2022 NFL Draft: Offensive line dominates top five in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
By Kyle Edmond
8. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
44. Scouting Report. Notre Dame. Kyle Hamilton. 8. player. Pick Analysis. S
The Atlanta Falcons are another team that could be in the market for a quarterback soon, but not here. Matt Ryan’s contract will keep him in Atlanta for at least the 2022 season if not the 2023 season based on dead cap alone. Using the eighth overall pick for a guy that’s going to sit for two seasons might not be their best option.
Instead, the Falcons can look for the best player available in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft in an effort to rebuild their roster, specifically the defense. The Falcons had the fewest sacks in the league last season with 18, so edge rusher could be in the mix. If Jermaine Johnson is still on the board, that should be this pick. However, with the top three off the board Atlanta changes direction here.
Kyle Hamilton could be one of the most important picks early in the draft. If Houston takes him, it could cause a massive ripple, especially if Jacksonville goes offensive line on top of that. If Houston passes on him, it’ll be a pick-by-pick anticipation for Hamilton.
The Falcons saw A.J. Terrell impress this season and 2021 second round pick Richie Grant started to click as well. Taking Hamilton could aid the long rebuild on this secondary tremendously. Over his three seasons at Notre Dame, Hamilton had eight interceptions and 16 passes defended on top of 138 tackles. That would be a fine addition to the Falcons’ defense.