With a 31-13 loss to the 49ers Sunday, the Falcons dropped to 6-8 on the season with just a 2 percent chance to make the playoffs (according to FiveThirtyEight). With that in mind, it’s worth exploring how general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith will approach the 2022 NFL Draft.
Former NFL executive Randy Mueller joined Dukes & Bell and was asked about which player from the 49ers roster that the Falcons should look for the “next version” of in the upcoming draft. He didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“Maybe the next Trent Williams,” the former Saints and Dolphins GM said.
The Falcons rushed for a grand total of 62 yards Sunday as the offensive line continued to be an area of concern as it has throughout the season. Mueller shared that Sunday’s struggles are indicative of a larger problem for Atlanta.
“We all are enamored by bells and whistles, and I get it. But, I think if you watch that game yesterday, you see the difference between a wild card playoff team and where the Falcons are. They got handled upfront in my opinion and it wasn’t pretty. They’re just not big and strong enough to block those defenders, especially the d-line of San Francisco. They're going to have to find a way to get more physical, to get bigger, to get stronger. That was a big boy whooping,” he said.
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In addition to an ineffective running game, Matt Ryan was sacked three times Sunday, including a strip-sack by DE Nick Bosa that led to a 49ers touchdown.
The Falcons have invested significant draft capital along the offensive line in recent years, but time may be running out for players like Kaleb McGary to prove that they can anchor the unit for the foreseeable future.
Alabama tackle Evan Neal appears to be the top lineman prospect among draft experts with Mississippi State’s Charles Cross and NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu also being highly regarded. Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum is the top center prospect in the 2022 class. Mueller also said that a defensive lineman would also be a wise choice for Atlanta. The 2022 class has plenty of talent along the defensive front, including UGA’s Jordan Davis.
If the season ended today, the Falcons would hold the 9th overall pick. The three games left on the schedule for the Falcons—who do still have an outside shot at the playoffs—include a home game against Detroit, a road game at Buffalo and the regular-season finale against the Saints in Atlanta.