Atlanta Falcons 2022 Mock Draft: Filling Out A Struggling Roster
By Evan Bachman
Georgia. player. George Pickens. 2. 44. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR
Round 2, 45th Overall: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pass catcher may not be a glaring need for the Atlanta Falcons as they have Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts, however they don’t have much talent at receiver behind Ridley and in today’s NFL you need as many as pass catchers as possible.
George Pickens was an obvious star right out of the gate, but unfortunately, he tore his ACL this offseason and won’t be able to play this season. It’s tough to place him in this mock draft knowing that he won’t be playing this season, but based on what he’s shown so far I think he can still be a first-round pick if he can show he’s recovered with his injury in pre-draft workouts down the line.
Pickens certainly has what it takes to develop into a very dependable receiver at the next level as he’s a good route runner, has consistent hands, and he’s good in contested catch situations.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Georgia. Derion Kendrick. 2. player. 44
Round 2, 63rd Overall: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
Second-year corner A.J. Terrell has been terrific this season, proving himself to be one of the best corners in football, however it’s essential to have multiple good corners in today’s NFL so drafting a cornerback to pair with Terrell should be something the Atlanta Falcons really consider.
Derion Kendrick isn’t a perfect prospect by any means, but he does check a lot of the boxes that you want to see in cornerback prospects. He is a smooth mover, he’s good technically, and he’s got a lot of experience playing high-level college football as he started two years for Clemson before transferring to Georgia, where he is now also starting for the best defense in college football.
Scouting Report. OT. Minnesota. Daniel Faalele. 3. Pick Analysis. player. 44
Round 3, 76th Overall: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Daniel Faalele is one of the most intriguing players in this draft class as he was a rugby player in Australia before coming to IMG Academy to play offensive tackle. He has rare size as he stands at 6-foot-9, 380 pounds.
Obviously, that kind of size pops off the screen but with someone who hasn’t been playing football for very long he still has some develop to do, which is why I think he most likely as of right now comes off the board sometime on day two. Regardless, Faalele is someone with a lot of potential who if he develops could turn into a very good offensive tackle in this league.