The Atlanta Falcons came up with a big home win against the Bears and Justin Fields this week. Ironically enough after facing Fields, I was finally ready to mix in a quarterback for Mock Draft Monday. However, at 5-6, the Falcons are probably out of range for any quarterback I would consider — as Tankathon has them picking 15th at the moment. This is the same spot I had them at in Mock Draft Monday 4.0, where I had them taking dynamic weapon Bijan Robinson out of Texas. I’d still be okay with Robinson, but that’s not the point of Mock Draft Monday — we like to mix up the picks. Previous editions are listed below:
- Falcons: 2023 Mock Draft Monday 1.0 (3 Rounds)
- Falcons: 2023 Mock Draft Monday 2.0 (3 Rounds)
- Falcons: 2023 Mock Draft Monday 3.0 (3 Rounds)
- Falcons: 2023 Mock Draft Monday 4.0 (4 Rounds)
Round 1, Pick 15: CB Cam Smith — South Carolina
After a huge game against Tennessee, let’s show some love to Cam Smith. This draft should be pretty deep with defensive backs, but we’ve seen what guys like Patrick Surtain II and Sauce Gardner have done to their respective defenses at such a young age. Cam Smith would be a fantastic running mate for AJ Terrell. Smith has a lot of spunk, when talking about Tennessee star Jalin Hyatt following their win over the Vols, he said “[T]here ain’t much trash talk when it’s only one way.” Smith is physical and a very good athlete that’s sticky in man coverage. He’s a willing tackler as well, and if he tests well at the combine, he may end up as a top ten pick in the NFL Draft.
Round 2, Pick 47: LB Drew Sanders — Arkansas
The Alabama transfer has been a big part of Sam Pittman’s defense, and he can wear a lot of different hats. Sanders is a great athlete with a red-hot motor, something I think the Falcons will value, especially considering his positional flexibility. Sanders plays a little on the EDGE, but he has made some plays in coverage and as an enforcer against the run. The Falcons have seen some flashes from Troy Andersen, but they have a lot of need in the linebacker room. They could address the position in free agency, but they could very well take another second round swing on an athletic and versatile linebacker like Andersen.
Round 3, Pick 79: RB Tank Bigsby — Auburn
I keep finding myself grabbing another running back, and Bigsby is too talented to pass up on here. Most draft pundits have Bigsby going in this range, but I think he’s closer to an early second-round talent. Bigsby has fantastic burst and is truly the focal point of Auburn’s offense. Not only is he a fantastic athlete with an ideal build, Bigsby also has great vision and burst on inside runs. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry with ten touchdowns for the Tigers, Bigsby is the type of runner that can complete a running back room that already features Cordarrelle Patterson and the up-and-coming Tyler Allgeier.
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Photographer: Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire
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