Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The Atlanta Falcons have eight selections in the 2022 NFL draft, including four picks in the top 75.
The Atlanta Falcons have eight selections in the 2022 NFL draft, including four picks in the top 75. With so many roster holes to address, the Falcons could target any number of positions and make a valid case for doing so.
Since the NFL just announced this year’s compensatory selections, here’s an updated look at all eight of Atlanta’s picks in next month’s draft.
Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft
Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
Head Coach: Dan Quinn
General Manager: Thomas Dimitroff
2019 Record: 7-9
1 (16)
2 (47)
3 (78)
4 (119)
4 (143, from BAL)
7 (229, from TB)
This entire unit needs help, both along the interior and on the edge. Grady Jarrett is the only reliable, consistent performer across the board, making the defensive trenches this year’s top priority for the Dirty Birds. Vic Beasley didn’t live up to the hype, Takk McKinley is running out of time to do the same, and Jarrett could use a running mate inside. Don’t be surprised if multiple early picks are used to address this group.
Both Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield have shown promise, but with Desmond Trufant gone, Atlanta’s corners are still more upside than proven commodity. A draft pick won’t add what Trufant’s departure took away, but bringing in another top talent at this premium position wouldn’t hurt. You can never have too many talented corners in today’s pass-happy NFL.
Devonta Freeman is gone, and while Todd Gurley was a big-name signing, this position still has no long-term solution past the 2020 season. This year’s deep running back class should provide the Falcons with plenty of starting-caliber options across the first four rounds. Whether it’s a workhorse back or a third-down specialist who could develop into something more, Atlanta needs to add a back at some point in this draft.
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
Cam Akers | RB | Florida State
Antonio Gibson | RB | Memphis
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