The Atlanta Falcons will be headed into the 2022 NFL Draft looking to fill a ton of holes to kick-start a rebuild
The Falcons are not going to be good next season. They are in rebuild mode and will likely be looking to draft the best players available each time they are on the clock in the 2022 NFL Draft.
There’s no Matt Ryan (traded), no Calvin Ridley (suspended for gambling), and no Russell Gage (signed with Tampa Bay).
The team signed QB Marcus Mariota to a two-year contract last month, but experts say the deal gives the Falcons an easy early out after next season.
Most forecasts are grim on the outlook for the Falcons next season and that’s ok. They’re working with a new head coach, a new system, little star talent, and a chance to get better throughout the next couple of drafts before expectations begin to ramp up.
We’re taking a look at three ways Atlanta can earn an A in this year’s NFL Draft.
No 1. Atlanta Falcons should try to trade back in exchange for more draft picks
It may seem counter-intuitive to move the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, but if the team can send smoke signals that they will draft someone a team just has to have, they could bait them into trading up and picking up extra picks.
The difference in talent from pick No. 8 to say pick No. 20 is not that drastic. If Atlanta gets an offer to trade their first-round pick for a handful of other picks, they should strongly consider doing that.
Someone like New Orleans would be a team to watch in this very scenario. If the Saints covet a specific quarterback in this year’s draft, it may make sense for them to trade their No. 16 and No. 19 picks for the No. 8 overall pick.
If Atlanta can figure out a way to land two first-round talents, that’s an easy win in my book. The Falcons would likely have plenty of their top choices on their draft board still available to select, too.
They could find their future quarterback and future star wide receiver in the first couple of rounds if they get a buyer for the No. 8 overall pick.