The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2022 NFL Draft in need of impact players, and fans hope that the class—made up of five players on the offensive side of the ball and four on defense—serves as a catalyst in a perceived rebuild following the end of the Matt Ryan era.
From first-round pick Drake London down to the Falcons’ final selection, TE John FitzPatrick out of UGA, each member of the draft class will seemingly have a chance to push for playing time this season, and Chris Goforth gave his take on which rookie will make the biggest impact for the Falcons in 2022.
Atlanta’s pass rush was anemic in 2021 as the team compiled just 18 sacks—last in the NFL. Goforth believes that second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie out of Penn State will step in right away and boost the Falcons pass rushing effort this season. In addition to his individual stats, Goforth stated that his impact will also go beyond the box score.
"Anything disruptive up front, anything to create pressure up front, even if it’s not reflected in the stats from Ebiketie be can be a positive for this Falcons’ defense. If he can tie up an additional blocker where Grady Jarrett doesn’t have to face a consistent double team, I think that could be a win for this Falcons defense. This is the guy that they need to blossom. This is the one pick in that draft that the Falcons [can’t afford] to be a bust.”
Western Kentucky’s DeAngelo Malone—a 4th rounder—also figures to be a part of the pass rushing rotation.
Another name that came up a few times during the conversation was running back Tyler Allgeier—a 5th-round pick out of BYU. With the decision to cut Mike Davis, there are carries to be had in the Falcons backfield and Allgeier’s physical running style could be just what Arthur Smith is looking for in short yardage situations.
Montana State LB Troy Andersen has drawn comparisons to a young Brian Urlacher and seems to be somewhat of a wild card in terms of what fans expect from him in 2022.
Quarterbacks grab most of the headlines in the draft and the Falcons made a splash with Desmond Ridder’s selection in the 3rd round. How much of an impact he makes this season remains to be seen as he enters the offseason behind veteran free-agent acquisition Marcus Mariota. Goforth did mention that it would behoove the Falcons to see what Ridder can do ahead of what is expected to be a QB-rich 2023 NFL Draft class.
Along the offensive line, Justin Shaffer will offer competition to incumbent LG Jalen Mayfield when training camp begins.
A draft class cannot be definitively judged until the games are played, but it seems as if the Falcons’ front office was able to address some of their pressing needs as the team enters a new era.
