3 Best quarterback scenarios for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023

Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) escapes pressure to pass downfield against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) escapes pressure to pass downfield against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
Dec 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to throw the ball against Georgia Bulldogs in the third quarter during the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.Osu22uga Kwr 50 /

2. Chase a franchise quarterback in the draft

This is clearly the second-best option and barring Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud falling unexpectedly should not be part of the Atlanta Falcons’ off-season plan. However, this is clearly not as ideal as building around Ridder and bringing in a veteran backup behind the second-year quarterback.

If the Falcons are going to draft a quarterback it is likely going to be either Will Levis or Anthony Richardson or a later-round developmental project. The only move for the Falcons is spending draft capital to move up to be in a position to select who they believe is a franchise quarterback.

Richardson and Levis are both interesting as prospects but clearly have huge concerns with their games. For Levis, the turnovers and inability to stick in the pocket should hurt his draft stock. Richardson has an elite arm but at times lacks the touch needed to make simple throws at the next level.

Neither player should be viewed as a clear upgrade over Ridder leaving the Falcons with the option of taking a huge risk or moving up in the draft.