When it comes to the NFL draft, every team has a dream scenario in which talent and need come together to create the perfect pick. Rarely do things work out that way, though.
The Falcons will go into the 2023 NFL draft with their third consecutive top-10 pick, but there are seven teams in front of them and it’s unclear which prospects will be available. This year’s class features four potential top-10 picks at the quarterback position.
Since Atlanta has a relatively unproven starter in Desmond Ridder, many draft experts think the team could take one of these four QB prospects. C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are considered locks to go in the top five. That leaves Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, both of whom have top-30 draft visits with the Falcons.
However, just because the team is scouting Richardson and Levis doesn’t mean Atlanta would take either at No. 8 overall. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Falcons are unlikely to pull the trigger on a QB unless Young or Stroud are on the board at pick No. 8:
Something drastic would have to occur for either Young or Stroud to be available when Atlanta is on the clock, unless the team were to trade up into the top five.
The Falcons have aggressively addressed most of their needs going into the draft, freeing them up to target a variety of positions.
Atlanta added two potential starters over this past week alone, trading for cornerback Jeff Okudah and signing edge rusher Bud Dupree to a one-year deal.