Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Ranking Falcons’ rookies by projected production in 2022

By Grayson Freestone

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 12: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on from the sideline next to Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons while playing the Detroit Lions during a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 12: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on from the sideline next to Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons while playing the Detroit Lions during a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Atlanta Falcons
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 21: Desmond Ridder #4 of the Atlanta Falcons poses for a portrait during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on May 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

8) Atlanta Falcons’ rookie production rankings: Justin Shaffer – OG – Round 6, Pick 213

Falcons fans were excited when the team took Justin Shaffer as it broke the curse of them not taking former Georgia Bulldogs in the draft.

There has been talk about Justin Shaffer having a shot at potentially being the starting left guard. There is a chance that happens but as it looks right now, he is sitting behind Elijah Wilkinson and Jalen Mayfield.

Do not expect to see much of the former Georgia Bulldog during his rookie year, but if he develops he could find himself in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

7) Atlanta Falcons’ rookie production rankings: Desmond Ridder – QB – Round 3, Pick 74

There may be a big sigh amongst Falcons fans out there as everyone wants to see what Desmond Ridder has in him and if he is the future of the franchise.

Putting him seventh on this list will either be right or very wrong as it all depends on how Marcus Mariota plays. If Mariota struggles then Ridder could be the top producer among the Falcons draft class.

But, there is hope for Mariota and if he delivers then Ridder will find himself watching and learning from the bench. Even if he does not play, it does not mean he cannot have a productive year as he needs to learn the ways of the NFL so that he can become a superstar in the future.

6) Atlanta Falcons’ rookie production rankings: John FitzPatrick – TE – Round 6, Pick 213

Not only did the Falcons break the Georgia hometown draft drought by taking Justin Shaffer, but they also followed it up by taking another player who also lined up on the line for the Bulldogs during their championship run.

John FitzPatrick might be six-foot-seven, 250 pounds, but he does not use that size the same way that Kyle Pitts uses his, he uses it to protect the quarterback.

He will not be used much in the passing game but he will be used in Lee Smith’s spot by blocking defenders. His stats won’t be headline-worthy but he should make a silent impact.

5) Atlanta Falcons’ rookie production rankings: Troy Anderson – LB – Round 2, Pick 58

It will be a tough situation for the future of the Falcons’ linebacking core. He has numerous veterans sitting in front of him with the likes of Deion Jones, Rashaan Evans, MyKal Walker, and Nick Kwiatkowski.

So, even if Deion Jones is not on the team, if he struggles, or if he just does not end up starting, there are still at least two other players in Evans and Walker that he must compete with for snaps.

This was certainly a pick for the future and is guy who will be Deion Jones’ replacement.