2022 NFL Team Draft Page

London calling to the Flowery Branch. Now war is declared and battle come down. Drake London always felt like the #1 WR on the Falcons' WR board. His size, catch radius and run after catch ability adds a much needed weapon to Atlanta's passing game. These are the characteristics that Arthur Smith requires of his wideouts and London makes a perfect complement to Kyle Pitts. Additionally, Terry Fontenot had to take note of how expensive wide receivers' second contracts have become. Having five years of control of a WR1 is a huge burden lifted off the franchise's shoulders for future planning. There were two impact defensive players available, but Atlanta had to address the WR issue. If they can add meaningful pieces in the defensive front tomorrow, this pick should pay off for years. This is a perfect fit, but Atlanta has a lot of needs. A-

The pass rush in Atlanta has been woeful for so long that adding talent was essential. Arnold Ebiketie offers immediate upside at the 3-4 OLB rush position. He has long arms and good, heavy hands, but will likely need to polish some more moves to consistently beat NFL tackles. A solid, needed addition. Grade: B+

Troy Anderson is all about the potential and the tools. A remarkable career as a QB, RB, LB and valedictorian at Montana State and truly elite athletic testing make him a long term upside pick.

This likely spells the end of Deion Jones' time in Atlanta, as Atlanta will need to make him a June cut to sign this draft class. You have to wonder why they passed on Nakobe Dean, though. Grade: B-

Atlanta needs a long-term solution at QB. They have decided to roll the dice on Ridder, who likely has a high floor as an above replacement level QB. If he can improve his accuracy and footwork, he can be the long-term answer.

Certainly having a year of seasoning while Mariota gets killed behind that OL is a good plan. Ridder is a "winner" and a high character leader. Atlanta doesn't have to reach and can see if Ridder is "the guy." For value and need? A-

Did we mention Atlanta needed pass rushers? DeAngelo Malone is an undersized but explosive 3-4 OLB with 34 career sacks. He needs a little bulk, and Atlanta has not done anything to address the interior of the DL or their run defense. But they have added a lot of athleticism to their pass rush on Day Two, which was a crying need for this roster. A-