The Atlanta Falcons took what is perceived to be a generational prospect in Bijan Robinson, but it now has to roll with Desmond Ridder at quarterback.
Atlanta had major needs on both the offensive and defensive line, yet, for the third straight year, drafted an offensive skill position player in the first round.
The Falcons will no doubt be an exciting team this season, but will they be well-rounded enough to navigate through a wide-open NFC South? Let’s take a look at Atlanta’s 2023 draft class.
Falcons NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 8 Overall: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
- Round 2, Pick 38 Overall (From LV via IND): Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
- Round 3, Pick 75 Overall: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
- Round 4, Pick 113 Overall: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
- Round 7, Pick 224 Overall (From LV): DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama
- Round 7, Pick 225 Overall: Jovaughn Gwyn, G, South Carolina
Falcons NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Falcons odds and futures betting markets.
Falcons Draft Grade 2023
Falcons NFL Draft Grade: C
Our Frank Ammirante gave the Falcons a C in large part due to selecting Robinson at No. 8 overall. Atlanta had just six picks in this year’s draft and yes, Robinson is awesome — but this team had a solid rushing attack last season and much more urgent needs.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Falcons Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Edge Rusher
The Falcons finished last season 31st in the league in sacks, and across the last two years have sacked the quarterback just 39 times. You need pass rushers to win in the modern NFL and Atlanta will make adding one a priority this April after seemingly neglecting the position over the last few years.
2. Cornerback
The Falcons’ secondary has improved and A.J. Terrell looks to be a fantastic young piece, but they still need to add depth behind him. Atlanta was able to bring in a couple of depth pieces in free agency, but adding a long-term corner to play the opposite of Terrell in the future is vital.
3. Wide Receiver
Drake London and Kyle Pitts are terrific prospects, but this group could still stand to add some depth. With the Falcons electing to go with Ridder, they’ll likely look to add one later on in the draft.
Ideally, this would be a speedy, outside wide receiver to give the second-year quarterback plenty of pass-catching options.
Falcons May Also Consider Drafting: Quarterback, Interior Defensive Line, Offensive Tackle
Falcons NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 8 Overall: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
As of April 7, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Falcons will pick this versatile pass rusher from Clemson. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Falcons NFL Draft Pick History
Falcons NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 8 (8th Overall): Drake London, WR, USC
- Round 2, Pick 6 (38th Overall): Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
- Round 2, Pick 26 (58th Overall): Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
- Round 3, Pick 10 (74th Overall): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
- Round 3, Pick 18 (82nd Overall): DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
- Round 5, Pick 8 (151st Overall): Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU
- Round 6, Pick 11 (190th Overall): Justin Shaffer, G, Georgia
- Round 6, Pick 35th (213rd Overall): John FitzPatrick, TE, Georgia
