Falcons 4-Round Mock Draft: How Does Atlanta Build?

The Atlanta Falcons are zeroing in on the NFL Draft next month. What could their strategy look like beyond the first round?

Jeremy Brener | Mar 27, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have several needs to fulfill in the top half of the draft.

NFL.com went ahead and projected the first four rounds for the Falcons, and they started out by taking Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness.

NFL.com also believes that Van Ness could bring the similar skillset to last year's top pick Travon Walker.

"Van Ness has a skill set not unlike last year's No. 1 overall pick, Travon Walker," NFL.com writes. "His measurements and athletic test results are similar to Walker's; same story with the Iowa product's versatility to stand up or shift inside, using his length and motor to wreak havoc. If the Falcons are really going multiple under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, Van Ness would be a great fit."

NFL.com then has the Falcons taking Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (Round 2), Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe (Round 3) and Georgia offensive tackle Warren McClendon (Round 4).

There is a surprising omission at the cornerback position for the Falcons, one that could be an option in Round 1 if a player like Christian Gonzalez or Devon Witherspoon is still on the board at No. 8, but the team does need a pass rusher. If cornerback isn't addressed with the first pick, expect the Falcons to use a Day 2 pick on the position.

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Published Mar 27, 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.