Falcons Draft 2022

The Falcons did address a desperate need for a wide receiver with Calvin Ridley suspended, Russell Gage gone and Julio Jones long gone. But they whiffed by not taking either Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave or Jameson Williams instead. Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith go for London’s massive frame and intriguing speed, but he also comes with plenty of volatility. Perhaps they got addicted to the catch radius of 2021 first-round tight end Kyle Pitts and preferred London as the complementary pass-catcher. It’s a big-time head-scratcher.

Grade: C-

The Falcons had a putrid pass rush last year (only 18 sacks) and wanted to jump on a high-upside sack artist  of choice for their 3-4. Ebiketie offers good natural strength and explosiveness and can round out into a complete outside linebacker after initially producing situationally.

Grade: A

(from NYG)

The Falcons had a need to an active tackler and playmaker after losing Foyesade Oluokun in free agency. Anderson can do just about everything effectively. He brings good smarts and work ethic to plug and play.

Grade: B

(from TEN)

The Falcons ended up preferring Ridder over Malik Willis and couldn’t pass up on taking the second QB off the board given his arm, athleticism, leadership and intangibles profile is ideal to groom alongside Marcus Mariota. Watch out for him competing and winning the job and becoming an absolute steal in the Dak Prescott-Russell Wilson vein.

Grade: A

Malone will be an immediate asset vs. the run in Dean Pees’ 3-4 alignment to complement second-round rookie Arnold Ebiketie and is still tapping into his explosive pass-rush upside.

Grade: B

(from IND)