5 Players the Atlanta Falcons should consider drafting at Pick 8

The Atlanta Falcons hold the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Falcons have many areas of the roster that needs improving. They can acquire a blue chip player this early in the draft. I'd be in favour of Terry Fontenot trading down if he gets a decent offer. I have identified 5 players who we should consider drafting if we stay put at 8. I am assuming Aidan Hutchinson will be off the board by the time we pick.

Jermaine Johnson II, Edge Defender, FSU

The FSU edge rusher has been a huge riser up many peoples draft boards, after an impressive senior bowl showing. I have him rated as my second edge rusher in this draft behind Hutchinson. Johnson II uses a wide array of moves when he rushes the passer. Johnson II plays with tremendous energy and a high motor, he never gives up on plays. I don't think Johnson is a pure speed rusher, he wins outside due to his brilliant hand usage and set up. Johnson II ability to use his hands are why I have him ranked higher than Thibodeaux. He uses his hands well (below) to pull the tackle towatds him, which allows him to fight off the block, force the fumble, recover it and score the touchdown.

What excites me so much about him is that he can win in so many ways, whether it is outside with his speed, using his strength in a bull rush or a counter move to win inside. Johnson II does a great job of using his length to set the edge against the run. He has a high football IQ, it was noticeable on film how little he was fooled on counter and read option run plays. If Johnson II ends up in Atlanta, he'll instantly be the Falcons number 1 edge defender. He possesses all the traits necessary to be an impact player in the NFL.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Defender, Oregon 

There has been reports Thibodeaux will fall in the draft after many expected him to be a consensus top 5 draft pick. Thibodeaux would be a day one starter in Atlanta for Dean Pees defence. Thibodeaux was a game wrecker for Oregon, he tallied 19 sacks during his time in the pacific northwest. Thibodeaux is stout versus the run, he uses his length to shed tackle and tight end blocks. This is reflected in the stat column too, he had 35.5 tackles for loss in 3 years for the ducks. I watched Thibodeaux's tape and I didn't see any film to suggest he is lazy or lacks effort. Despite it not being his bread and butter, Thibodeaux shows flashes of possessing a good bull rush.

He often wins because of his brilliant first step. As a rusher, he needs to work to perfect his hand usage, he relies too much on his athleticism. That will be a lot harder to do at the NFL level. However, Thibodeaux does excel when using his inside arm to jolt the tackle away. At time he gets sacks thanks to his explosiveness and bend. He is capable of rushing from a wide range of alignments. Ultimately, Thibodeaux has all the tools necessary to become a ten sack guy providing he gets adequate coaching. 

Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa

Some might think Linderbaum would be a reach this early, but he is the best center prospect in years. He would solve the Falcons center position for the next decade. Linderbaum would help protect Marcus Mariota, former Falcons QB Matt Ryan was the most hit quarterback in 2021. He was a team captain for Iowa, who won the Rimington Trophy for being the best center in college football. When watching Linderbaum, it was clear to see how rarely he got beat. He is nimble off the snap, you can see this on outside zone runs as he moves beautifully to block three techniques.

Iowa are a run heavy team, so he thrives in a run heavy play action attack which Arthur Smith offense is. His extremely good athletic ability allows him to reach the second level on run fits and makes him brilliant in the screen game. In pass protection, Linderbaum excels against speed rushers, his hand placement and vicious punch nullifies interior rushers. 

Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Hamilton is the second best player in the draft in my opinion. If he is available at 8, Terry Fontenot shouldn't waste any time in submitting their draft card. Teams seem obsessed with the idea that safety isn't as valuable a position as other positions, so Hamilton might fall. Kyle Pitts got the nickname of 'unicorn' because of his versatility. Hamilton is this years unicorn in the draft. Dean Pees scheme asks its safeties to be versatile; they have to be able to play in the box and deep third depending on the playcall. 

Hamilton is the most versatile safety prospect I have ever seen, he thrives at it all. He can be used in so many different ways. Hamilton is the ultimate hybrid safety. For his size, he has amazing range to play deep safety (as shown above). His instincts allow him to be an effective blitzer and he has the ability to cover tightends in man coverage or cover shallow zones.

Trevon Walker, Edge Defender, Georgia

The only Georgia bulldog on my list. Walker is a physical freak. Walker would probably line up mostly at edge for the Falcons, but he does have the flexibility to play elsewhere too if required. His honestly of effort is second to none. He is a very good run defender but his pass rushing ability needs work. If the Falcons were to select Walker they would be betting on their coaches being able to turn his incredible athleticism and strength into a highly productive pass rusher.

He lined up in several different alignments for Georgia such as 3 technique, 5 technique, 6 technique and even some outside linebacker.  He anchors himself well in the run game and he possesses vicious hand usage to control the blocks of the opposing offensive line. His high motor pops when watching his film. It is rare to see a guy his size drop into coverage but he done that on occaion for Georgia too. It is easy to see why a team might fall in love with him. 

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