Blogging Dirty
FanSided

10 Players the Atlanta Falcons should consider in the 2023 draft

By Dalton McCormick

Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) tackles Michigan Wolverines quarterback Cade McNamara (12) during the second quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) tackles Michigan Wolverines quarterback Cade McNamara (12) during the second quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) reacts after being beat by the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) reacts after being beat by the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1.Will Anderson, EDGE | Alabama

Anderson is a no-brainer as the top non-QB in the 2023 draft as he is fresh off a dominant Sophomore season where he racked up 33.5 tackles for loss with 17.5 sacks, elite numbers vs any competition but he did this in the SEC. Anderson is more than a stat sheet stuffer as his first step is incredibly quick, so much so that you’ll ask yourself if he was offsides. He has the ability to time snaps and gets the jump on the opposing tackle. A skill set the Atlanta Falcons are sorely lacking.

Anderson’s lateral agility allows him to quickly arrive in the backfield as a run stopper as his strong hands allow him to win repeatedly along with a high motor that is evident on nearly every play. The Falcons’ pass-rushing group is a work in progress but if they could add Anderson to play the opposite side of Arnold Ebiketie, this part of the defense would be in great shape.

2. Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR | Ohio State

If the Falcons end up in the 5-10 selection range again then Jaxson could be in play here as pass catcher still remains a big need even after taking Drake London 8th overall. Smith-Njigba was the best pass catcher last year for Ohio State, a team that had two wide receivers drafted 10th and 11th overall a few weeks ago. The Rockwell, Texas native caught 95-passes for 1,606-yards that was capped off with a 347-yard effort in the Rose Bowl.

Smith-Njigba has polished route-running skills along with that short-area quickness that allows him to shake defenders at the point of attack. Jaxson also has great hands and athleticism that gives him a wide catch radius and the ability to make jaw-dropping catches anywhere on the field. There is other positions that are a bigger area of concern but the pairing Jaxson up with Drake London would make life much easier for young hopeful Desmond Ridder and give the Atlanta Falcons two capable playmakers they have lacked since Julio Jones was traded to the Titans.