Falcons: Bleacher Report has Atlanta taking Matt Corral in their 2022 Mock Draft

Obviously, we are lightyears away from the 2022 NFL Draft, but Bleacher Report has a very interesting take on who the Falcons should select in their Way-Too-Early Mock Draft.

#10: Atlanta Falcons — QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss:

Each summer brings rumblings from NFL evaluators regarding which prospects they’re excited to see. Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral is chief among them for the 2022 draft cycle, according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.

Corral is a natural thrower with a tight delivery, which creates easy velocity. The quarterback also has a good feel in the pocket with more than enough escapability to create in the running game or when he scrambles. Corral finished with 506 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

The 2021 Outback Bowl MVP has the skill set scouts look for in today’s quarterback. His movement skills accentuate his pocket passing with the ability to adjust on the move and vary his arm angle.

Corral’s post-snap decisions are concerning, though. He finished last season with 14 interceptions—11 of those came against the LSU Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks. Otherwise, the Ole Miss signal-caller posted a 24-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio against the rest of SEC competition. As long as Corral’s decision-making improves, he could easily be a top-10 selection.

The Atlanta Falcons can’t waste another chance to address quarterback after passing on Justin Fields this past spring. The organization can halve Matt Ryan‘s $48 million salary-cap charge next season by releasing the veteran with a post-June 1 designation, per Over The Cap.

 

Personally, I think parts of this analysis are off base. First, I don’t think the Falcons move on from Matt Ryan. I think he will have a good season in 2021, and even then, they would likely want him to mentor the very raw Corral if they do go with him (or another quarterback). I think the Falcons could actually extend Ryan to soften his cap hit as well. Second, the Falcons did not make a mistake passing on Justin Fields. Kyle Pitts is going to be a crucial player when it comes to replacing the recently departed Julio Jones. However, as a prospect, I absolutely love Matt Corral. The criticisms listed are totally fair, but in terms of arm talent, Corral may be the cream of the crop in this class. He has an absolute hose.

If you are in a Devy startup and miss out on the top 4 QBs don’t start reaching for other QBs. Just soak up the value at other positions and then take Ole Miss QB Matt Corral. Currently going as QB11 ADP 59.94. pic.twitter.com/1wR19JBvB1

— Kevin (@Daboys_22) July 11, 2021

Corral has almost everything you want in a modern NFL QB — arm talent, ability to improvise, and size. He does need to work on his processing and adjusting to an NFL offense, but if the Falcons do decide to grab a quarterback of the future, I love his potential. For now, we’re a long ways away from that.