Falcons Mock Draft Roundup: 4 Prospects Atlanta Could Take at No. 8
With five days until the 2023 NFL Draft, here’s a look at what some experts currently believe the Atlanta Falcons will do with the No. 8 overall pick.
The Draft Network: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
If general manager Terry Fontenot doesn’t believe he can find a franchise quarterback in the first round – or wants to get a longer look at Desmond Ridder – he could try to find a stalwart at another key position. The Draft Network has Murphy ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect in this year’s class.
NFL.com: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
On one hand, Smith made beautiful music as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator with Derrick Henry at his disposal. On the other hand, the Titans are now stuck in quarterback purgatory with Ryan Tannehill. There’s little doubt from here that Robinson will be a star, but using a pick this high on a running back before you have long-term certainty at the quarterback position would be a questionable decision.
CBS Sports: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Gonzalez – who won’t turn 21 until June – was a First-Team All-Pro in his redshirt sophomore season for the Ducks. If the Falcons added him to a secondary that also includes Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell, they may be able to go a few years without investing any major resources into the defensive backfield.
Touchdown Wire: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
If you’re the Falcons, there’s a case to be made for figuring out what you have in Ridder in 2023. Perhaps the former University of Cincinnati star will take a major step forward in his second NFL season. If not, you may be in position to draft either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in 2024. Then again, if Smith believes he can unlock Richardson’s star potential, the Falcons could roll with Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in 2023, allowing the gifted, but raw talent to redshirt in his rookie season. And in a year, the Falcons could be in position to trade down, much like the Chicago Bears during this cycle.
The Falcons can still go in a number of different directions with this pick and several positions are in play. But as a team with a top-10 pick, having flexibility is one of the best virtues one can have.
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