Heading into Year 3 of the Arthur Smith era, the Atlanta Falcons need a spark and looked to their 2023 NFL Draft picks to get it. How many selections did the Falcons have in tow?
Want to see how the Falcons graded out during the 2023 NFL Draft? Then come check out our full Atlanta Falcons draft grades. You can also see the entire 2023 NFL Draft results.
Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks by Round in 2023
- Round 1 | Pick 8
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas - Round 2, Pick 38
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse - Round 3 | Pick 75
Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State - Round 4, Pick 113 (from TEN)
Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah - Round 7, Pick 224
DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama - Round 7, Pick 225 (from LV)
Jovaughn Gwyn, G, South Carolina
How Many Draft Picks Did the Falcons Have in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Falcons had six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. They had their own picks from the first three rounds, followed by a fourth-round selection (from Tennessee) and two seventh-round picks.
Atlanta’s fourth-round pick was conditional. Had the Titans been awarded any compensatory Round 4 picks this year, the terms of the trade would’ve sent those to the Falcons. However, Tennessee didn’t receive any compensatory picks. Therefore, the Falcons simply received the Titans’ original fourth-rounder (No. 113).
Atlanta sent their original fifth-rounder to the Las Vegas Raiders in their trade for wide receiver Bryan Edwards. In that deal, the Falcons also received a conditional seventh-round pick, giving them two selections in the final round. Atlanta regained a fifth-round pick by sending WR Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they later traded that pick to the Detroit Lions in return for CB Jeff Okudah.
MORE: History of Atlanta Falcons First-Round NFL Draft Picks
Originally, the Falcons actually had three picks in Round 7. Their third seventh-rounder was acquired in the trade that sent Dean Marlowe to the Bills. Atlanta later shipped that pick off to the New England Patriots in exchange for tight end Jonnu Smith.
With their top-10 pick, the Falcons elected to use an offensive-skill position player for the third straight year. Previously, Atlanta took Kyle Pitts and Drake London with top-10 selections in the 2021 and 2022 drafts, respectively. This year, with three signal-callers already off the board, the Falcons elected to go with the top running back of the class in Bijan Robinson.
Who Did the Falcons Draft in 2023?
The Falcons were the heavy favorites to add Robinson prior to the draft, and they bolstered their already excellent ground game by adding the former Texas Longhorn. Robinson enters the most favorable situation we’ve seen for a high-caliber back out of college since Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards as a rookie. Robinson should challenge to best that number in 2023.
Unsurprising for a team wanting to dominate on the ground, Atlanta then added an immediate starter at left guard in Matthew Bergeron from Syracuse. The athletic tackle will move inside after the Falcons re-signed right tackle Kaleb McGary prior to free agency. Bergeron will benefit from playing next to star left tackle Jake Matthews.
With major needs on defense, the next three Falcons’ picks added athletic role players who could make an impact right away.
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison and Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III can be rotational contributors right away after gaining valuable experience for winning teams. Harrison will benefit from learning from Calais Campbell, who has made a long career with his dominant strength and versatility. Phillips, meanwhile, will slide into the slot and can challenge to get on the field on Day 1.
MORE: Atlanta Falcons Schedule 2023 — Dates, Times, TV Schedule, and More
Seventh-round safety DeMarcco Hellams and guard Jovaughn Gwyn will be looking to make the final roster as depth pieces. Hellams may have the easier path since Atlanta lacks depth at safety, and he can play special teams.
