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NFL 2023 Mock Draft: Falcons land numerous defensive linemen

By Grayson Freestone

Oct 8, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) fights to get past Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (70) during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) fights to get past Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (70) during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Falcons
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eli Ricks (7) tackles Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Malik Knowles (4) during the first half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /

829. . CB. Crimson Tide . Eli Ricks. 3. player

Rd. 3, Pk. 75: Eli Ricks – CB – Alabama (6’2″, 190 lbs)

You can probably see a trend among these picks; all these players are big for their respective positions. The Atlanta Falcons have loved drafting big players under the new(ish) regime.

Eli Ricks was a highly-touted player coming out of high school and was a pretty good college player. The concerns with him are all correctable issues, so if the Falcons are confident that they can correct those issues, then Ricks would be a steal.

Pairing Eli with A.J. could give the Falcons one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL within a couple years. It would give the Dirty Birds a lot of length at outside corner which is one of the main traits you look for when filling the position.

The good news for the former Crimson Tide is that he wouldn’t be pressed into action from day one. Presumably, the Falcons will have Casey Hayward for another year to ease Ricks’ transition into the NFL.

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