2022 NFL Mock Draft: QBs go 1-2, Defense Dominates Top 10

The Atlanta Falcons are in a weird place right now with the franchise. They made the right move moving on from Dan Quinn, and brought in offensive mind Arthur Smith, who did an excellent job in Tennessee. Smith got an excellent receiving talent in Kyle Pitts in this past draft, and he will pair well with Calvin Ridley. Passing on a player like Justin Fields with Matt Ryan getting up there in age was an interesting decision, and it could be something that’s evaluated after the coming season.

For now, Ryan is the quarterback, and getting Jalen Mayfield and Drew Dalman as more reinforcements was the right call for the offensive line. The defense, however, is still the true issue, as it’s been in a poor state for some time.

Part of that rests on the ability to draft and sign good edge rushers to create pressure on a consistent basis. It didn’t happen with Vic Beasley or Takk McKinley, and Dante Fowler likely isn’t the answer either.

Perhaps George Karlaftis will be, though. Karlaftis is a heavy-handed rusher with great technique at contact to trim the edge and disengage from would-be blockers. He’s got good closing speed and pursuit from the backside as well. Going with a power/technical rusher over a speed one is a good call here for Atlanta.