113 (from TEN)
Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah - Round 7, Pick 224
DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama - Round 7, Pick 225 (from LV)
Jovaughn Gwyn, G, South Carolina
How Many Draft Picks Did the Falcons Have in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Falcons had six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. They had their own picks from the first three rounds, followed by a fourth-round selection (from Tennessee) and two seventh-round picks.
Atlanta’s fourth-round pick was conditional. Had the Titans been awarded any compensatory Round 4 picks this year, the terms of the trade would’ve sent those to the Falcons. However, Tennessee didn’t receive any compensatory picks. Therefore, the Falcons simply received the Titans’ original fourth-rounder (No. 113).
Atlanta sent their original fifth-rounder to the Las Vegas Raiders in their trade for wide receiver Bryan Edwards. In that deal, the Falcons also received a conditional seventh-round pick, giving them two selections in the final round. Atlanta regained a fifth-round pick by sending WR Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they later traded that pick to the Detroit Lions in return for CB Jeff Okudah.
MORE: History of Atlanta Falcons First-Round NFL Draft Picks
Originally, the Falcons actually had three picks in Round 7. Their third seventh-rounder was acquired in the trade that sent Dean Marlowe to the Bills. Atlanta later shipped that pick off to the New England Patriots in exchange for tight end Jonnu Smith.
With their top-10 pick, the Falcons elected to use an offensive-skill position player for the third straight year. Previously, Atlanta took Kyle Pitts and Drake London with top-10 selections in the 2021 and 2022 drafts, respectively. This year, with three signal-callers already off the board, the Falcons elected to go with the top running back of the class in Bijan Robinson.
Who Did the Falcons Draft in 2023?
The Falcons had high hopes of acquiring Robinson prior to the draft, and they successfully strengthened their already impressive running game by bringing in the former Texas Longhorn.
Robinson is in a highly favorable position for a top-tier running back fresh out of college, similar to when Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards in his rookie year. It’s possible that Robinson surpasses that number in 2023.
MORE: Atlanta Falcons Schedule 2023 — Dates, Times, TV Schedule, and More
As expected for a team that wants to dominate on the field, Atlanta snagged Matthew Bergeron from Syracuse as a starting left guard. The dynamic tackle will move to the inside after the Falcons re-signed Kaleb McGary as their right tackle before free agency. Bergeron will benefit greatly from playing alongside star left tackle Jake Matthews.
Despite having significant defensive needs, the Falcons used their next three picks to acquire athletic role players who could make an immediate impact.
Zach Harrison and Clark Phillips III are both poised to make immediate contributions as rotational players. They gained valuable experience on their respective winning teams.
Harrison will have the opportunity to learn from Calais Campbell, a player with a long and successful career known for his dominant strength and versatility. Phillips will likely play in the slot position and has the potential to compete for playing time from the very first day.
DeMarcco Hellams and Jovaughn Gwyn are both vying for spots on the final roster as backup players taken in the seventh round. Hellams may have an advantage since Atlanta has a shortage of safeties, and he’s also capable of playing on special teams.
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