NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Bolster Defense, Add New Weapon On Offense

The Atlanta Falcons add key players on both sides of the ball in Bleacher Report's latest mock draft.

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Draft just a week and a half away, many outlets are rushing to get their final mock drafts out before the big event.

In those mock drafts, the Atlanta Falcons are consistently an interesting team to watch because of their high pick (No. 8 overall) and needs at multiple key positions. When the Falcons finally come up to pick on April 25, fans will finally have the answers they've been waiting months for.

Until then, though, mock drafts will have to suffice. Bleacher Report recently treated fans to a three-round mock draft, and with the No. 8 pick, the Falcons select Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

"Mitchell's selection provides an outside corner with the size and speed to bookend A.J. Terrell, which allows Dee Alford and Clark Phillips III to take the majority of slot reps," Bleacher Report writes.

"What looks like it could be an elite offense paired with a sturdy secondary will allow the Falcons to set the pace and play from ahead in games."

In his final season at Toledo, Mitchell recorded 32 total tackles, 18 passes defended and one interceptions. He has a good mix of size (6-0, 195 pounds), speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash) and strength, and he could make an excellent running mate for Terrell if he were to come to Atlanta.

In the second round, the Falcons flip to the offensive side of the ball and select Washington Huskies receiver Jalen McMillan at No. 43 overall. While not as prolific as college teammate Rome Odunze, McMillan is is still a strong receiver prospect in his own right. His best season came in 2022, when he caught 79 passes for 1,098 yards and nine touhcdowns.

Then in the third round, the Falcons go back to defense by selecting Western Michigan Broncos edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland at No. 74 overall and Michigan Wolverines linebacker Junior Colson at No. 79 overall. Both positions are big needs for Atlanta's defense, so getting some of the drafts better players at those positions would certainly be ideal.