Falcons Feeling Lucky Again With Pick No. 8?

The Falcons added promising wide receiver Drake London with the No.8 pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and if recent history repeats itself, they will land an elite-level player. 

The Falcons will have the No.8 pick in consecutive years, selecting USC wide receiver Drake London in 2022. Despite a shaky quarterback situation, London had a strong rookie campaign with 72 receptions, 866 yards, and four receiving touchdowns. 

The Falcons would happily get similar results from their first-rounder in 2023. And in recent memory, the No.8 overall pick has given high-level production to their respective teams.

Starting in 2017, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons, and Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn have all been selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.

McCaffrey has been named a Pro Bowler three times and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2019. McCaffrey became one of three players to have 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season in 2019. 

In 2021, Simmons was third on the Cardinals with 105 total tackles. He was tied for second on the team with seven pass deflections. 

In 2022, Smith was named to his first career Pro Bowl, while Hockenson attended the event for a second time after making it in 2020. 

That same year, Horn led the Panthers with three interceptions and the team with seven pass deflections. 

Ultimately, if the Falcons receive the caliber of play that any of these five players gave their respective teams, they will be in a solid place for the 2023 season.

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