It’s never too early to fire up the mock drafts, and Joe Marino of The Draft Network has the Falcons selecting Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave with the 7th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
While I like Joe as an analyst, I disagree with the pick. I think the next guy selected, Jordan Davis, would be even better for the Falcons. This is what Marino had to say about an Olave and Atlanta pairing:
The Atlanta Falcons parted with Julio Jones, leaving Calvin Ridley and not much else at receiver for Matt Ryan in the passing game. While Kyle Pitts promises to be an impact pass-catcher at tight end, the Falcons need more weapons to throw to.
Pairing Olave with Ridley would provide Atlanta with two dynamic route-runners that can create consistent separation. A trio of Pitts, Ridley, and Olave would give the Falcons one of the most potent groups of young receiving threats in the NFL to maximize what’s left in the tank for Ryan and enable his eventual successor to step right in with trusted receiving options.
It’s not a bad rationale, but I think the Falcons have way more pressing needs. Kaleb McGary may not be back, and the defense was absolutely torn up by Jalen Hurts. Names like Jordan Davis, Ahmad Gardener, Andrew Booth, Kenyon Green, and Kaiir Elam would appeal to me more. Anyways, it’s way too early, but the Falcons need help all over the roster.
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