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Offseason 2023 Mock Draft 4.0 — Post Tampering Period (5 Rounds)
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Offseason 2023 Mock Draft 4.0 — Post Tampering Period (5 Rounds)

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL  |  By Jake Gordon  |  Last updated 3/20/23

The Falcons have filled some holes in free agency, but they still have some sore spots on the roster. I’m a big believer in plugging holes during free agency so you can focus on the best player available in the draft, no matter the position. The Falcons have done a decent job with that, so I’m going to lean even more heavily into a BPA approach. Previous mocks are linked below if you think I missed out on a player:

I’ll be highlighting the Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of guys, courtesy of Kent Lee Platte. His website is linked here.

Round 1, Pick 8: DL Jalen Carter — Georgia

I’ve seen Jalen Carter slip to ninth in a few of these national mock drafts, but I’m not letting that happen. I’d like a cornerback here (if you’ve seen my previous mocks, you know that), but I can’t let Carter slide any further, even after a subpar Pro Day. When you watch the tape, it’s clear that Carter is the most dominant player on the field, and he fills a position of need for the Falcons. His legal issues seem to be behind him, and I’m willing to roll the dice on an elite talent.

RAS: N/A

Round 2, Pick 44: CB Emmanuel Forbes — Mississippi State

I’m a lot higher on Forbes than a lot of people. If he’s here at 44, I’d be jumping on my desk. The Falcons did a good job filling a lot of holes during free agency, but Forbes is a mix of the best player available and a position that could still use some help. Forbes has great length and instincts. His six interceptions were tied for the sixth most in college football. He’s also the all-time leader for pick sixes in college football with six. I was pretty pleased with his 4.35 40-yard dash as well. With AJ Terrell and some blossoming young corners, I’ll roll the dice on an aggressive corner who can take the football away.

RAS: 9.25

Round 3, Pick 75: WR Cedric Tillman — Tennessee

This is a weak class for receivers, so frankly, I don’t know what’s going to happen. However, I’ve seen Tillman mocked in this range, even though I think he’s worthy of going much higher. Receiver is still a sore spot for Atlanta, so I’d be more than happy to add Tillman. He’s a physical receiver at the point of attack, and his length allows him to cover a ton of ground, something the Falcons should value next to Drake London. He’d give the Falcons another big jump ball receiver who’s best football may be ahead of him.

RAS: 9.56

Round 4, Pick 110 (From Tennessee): EDGE KJ Henry — Clemson

The Falcons haven’t done a ton with the EDGE position in free agency (yet), but they are a victim of circumstance — it just isn’t a great group. Adding Henry to a young room full of potential could pay dividends. The former five star has the ideal length for an NFL pass rusher and should be able to contribute as a run defender almost immediately. He should make for a decent rotational pass rusher, and that’s about all you can ask at this point in the draft.

RAS: 8.39

Round 4, Pick 113: TE Zack Kuntz — Nevada

How much are teams going to value Zack Kuntz blowing up the NFL Combine? I value it pretty highly, but I think this is a good spot to take a flier on him if he’s available. Kuntz ran a 4.55 with a 40-inch vertical at 6’8. He had a 4.12 shuttle as well, elite for someone his size. I’m gambling on his traits here. When you have someone that’s this much of a freak athlete, you figure the rest out later. Kuntz has a good route tree and a huge catch radius, but he doesn’t use his athletic gifts after the catch and has issues as a run blocker. I still think he’s worth trying to develop; there’s some things you just can’t teach.

RAS: 10.00

Round 5, Pick 159: LB Owen Pappoe — Auburn

Pappoe had a good combine, but this feels like a decent range for him right now. The former five star never really lived up the hype, but he had some solid years of production at Auburn after going through a few coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball and at head coach. He’s a fantastic athlete at middle linebacker with great range, but he’s a bit undersized. He should be able to contribute on special teams immediately and maybe find his way onto the field if he can improve in coverage. He’s a willing tackler and was praised for his leadership at Auburn — I will bet on him in the fifth round.

RAS: 9.30

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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