Atlanta Falcons mock draft, Day 2: Following up Bijan Robinson shocker
After taking an offensive weapon in Bjron Robinson with the No. 8 pick, the Atlanta Falcons focus on the defensive side of the ball on Day 2 and early Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons didn’t let the need for an edge rusher and corner get in the way of taking a dynamic player on the first of the 2023 NFL Draft. Heading into Day 2, the Falcons still have a lot of needs, but the top positions. The Dirty Birds need players that can make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Edge rusher is the ideal prospect for a team desperate to get pressure on the quarterback.
Given the direction they went in round one, I wouldn’t be surprised if they added another weapon on offense. At wide receiver, the Falcons are thin behind last year’s eighth-overall pick, Drake London. Although London’s stats were not as high as other rookie wideouts, his efficiency and production within his offensive environment were solid. Behind him, the team added Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller via free agency, but both were only signed to one-year contracts. The Falcons need to find a reliable second option at wide receiver to complement London.
Still, given they took a back capable of flexing out and catching passes, wideout is not a likely option. Instead, they can focus on the defensive side of the ball.
Atlanta Falcons mock draft: Making picks after Bijan Robinson shocker
44. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas Razorbacks
Ryan Nielsen, the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, wants to build a versatile defense that can both stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback. To achieve this, he needs players who can attack in all phases of the game, and a linebacker who can blitz and lay the run would be an excellent addition to his defense. That’s where Drew Sanders, linebacker for the Arkansas Razorbacks, comes in. If he’s there at 44 the Falcons need to jump on him.
Sanders is a three-down linebacker who is fluid for his size, and his athleticism allows him to cover depth in the middle of the field and defend laterally against horizontal speed. He has the ability to play both EDGE and off-ball linebacker, which makes him an attractive option for Nielsen’s hybrid, versatile model of defense.
Sanders’ initial read step and conversion to pursuit offer potent explosiveness, and he has the pace to beat blockers in space to the football. His prior experience at Alabama has bred him to gain ground and threaten vertically off the edge. Sanders also exhibits excellent length and reach, which allows him to make a significant number of plays. As a tackler, Sanders is explosive and offers potent hitting power when he catches ball carriers at a flush set of pads.
While Sanders needs to improve his run defense and functional strength at the point of attack, he has a tremendous ceiling, and his length and fluidity are a rare combination of athletic traits. He also has excellent third-down value as a pass rusher and room to add mass to his frame. Sanders has the potential to be a staple on the depth chart for years to come, and his athleticism and dynamic play make him an excellent fit for Nielsen’s defense.
Overall, Sanders is worth a second-round pick because of his versatility, athleticism, and potential. He would be a staple in the Falcons’ defense and could help generate the pass rush they’ve been missing for years while also being a strong run defender. With his combination of size, length, and fluidity, Sanders has the potential to be a game-changer on defense and a valuable asset to any team.