The Dirty Birds came out swinging on the legal tampering day with three massive signings, including bringing back one of their own, but it’s not over. What can the Atlanta Falcons do next?
Tampering has begun for the 2023 NFL free agency, and we saw some names sign on the proverbial dotted lines. The Atlanta Falcons weren’t holding back. Out the gate, they traded a seventh-round pick to the Patriots for tight end Jonnu Smith. Fans of the Falcons know this move is a win-win for Arthur Smith’s offense. Jonnu Smith’s best season happened during his and Arthur Smith’s time with the Titans. In 2020 Smith caught eight touchdowns for 498 yards. Smith will likely run a ton of 12-personnel with Jonnu and Kyle Pitts. Running backs Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson should be grinning ear-to-ear.
Smith’s trade was the tip of the iceberg. The Falcons through some money at their right guard Chris Lindstrom to a five-year extension. They signed arguably the best safety in the NFL, Jessie Bates to a 4-year, $64 million deal. They followed up by signing defensive tackle David Onyemata to a 3-year, $35 million deal, making it clear they are signing free agents that can help them get into the playoffs. Given the NFC South a ripe for the taking, there are a few more moves the Falcons can make to solidify their roster as they look to take the South.
3 moves for the Atlanta Falcons to take the NFC South in 2023
3. Shore up the secondary with a corner
Jessie Bates was one move that will help change the Falcons’ life on defense. However, they desperately need to add a corner. The Falcons’ defense backs suffered from the injury bug, so reliability is an issue. Isiah Oliver is a guy they can always bring back if he doesn’t get picked up right away. Even then, they’ll need some more help. The free agents that are available aren’t really worth the money the Falcons will be forced to pay. They should sign a veteran, but draft day is their best option.
Depending on what the Falcons are looking for, they could get their star corner early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Christian Gonzalez could fall to them. If he’s gone, Joey Porter Jr is another option. His wingspan is second to none and he’s a physical man press corner similar to Darius Slay (Eagles). He’s a plug-and-play corner that set the tone and becomes a leader of the defense. Cam Smith from South Carolina is another great option, but he’s more of a day prospect. UM’ s Tyrique Stevenson is another physical press corner who can be available on Day 2. The Falcons will have options at the corner position thanks to the depth in this year’s draft.
2. Add two edge rushers
Edge rushers are hard to come by. Lorenzo Carter isn’t going to be enough, they need two more guys. The great ones rarely hit free agency. The 2023 NFL off-season isn’t any different. After signing David Onyemata, Grady Jarrett has a worthy running mate, giving the Falcons a solid odd front. Getting guys that can come off the edge is a must. Leonard Floyd is a nice option for the Falcons.
The Los Angeles Rams struggled as a unit, but Floyd managed nine sacks. He could play as an off-ball backer used as a blitz guy. Jadeveon Clowney is a guy who won’t give the Falcons high sack numbers, but he’s a nice player to pair with another edge rusher. There will not be a large market for him, so they can be patient and wait. Arden Key is another wait-and-see edge guy as well.
Free agency is step one. They need to address their edge problem in the draft. With the No. 9 pick, the Falcons could nab a guy with traits like Myles Murphy, who is a toolsy prospect with an excellent blend of size and athleticism. He can play with his hand in the dirt as an off-ball backer. Or, they can trade down and wait for a player like Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), a 6’6″ 275-pound prospect who is a bit raw but could produce 8-10 sacks as a situational pass rusher. They could wait until Day two for a player with similar size, Army’s Andre Carter, 6’6.5″ nearly 260-pounds with long arms and ability to finish.
Add another weapon for Desmond Ridder (or Taylor Heinicke)
Desmond Ridder has some in-camp competition after the signing of Taylor Heinicke. If they want to properly evaluate their quarterbacks, the Falcons need to surround him with more weapons. Kyle Pitts and Drake London could be a dynamic duo. Pitts is a big body with elite traits who will likely take another step in year two of Arthur Smith’s options. The same goes for Drake London, another big-body target. He’s dynamic with the ball, but he needs a true No. 2 as a running mate.
The 2023 NFL Draft isn’t a stacked draft in terms of upper-tier talent, so they don’t need to take a guy in the first round. Boston College’s Zay Flowers could fall to them in the second round. He’s a dynamic big-play wideout who could provide a spark to the Falcons’ offense. Ronnie Bell is another option, a possession guy who catches everything. He’s a wide receiver that works best against zone coverages. They could opt for another tools guy at the wide receiver spot. Josh Downs (North Carolina) is another one of those guys who can make spark plays — he’ll be available early on Day 3.
A veteran wideout is another option. DJ Chark is a good option, as a boundary guy. Jarvis Landry is a solid possession receiver who is looking for redemption—they can get him post-draft. JuJu Smith-Schuster is another volume catch guy who can help in the locker room as well. Players No matter what happens, the Falcons should look to add another weapon to their offense.