Falcons Drafting QB 'Wouldn't Shock Anyone’ - ESPN Analyst

The Atlanta Falcons have a bevy of needs going into the NFL Draft, including quarterback.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 8, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to shock the world and return amongst the NFL's elite in 2023, but those around the league have zero expectations when it comes to their draft class.

With needs across both sides of the football, the Falcons should draft a wide range of talents later this month.

According to ESPN, the Falcons' biggest needs are defensive end, receiver, quarterback, cornerback and defensive tackle.

"Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder is the team's answer for now, but a quarterback selection wouldn't shock anyone if Will Levis (Kentucky) or Anthony Richardson (Florida) fall to No. 8 overall," ESPN writes. "The Falcons finished 31st in the NFL in sacks last season, and they have done nothing throughout free agency to truly address the edge of the defense. With eight total selections, the pass rush should see an upgrade."

While it doesn't appear that any of the top four quarterbacks will fall to No. 8, cornerback and defensive end appear to be hot commodities for the Falcons' first pick.

After the first round though, their options open up, and getting another receiver to add to their pass-catching corps is another necessity for the Falcons.

"Finding a speed receiver to pair with Drake London should be another early priority for the front office," ESPN writes. "Atlanta traded for Jonnu Smith to pair with Kyle Pitts at tight end, but it needs to surround Ridder with more talent outside."

Regardless of position, if the Falcons can find a handful of potential starters in this year's draft, Atlanta could be that much closer to shocking the world.

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Published Apr 8, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.