7 Round Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft


The Atlanta Falcons hold nine picks in the 2022 NFL Draft that takes place later this month. Their first five selections all take place within the top 82 picks which should allow Terry Fontenot to add several quality starters. The consensus amongst the media seems that the Atlanta Falcons are high on the idea of selecting Drake London with the 8th overall pick.

First Round

8th Overall Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon.

I've gone back and forth on who I want with the 8th overall pick, and I have settled on Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux is the best pass rusher in the draft not named Aidan Hutchinson. He has the highest ceiling of any pure pass rusher. As I wrote in a previous article, "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".

Second Round

43rd Overall Pick: Travis Jones, Defensive Tackle, Connecticut. 

Adding Thibodeaux and Travis Jones from Connecticut would completely revamp the Falcons defensive line. Atlanta really struggled to pressure the quarterback or stop the run last season. Jones could develop into an every down lineman. He is a nose tackle that possesses good size and power which allows him to win inside against offensive linemen in the run game. Jones possesses incredible speed and a quick first step. The athleticism shown by Jones on tape for a man of his build and size is remarkable. 

58th Overall Pick: Cameron Thomas, Edge Rusher, San Diego State.

I think Cameron Thomas will be a steal for a team on day two of the Draft. In 14 games last season, he recorded 71 total tackles, 20.5 of which were tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Thomas has the versatility to rush from multiple spots. Some might be concerned at the level of opposition he went up against but I believe his skillset will translate to the NFL. In my opinion he isn't strong enough to start at a defensive end in a 3-4 so I would transition him to an outside linebacker in Dean Pees defence. Selecting two edge rushers is a must for a Falcons unit that ranked dead last at sacking the Quarterback. 

Third Round 

74th Overall Pick: Dylan Parham, Guard, Memphis.

Jalen Mayfield was the worst starting guard in the NFL last season, so Parham would fill a major need for the Falcons. Parham is a plug and play left guard. The doubters would say Parham is undersized, but he managed to earn a 1st team All-ACC selection. He offers positional flexibility as he can play either guard spot. In the run game is where Parham excels, a combination of strength, technique and mobility allow him to maintain blocks on the perimeter and downfield. Parham added some weight for the senior bowl and it improved his pass protection ability. His excellent hand placement and fluid bend make him a tough proposition for interior defensive lineman. 

82nd Overall Pick: David Bell, Wide Receiver, Purdue.

David Bell is one of my favourite wide receivers in this draft especially considering he should be available in the 3rd round. I previously stated that I would love Bell in a Falcons uniform next season, "David Bell was a very productive starter at the collegiate level, amassing 1286 yards and six touchdowns. Bell is a technician when it comes to route running, he can run an extensive array of routes. He would offer the Falcons a receiver who can line up out wide or from the slot. People will claim that one of his weaknesses is that he lacks elite speed, but his 40 yard dash was nearly identical to Cooper Kupp who led the NFL in receiving and who won Superbowl MVP". Bell would give Arthur Smith a versatile weapon who he could use in a multitude of ways.

Fourth Round 

114th Overall Pick: Coby Bryant, Cornerback, Cincinnati. 

Bryant has all the tools to be a starting outside cornerback in the NFL. Currently Atlanta have AJ Terrell, Casey Hayward and Isiash Oliver as the starting three corners; Bryant wouldn't be under any pressure to start immediately whilst he learns Dean Pees scheme. In 2021, Bryant led the Bearcats with 11 pass breakups in 14 starts. He recorded 45 tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a score) and three forced fumbles. Bryant has a high football IQ and natural instincts that allow him to diagnose the routes ran by opposition wideouts. His bread and butter would be in zone coverage where he can use his eyes to read the quarterback. He does a great job at playing the ball which is why he had 10 interceptions during his time in college.

Fifth Round 

151st Overall Pick: Dameon Pierce, Running Back, Florida.

It was reported by Charlie Campbell, "The Atlanta Falcons are very high on Dameon Pierce." Pierce scored 13 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.7 yards per carry for the Florida Gators in 2021. He is a violent runner who does a great job identifying open running lanes. Pierce can be utilised as a receiver out of the backfield too, so he would offer the Falcons value on three downs. Pierce would be a nice complimentary addition to the Falcons backfield and good value at the fifth. 

