The Atlanta Falcons outperformed expectations set on them for the second season in a row. While back-to-back seven-win campaigns may not garner a ton of attention, it is about as good of a start as Arthur Smith could have had with the franchise.
Atlanta is a team in transition. They are trying to figure out the quarterback position as they moved on from franchise icon Matt Ryan during the 2022 offseason. This is a roster, overall, lacking high-upside talent on both sides of the ball but that is beginning to change.
With the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Falcons will have a chance to add another premium prospect to the team. Who could they look to target? Here are four options for Atlanta to consider with the No. 8 overall pick.
4. QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Falcons used a third-round pick on Desmond Ridder. He got the chance to showcase his abilities in the final month of the season and handled things relatively well. But, the question remains if he is their long-term answer for the position.
Atlanta’s brain trust will do in-depth research on this draft class and figure out if they want to take one of the quarterbacks should one be available when they are on the clock. Anthony Richardson is one of the quarterbacks that could still be on the board that the Falcons will think long and hard about selecting.
This could also be a thinking ahead move by Atlanta as Richardson needs time to develop. They could select him as insurance behind Ridder and see what he has down the road.
3. EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Addressing the defensive side of the ball is certainly a possibility for the Falcons with the eighth overall pick. They need to bolster the pass rush and Myles Murphy would be a selection with some massive upside.
It could take some time for Murphy to realize that upside, but his tantalizing combination of length and athleticism will lead to teams falling in love with his potential. Standing 6’5” and weighing 275 pounds, he is going to shoot up draft boards.
Atlanta finished 31st last season with only 21 sacks, so they need some players that can get after the quarterback. Murphy had 17.5 sacks during his three seasons with Clemson and has the size and skill set to kick inside to defensive tackle, providing the defense with a versatile chess piece. In the last two seasons, he totaled 76 pressures.
2. OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
If the Falcons opt to upgrade on the offensive side of the ball but pass on a quarterback, their offensive line could use some reinforcements. Atlanta could have an immediate opening at right tackle with Kaleb McGary set to hit free agency and receive a massive raise.
If he prices himself out of range that the Falcons are comfortable with, they can pivot to selecting one of the top tackles in this year’s class, Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson was excellent in his first season at left tackle with the Buckeyes, not allowing a single sack on 449 pass-blocking snaps and giving up only 14 pressures.
Physically imposing and successful as a run blocker as well, Johnson would give the Falcons a building block along the offensive line that can play either tackle position depending on how things shake out in free agency.
1. EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
The biggest need for the Falcons right now is to upgrade their pass rush. That should be where their focus is, come the 2023 NFL Draft. If they want someone that can provide a more immediate impact, Tyreee Wilson is their guy.
Wilson is the highest-rated EDGE defender in this year’s draft class because of his ability to succeed in every facet of the game. He has elite burst to beat offensive tackles to create plays in the backfield while also possessing the size to hold up in the run game, standing 6’6” and 275 pounds.
With 50 pressures in 2022, Wilson would provide an immediate boost to an anemic Falcons pass rush. Last season, Grady Jarrett led the team with 6.0 sacks, followed by 4.0 from Lorenzo Carter. Wilson has the tools to top those numbers in Year 1.
