2. Make corner the top priority in the 2023 NFL Draft
Defense wins championships is still a cliché that works. For the Atlanta Falcons to have a Super Bowl-contending team they must improve their defense. Smart money says drafting a cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft will give them that. After all, the Falcons’ defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, knows how important the secondary is.
Sure, some mock drafts have projected the Falcons selecting an edge rusher or offensive lineman with their No. 8 pick, but this may not be the best option because of the current lack of solid production in the edge class. Two names that come up are edge rushers Lukas Van Ness and Myles Murphy — that’s a mistake. The edge class is trait latent where it’s based more on projection than right now production.
Instead, a better choice could be Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has impressive size, physicality, and toughness. At 6’2″ and 201 pounds, Gonzalez could form a strong corner duo with A.J. Terrell, with his athleticism, speed, and ability to defend against the run, making him an excellent choice. If Gonzalez is not available, Joey Porter Jr could also be a good option as a press boundary corner in a role similar to that of Byron Jones.