The Atlanta Falcons have officially hit the reset button on the franchise as they traded away Julio Jones and Matt Ryan in back-to-back offseasons. It will certainly be a new era for the Falcons as Ryan was the teamās Week 1 quarterback in every season since 2008.
Will the Falcons try to replace him in the 2022 NFL Draft? Or are they looking elsewhere with their top selections? Atlanta has five picks in the top 85 selections, which should help them quickly rebuild the roster. But what should we expect them to do in the draft?
Georgia sports betting has not been legalized. It might be several more NFL seasons before fans in Georgia can bet on the Falcons.
But legislation was talked about this year and could set it up for passage in the future.
Here is a complete seven-round mock draft for the Atlanta Falcons entering the 2022 NFL Draft:
Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft 2022 Round by Round
| ā 1st Round (No. 8 overall) | Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama |
| ā 2nd Round (No. 43) overall) | Quay Walker, LB, Georgia |
| ā 2nd Round (No. 58 overall) | Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina |
| ā 3rd Round Round (No. 74 overall) | Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC |
| ā 3rd Round (No. 82 overall) | Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State |
| ā 4th Round (No. 114 overall) | Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati |
| ā 5th Round (No. 151 overall) | Hasaan Haskins, RB, Michigan |
| ā 6th Round (No. 190 overall) | Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU |
| ā 6th Round (No. 214 overall) | Smoke Monday, S, Auburn |
Round 1, No. 8: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
While the Falcons could certainly pick a defender here at No. 8, they currently have one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL. They desperately need speed at the position and Williams offers more of it than any other receiver in the class.
Williams tore his ACL in the National Championship Game, which might have some teams nervous about his availability for Week 1.
But with the Falcons not in a Super Bowl window, they can afford to let him get completely healthy before allowing him to step on the field. So for both parties, this fit would make a ton of sense.
Round 2, No. 43: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean could be an option for the Falcons, but Walker has more size and speed. While he doesn't have the same instincts or feel for the game as Dean, he has more upside and the size to play middle linebacker in the NFL. Pairing him with Deion Jones would give the Falcons one of the most athletic linebacker duos in the league.
Round 2, No. 58: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Falcons donāt have to take a quarterback in this class, but Sam Howell could be an option if they wait until the second round. He has all the tools necessary to become a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, but he needs to speed up his internal clock and take fewer sacks.
Howell could sit behind Marcus Mariota for a year or two before becoming the starter. But if the Falcons have a high pick again next year and have the option to take a higher-rated prospect, the selection of Howell certainly won't prohibit them from doing that either.
Round 3, No. 74: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Jackson is a long, athletic defensive end who has all the traits to become a star in the NFL. However, he hasnāt quite put them all together yet. But in the third round, he could be a rotational pass rusher for a team that has to get better on the defensive line. Jackson has starting potential in a year or two.
Round 3, No. 82: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Lucas tested as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in NFL history at the combine and has over 2,000 pass-blocking snaps on his resume. He needs to improve as a run blocker before he can be a starter in the NFL, but he has the traits to be a high-quality right tackle in the NFL with some development.
Round 4, No. 114: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Bryant was named the Jim Thorpe Award winner in 2021 as he was the best defensive back in college football. He led Cincinnati in pass deflections and forced fumbles as he was fantastic as the "No. 2" cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner. While he doesn't have elite athleticism or length, he should be a quality starter in a year or two.
Round 5, No. 151: Hasaan Haskins, RB, Michigan
Haskins is a no-nonsense inside runner who was highly productive at Michigan. He isnāt much of a receiver out of the backfield, but he should be able to contribute in a committee right away.
Round 6, No. 190: Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU
Farrell is a massive defensive tackle who probably will be relegated to run downs only in the NFL. Still, he can be a useful nose tackle and does offer some pass-rush ability because of his surprising quickness.
Round 6, No. 214: Smoke Monday, S, Auburn
Monday played all over the field for Auburn, including linebacker and safety. His best spot in the NFL might be as a dime linebacker, but his size and speed should allow him to contribute on special teams right away.
