Falcons draft an EDGE in Mel Kiper’s first 2023 NFL mock draft

The Atlanta Falcons lastly discovered their Dean Pees substitute in late January, bringing aboard line of defense specialist Ryan Nielsen from New Orleans. There is no such thing as a query that Nielsen seemed on the present roster and stated he might use a big expertise infusion throughout the road. He’s working with Grady Jarrett, however will in any other case be anticipated to teach up the likes of Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone and Ta’Quon Graham into larger contributors.

Even when Nielsen works magic with these gamers, the Falcons nonetheless want lots of extra contributors. The Falcons have some expertise, however the most effective traces within the league exhibits the expertise and the depth is simply not there even when all of the younger gamers hit their peak.

Maybe Mel Kiper, ESPN’s longest-tenured draft analyst, seemed on the roster and got here to the identical conclusion. Even a less-detailed reviewed would discover Atlanta on the backside of the league in sacks for years.

Kiper has the Falcons grabbing Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy.

The Falcons had simply 21 sacks this season, which ranked thirty first within the league, they usually have been led by Grady Jarrett’s six. Veteran edge rusher Lorenzo Carter added 4, whereas rookie second-round choose Arnold Ebiketie had 2.5. No different participant had greater than two. They need to get higher alongside the entrance seven. That would begin right here with Murphy, a whole defender who had 17.5 sacks in three seasons at Clemson. He might even kick inside to sort out on passing downs.

Kiper’s mock performs out a bit uniquely. First, he has 4 quarterbacks going within the first 9 picks: C.J. Stroud at 2 to the Texans, Bryce Younger at 4 to the Colts, Will Levis at 5 to Seattle, and Anthony Richardson at 9 to Carolina. Kiper explains that he’s not seeing Atlanta going with a quarterback for the time being, however it’s attention-grabbing he has lots value high picks.

This draft analyst had the identical thought as one other, as Daniel Jeremiah had the Falcons nabbing Lukas Van Ness, with Myles Murphy falling a couple of spots later.

Why is Myles Murphy? He’s anticipated to measure about 6-foot-5, 275-pounds on the mix and may take a look at fairly properly. Clearly, practically all of the gamers mocked within the high 10 shall be spectacular. Myles is not any exception, with some good athleticism, velocity, properly rounded in each dashing the passer and the run sport, and loads of cross rush strikes.

He seems to be like an instantaneous starter that would flourish beneath the correct teaching however you’d have appreciated to see extra on the stat sheet. I need Will Anderson, Jr. numbers, not ones much like a non-starter like Van Ness. In fact, perhaps I’m simply endlessly skeptical of Clemson cross rushers?

Wanting on the potential EDGE gamers out there round Atlanta’s spot, I believe we’re falling nearer right into a bucket of comparable skills, with the final word choose relying on teaching choice. The mix might differentiate these gamers a bit, however the Falcons at the very least ought to have their choose of lots of guys with good resumes and never a lot to be involved with.