Falcons draft picks 2023: Who did Atlanta take? Full list of NFL Draft selections

Zac Al-Khateeb

Falcons draft picks 2023: Who did Atlanta take? Full list of NFL Draft selections image

Will the Falcons trade up for their quarterback of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Atlanta currently sits at No. 8 in the draft order, well after QB prospects such as Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson are expected to be selected. The Falcons could move up to grab one of them, though likely at a high price — but would such a move be worth it, or would the team be better off building around its current quarterback?

Atlanta can watch and see the development of second-year signal-caller Desmond Ridder, who has a quality backup — and, potentially, some competition — in the form of free agent acquisition Taylor Heinicke. If the Falcons don't want to leverage their future on moving up to grab one of Young, Stroud or Richardson, they can see how their QB plays this year and address the position next year.

If the Falcons do remain at No. 8, which player would they go with? Consecutive 7-10 seasons haven't exactly engendered confidence in third-year coach Arthur Smith, but the Falcons must continue patiently building up their roster if they want to once again become NFC South contenders.

MORE: NFL Mock Draft 2023: Complete 7-round edition

Whether they use the draft to address needs at EDGE, corner, offensive line or receiver remains to be seen. But there are talented players available in the draft without needing to move into the top five.

With that, here's everything you need to know about where Atlanta picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, positional needs, mock drafts and more:

Falcons draft picks 2023: Who did Atlanta take?

  • Round 1, Pick No. 8: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
  • Round 2, Pick No. 37: OL Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
  • Round 3, Pick No. 75: EDGE Zach Harrison, Ohio State
  • Round 4, Pick No. 113: CB Clark Phillips III, Utah
  • Round 7, Pick No. 224: DB DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
  • Round 7, Pick No. 225: C Jovaughn Gwyn, South Carolina

LIVE: Grades & analysis for every pick in 2023 NFL Draft

Falcons NFL Draft order 2023

Round Pick (overall)
1
2 37
3 75
4 113
7 224 (from LV)
7 225

Falcons NFL Draft needs

  • EDGE: The Falcons produced the fewest sacks in 2021 (18) and the second-fewest sacks in 2022 (21). Their two-year total of 39 was the lowest in the NFL during that span. Yet despite a need to bolster its pass rush, Atlanta only added veteran lineman Calais Campbell among its several free-agency additions this offseason. The Falcons can use their first pick of the draft to provide greater depth with one of several top-10 EDGE defenders. That's more than likely to be Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson or Clemson's Myles Murphy, depending on how the teams in front of them draft.
  • Cornerback: Atlanta traded for former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to pair alongside the versatile A.J. Terrell, but could still use a top-end corner to address a secondary that tied for 27th last year with just 10 interceptions. The same unit also ranked 25th in pass defense, giving up 231.9 yards per game. If Oregon's Christian Gonzalez is still on the board at No. 8, the Falcons should jump at the chance to get him: He's considered the best corner of the draft and should provide an immediate boost to the unit. Otherwise, Atlanta may go with Illinois' Devon Witherspoon.
  • Receiver: The Falcons got a No. 2 receiver behind Drake London by signing Mack Hollins from the Raiders, but any further depth to take defenses off London and tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith will be welcome. Considering the relatively weak receiver class this year, Atlanta may focus on adding quality players later in the draft.

MORE: Updated big board of top 140 players

Falcons mock draft 2023

Here is TSN's Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft, including all seven picks for the Falcons:

Round Pick Player Position College
1 8 Myles Murphy EDGE Clemson
2 44 Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
3 75 Tank Bigsby RB Auburn
4 110 Daiyan Henley LB Washington State
4 113 Riley Moss CB Iowa
7 224 Micah Baskerville LB LSU
7 225 Brayden Willis TE Oklahoma

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.