7-Round Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Build Around Desmond Ridder By Bolstering Defense
By Evan Bachman
Round 4, 109th Overall: Tyler Davis, DL, Clemson
Interior defensive line isn’t as big of a need as edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, however, they can still stand to add some depth at the position. Tyler Davis could work his way into the defensive line rotation as a rookie. Davis is good against the run and the pass.
He does an excellent job of winning leverage battles, using his power and his hands well. He has been a four-year starter along Clemson’s defensive line and has been consistently productive. This productivity has more than earned him a shot to compete to be part of a defensive line rotation in the NFL.
Round 4, 122nd Overall: Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
The Atlanta Falcons have used their last two first-round picks on pass catchers, in tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London. Both of them are excellent and have potential for growth, but this offense still needs more pass catchers. Let’s use this mock draft to do it.
As a 5-foot-10 slot receiver, Parker Washington provides a different type of a pass catcher than the team has with London and Pitts. Washington provides good after the catch ability, as he is elusive with the ball in his hands. Washington has had a successful career at Penn State, serving as the second-leading receiver for the Nittany Lions in 2020 and 2021, before becoming the top receiver this season with 611 yards.
Round 5, 145th Overall: Byron Young, DL, Alabama
With day three picks, teams are typically looking to build some depth to their roster. Byron Young probably won’t be in a starting role but certainly has a chance to come in and compete for snaps in the NFL. Young is a four-year contributor for the Crimson Tide along the defensive line. He’s consistently been a part of the defensive line rotation in all four seasons and has started every game in 2022. He is an asset in both stopping the run and rushing the passer, as he consistently wins reps with quickness.
Round 5, 148th Overall: Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah
Braeden Daniels would provide versatility on the offensive line, as he has experience playing both guard and tackle at a serviceable level. For the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Daniels started at left guard. In 2021, he moved to right tackle and was named second-team All-Pac-12. This past season, he moved to left tackle and was named first-team All-Pac-12.
Round 7, 225th Overall: Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA
Gabriel Murphy has been a productive player throughout his career, spending three seasons at North Texas before transferring to UCLA for the 2022 college football season. Murphy didn’t necessarily light up the stat sheet in terms of sack numbers, but he consistently wins reps and pressures the quarterback, which is enough to earn a chance at making an NFL roster.
Round 7, 249th Overall: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Dorian Williams has had a productive career for Tulane. Over the past three seasons, he has either led the team, or finished tied for the team lead in total tackles. He also was named first-team All-AAC this past season as one of the leaders of a defense that was the best in the conference. A perfect ending to the mock draft with Williams.