Falcons Combine Interviews: All Known Atlanta Formal Draft Meetings

Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects did the Atlanta Falcons have formal meetings with at the Combine?

INDIANAPOLIS -- When Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot stood in front of the microphone Tuesday, he acknowledged that player interviews are the most important part of the NFL Combine.

Now nearly a week removed from that press conference, Fontenot and staff have performed several interviews - and after being on the ground in Indianapolis, Falcon Report at SI was able to gather many of the names whom Atlanta used its 45 formal interviews with.

Here's the list ...

Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida

Prior to putting on a record-setting show at Lucas Oil Stadium, Richardson met with the Falcons' staff - and said "that was actually a great interview."

C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

Similarly to Richardson, Stroud put on a show at the Combine and has many thinking that he can be a Day 1 starter in the NFL.

Stroud said his meeting with the Falcons went "very, very well," adding that Atlanta's coaches were "fiery" and "kind of like big kids," which he "appreciated."

Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

Levis told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Falcons were his first interview in Indianapolis. A Penn State transfer, Levis impressed with his arm talent during the on-field portion at the Combine and generated buzz throughout the week from evaluators.

Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas

Regarded as an elite prospect and perhaps the best running back prospect since now-New York Giant Saquon Barkley in 2018, Robinson stated that his meeting with Atlanta "went well."

The 6-0, 222-pound Robinson smiled and said "we'll see where it goes" with the Falcons.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama

Gibbs, a Georgia native, said the meeting "went well" - and he proceeded to put on a show at the Combine, running an official 4.36 40-yard dash.

A likely second-round pick, Gibbs would be a fun compliment alongside Falcons record-setting rookie running back Tyler Allgeier.

Tank Bigsby, Running Back, Auburn

An Atlanta native, Bigsby said that he and the Falcons talked about a lot of things - football and pass protection, among others - and dubbed it "great."

Bigsby, who won SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020, is excited about the possibility of returning home.

"That's my home city," Bigsby said. "It'd be great, just running the ball in Atlanta - that's something fun."

Roschon Johnson, Running Back, Texas

Johnson was largely in the shadow of Robinson at Texas, but league evaluators don't feel the same way, as the former is viewed as a legitimate top-100 prospect and said that the Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles were his lone two formal meetings.

Zay Flowers, Receiver, Boston College

Viewed as one of the premiere wideouts in the class, Flowers told Falcon Report in an exclusive one-on-one interview exactly what an NFL team will be getting when they select him in the first round of this year's draft.

"They're going to be getting a hard worker, somebody that's going to do everything at 100, and put everything into that program and believe in everything they're coaching," said Flowers.

"Off the field, they're going to get a person that's just caring, great with people and loves to play and laugh around."

Sam LaPorta, Tight End, Iowa

Technically, LaPorta wasn't sure if he met with the Falcons at the Combine - but he did say that he has a pre-draft visit scheduled with them, which will be logged as a formal encounter.

Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern

Perhaps the most pro-ready offensive lineman in the class, Skoronski confirmed concerns over his short arms by measuring in at 32 3/8-inches - many NFL teams have a 33-inch threshold that may force Skoronski inside.

Nonetheless, whether it be at guard or tackle, Skoronski will likely be a Day 1 starter and met formally with the Falcons in Indianapolis.

Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

If Skoronski isn't the draft's best offensive tackle, some feel the honor belongs to Jones - and he also met with Atlanta, meaning the Falcons have done their work on the top of the offensive line class.

Tyree Wilson, Defensive End, Texas Tech

It's unlikely Wilson gets to the Falcons at No. 8 overall, as he's quickly ascended to being a potential top-five pick. However, if there's a run on quarterbacks, it is possible - and Wilson said it would be "amazing" to play in Atlanta.

Lukas Van Ness, Defensive End, Iowa

At 6-5, 275 pounds, Van Ness wowed with his fluidity and explosiveness at the Combine and came off as a genuine, passionate individual during the interview process.

Van Ness said that he had a formal meeting with the Falcons, noting it went "very well" and he likes Atlanta's scheme. Despite never starting a game for the Hawkeyes, Van Ness is firmly in play as a top-10 pick and is one of the favorites for the Falcons' selection at No. 8.

Myles Murphy, Defensive End, Clemson

A native of nearby Marietta, Georgia, Murphy said that his parents were Falcons season ticket holders and the idea of playing in Atlanta has crossed his mind amidst being commonly projected at No. 8 overall.

Murphy added that he had a "good conversation" with Falcons coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot.

Byron Young, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

An All-SEC performer for the Crimson Tide, Young is projected to be a top-100 pick - and the Falcons were one of only three teams he had a formal meeting with.

Owen Pappoe, Linebacker, Auburn

Another Georgia native, Pappoe had a formal interview with the Falcons on Thursday and will be in attendance for the team's local pro day.

Pappoe ran a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash and was a four-year starter at Auburn. Despite not getting into the sport until seventh grade and never really picking a favorite team, he exuded excitement when asked about the possibility of playing back home.

"It would be huge to stay home and be able to play for them," Pappoe said.

Myles Brooks, Cornerback, Louisiana Tech

Brooks, a standout on the New England Patriots-led team at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where the Falcons coached, said he had a formal meeting with Atlanta, which also included secondary coach Steven Jackson and defensive assistant Jerry Gray.

In addition to playing basketball with a mini hoop, Brooks and the Falcons had a productive - and enjoyable - conversation.

"It was cool," Brooks said. "Just them learning who I am, me learning who they are, it was an interesting meeting."

Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama

Another player who grew up just outside of Atlanta, Branch starred in several roles for the Tide, most notably strong safety and nickel while impressing in coverage and as a blitzer.

Branch had a formal meeting with Atlanta's staff on Thursday night and expressed excitement over the possibility of returning home ...

"Playing for the Falcons would be huge," Branch said. "That's home - it'd be very comfortable. My mom and them are right up the street from the Falcons."

Jammie Robinson, Safety, Florida State

Robinson, a Georgia native, told Falcon Report that he wants to bring a championship back to the state and would cherish the opportunity to return home.

The two-time first-team All-ACC performer added that the meeting went "great."

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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