The Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with now-former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan after 14 seasons of high-end play. Around noon, the Falcons front office dealt the former number three overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round pick. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Ryan’s departure leaves them with over $40 million in dead money against the salary cap.
Despite this, Atlanta immediately acquired former number two overall quarterback Marcus Mariota via free agency to seemingly be a stop-gap player while they search for a long-term option. As such, this trade reshapes how the Falcons may approach the 2022 NFL Draft. Will they draft a passer in a weak draft class or punt the issue until 2023 when they could target someone like Bryce Young?
The following mock draft will attempt to answer some of those questions. It should be noted this is NOT a predictive mock and is what this writer would do if he were in charge of the Atlanta Falcons.
*This mock draft was made using a simulator via The Draft Network*
Pick Eight: Garrett Wilson – Wide Receiver – Ohio State
Listen, Jermaine Johnson, George Karlaftis, and Travon Walker were all on the board when the Falcons came on the clock in the simulator. All three would have been perfect for Atlanta and would be immediate upgrades over the players they have currently. However, the Falcons wide receiver room is filled exclusively with depth pieces and lacks a true number one receiver.
Garrett Wilson can be an elite-level receiver in the Falcon’s offense as a versatile weapon that can play both slot receiver and on the outside. Wilson offers plus route running and soft hands that are required of a number one receiver. This is where two needs butt heads and ultimately, offensive firepower wins out. Luckily for Atlanta, the 2022 NFL Draft is deep at edge rusher.
In regards to their quarterback situation, Mariota is a good bridge option and his two-year sort of reflects the Falcons’ plans at the position. In my opinion, it would be wise to wait for a stronger class and continue to build a strong foundation for any future selections at quarterback.
Round Two
Pick 43: Jalen Pitre – Safety – Baylor
This may be a little early for Pitre however the need at safety is apparent. Atlanta needs to add a versatile defensive player they can pair with Richie Grant, Casey Heyward and AJ Terrell. Pitre can play both strong safety plus slot corner at a reasonably high level and can be a key contributor on run downs.
Pick 58: Drake Jackson – EDGE – USC
Here Atlanta finally gets its edge rusher in the form of USC Trojan Drake Jackson. After being projected as a first-round pick in summer scouting, Jackson had a quiet season in 2021 and is now viewed as a day two developmental type of player. Jackson has above-average athleticism which he used to win the edge against PAC-12 offensive tackles. He needs time to develop his hand usage and could add strength to better anchor versus the run but has plenty of upside as a young player.
Round Three
Pick 74: Brian Asamoah – Linebacker – Oklahoma
Linebacker is a sneaky need for the Falcons and it is one they could address in the early rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Brian Asamoah put up some solid tape at this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl while having an equally impressive 2021 season for the Sooners.
Asamoah would be a nice companion for Deion Jones, given his natural athleticism, and above-average instincts. He can easily defeat blocks with the rip moves and has the speed to chase down ball carriers in space.
Pick 82: Alec Pierce – Wide Receiver – Cincinnati
As stated with the Garrett Wilson pick, the Falcons are in dire need of receiver help and could be a candidate to double-dip at the position given the depth of this class. Alec Pierce has the ceiling to be a high-level number two receiver and can be another big-play possession type of player along with tight end Kyle Pitts.
Round Four
Pick 114: Mykael Wright – Cornerback – Oregon
Cornerback is not a chief need for Atlanta after they resigned Isaiah Oliver, however, in today’s NFL one cannot have too many corners. Mykael Wright had legitimate late Day One/early Day Two hype over the summer but like Jackson, his stock has begun to cool since the start of the season.
Wright could compete for starting reps in year one given his proclivity as a man cover corner. His patient feet and ability to contest the catch point could make him a future star at the position so getting him in round four would be an absolute steal for Atlanta.
Round Five
Pick 151: Jerome Ford – Running Back – Cincinnati
Speaking of getting steals, the Falcons get a starting-caliber running back in round five. Jerome Ford transferred from a crowded backfield at Alabama to Cincinnati and became a key contributor for the Bearcats in 2021. Ford is a scheme-versatile running back with positive athletic traits and plus vision that can also offer some versatility as a pass-catcher. Ford could step in day one and compete for an RB1 gig.
Round Six
Pick 190: Luke Goedeke – Offensive Tackle – Central Michigan
The Falcons get another value pick here in round six with former Chippewa offensive lineman Luke Goedeke. Kaleb McGary has not quite panned out as a starting right tackle and there are some additional questions regarding the interior of Atlanta’s offensive line. Goedeke had solid tackle tape at Central Michigan with great hand technique and power at the point of attack however, he projects as a guard long-term but should be allowed to fail at tackle first.
Pick 213: Christopher Hinton – Defensive Tackle – Michigan
With their final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Falcons select former Michigan defensive tackle, Christopher Hinton. Interestingly enough, Hinton’s father Chris was a Pro Bowl tackle for Atlanta back in the 1990s who came to the Falcons in the Jeff George trade. Family ties aside, the younger Hinton would be an above-average depth piece in Atlanta’s front, displaying quality power at the point of attack with some versatility to play both three-technique and shade nose.
