The Falcons are in an enviable spot coming into the draft. Terry Fontenot did a very good job in free agency of patching up all of the team’s glaring holes in some capacity. Now, they won’t be backed into a corner during the draft and can take the best player available every time they are on the clock.
Most are expecting the Falcons to take a defensive player in the first round, like Christian Gonzalez, Tyree Wilson, or Devon Witherspoon. I also wouldn’t count out Bijan Robinson. He might be the best overall player in the draft, and the Falcons want to run the ball more than anyone, but one aspect that hasn’t been brought up a lot is the offensive line.
The Falcons offensive front was a strong point of the team a season ago, and after their decision to re-sign Kaleb McGary, there is no longer an immediate need for a tackle. However, the interior of the offensive line could be upgraded in a big way, and several of the top offensive tackle prospects have the ability to kick into a guard.
With that in mind, NFL insider James Palmer reported over the weekend the Falcons could look to draft an offensive lineman with their pick at 8th overall.
The #falcons need DL help. Getting a top end pass rusher would be huge. But the OL could be a sneaky play for Atlanta at 8th overall. My report on NFL NOW on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/N0GuRppikJ
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 7, 2023
The offensive line isn’t the most pressing need, but the Falcons could use some more help. I’m not sure they need to address it with their first round pick. Arthur Smith could probably bring in a cheap veteran and make the most of his strengths, much like he did last season with Elijah Wilkinson.
However, the Falcons are all about taking the best player available. If one of the top tackles in the draft is their top-rated prospect remaining on they board, they should and will take him if they believe he can play guard to begin his career and then kick back out to tackle when the club decides to move on from either Jake Matthews or Kaleb McGary.
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Photographer: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire
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