Sixth Round

190th Overall Pick: Dontario Drummond, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss.

I am hoping the Atlanta Falcons double dip at wide receiver. Drummond could be the 'X' receiver in Arthur Smiths offense. "Drummond could be a day 3 steal for whichever team lands the former Ole Miss wideout. Atlanta had a porous offensive line in pass protection last season and a player like Drummond can help mask some of those flaws. He is a YAC monster. He will offer Marcus Mariota the ability to be able to get the ball out quickly. Drummond has really good hand eye coordination and a wide catch radius." If Drummond is available at this point of the draft then he is a no brainer selection in my opinion.

213th Overall Pick: Matt Ariaza, Punter, San Diego State. 

Punter is a need for the Atlanta Falcons following the departure of Thomas Morstead. Ariaza in my opinion is the best punter in the draft class. The field position battle is an underrated factor of football. Ariaza would make the Falcons special teams unit one of the best in football alongside Younghoe Koo. Ariaza would be great value and fill a need for Atlanta. 

Follow Us

We can be followed on Twitter @falcons_corner or on Instagram at falcons.corner. 

Comment Below

Feel free to comment below and let me know who you think the Falcons should take in the NFL Draft.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

4 Wide Receiver Free Agents the Atlanta Falcons should consider signing

Image
The Atlanta Falcons leading wide receiver last season was Russell Gage, who averaged just 45 yards per game. This is simply unacceptable for a team who want to have playoff aspirations in 2022. Gage, Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe are all impending free agents. Calvin Ridley's future is uncertain with some speculation suggesting he might be traded. Atlanta's wide receivers as a group are one of the least talented units in the whole league. Falcons wide receivers ranked last in the NFL for % of a teams pass attempts thrown to their wideouts. I think Terry Fontenot should look to sign one receiver in free agency and add a second through the draft. I compiled a list of four wide receivers I think the Falcons should consider signing in free agency to bolster this skill group. Obviously, I avoided the likes of Davonte Adams and Chris Godwin, as they aren't affordable given our limited cap space. Christian Kirk: If the Falcons are looking to make a splash signing. Christian ...
Read more

Atlanta Falcons 15-29 Buffalo Bills: Bills eliminate Falcons from playoff contention

Image
The Atlanta Falcons were eliminated from the NFC playoff race after a 29-15 loss to the Buffalo Bills in freezing snowy conditions. The Falcons elevated five players from the practice squad to the roster before the game. Atlanta surprisingly led at half time 15-14, but a scoreless second half doomed them to a ninth defeat of the season. The Game The Falcons took a rare 2-0 lead, thanks to a safety. A forced fumble by Avery Williams on a Buffalo punt return, resulted in the ball ending up in the Bills endzone. The ball was recovered by Bills wideout Jake Kumerow. A quick Falcons three and out, gave Buffalo the ball at their own 31 yard line. The Bills moved the ball down the field with ease utilising their impressive set of wide receivers. Completions to Cole Beasley, Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis got the Bills to the Falcons redzone. A pass interference on AJ Terrell on 4th and goal gave Buffalo a new set of downs from the Atlanta 1. Josh Allen scored on a designed quarterback run to ...
Read more

New Orleans Saints 30-20 Atlanta Falcons: Dreadful Falcons fold like a cheap suit

Image
The Atlanta Falcons season ended in a pitiful manner. An embarrassing home loss to their most hated divisional rivals New Orleans Saints, who were forced to play the majority of the game with their third string quarterback. Losing is acceptable when your team fights hard and leaves everything on the field; but this was a gutless showing, that emphasizes just how much work there is to be done to fix this team. Arthur Smiths men won three more games, then the 2020 Atlanta Falcons, but they were assisted by having the second easiest schedule in the NFL. The Game Taysom Hill started at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. They opened the game on offense and orchestrated a dream drive. A run heavy approach saw Alvin Kamara pop off a 27 yard run to get the Saints in to Falcons territory. On a playaction pass, Hill found Adam Trautman, who lost Deion Jones in coverage; Trautman scampered into the endzone for an 18 yard score to give the Saints a 7-0 lead. They'd hold the lead for the r...
Read more