Here is a 2023 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Atlanta Falcons:
Round 1 (No. 8 overall) — Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Widely regarded as the best back since Saquon Barkley in 2018, he instantly becomes the linchpin of a 27th-ranked offense in 2022. And remember, HC Arthur Smith was highly reliant on RB Derrick Henry in his former post as offensive coordinator of the Titans. Robinson should also take a lot of pressure off seocnd-year QB Desmond Ridder. A three-down back with speed – Robinson clocked a 4.46 40 at the combine while showing off velvety soft hands – had more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage over the past two seasons (while averaging 6.7 yards per touch). Draft tracker
Round 2 (38, from Raiders through Colts) — Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse: A left tackle in college, expect the 6-5, 318-pound second-team All-ACC performer to move inside, giving Atlanta (and first-round RB Bijan Robinson) one of the league’s sneaky good offensive lines. Draft tracker
Round 3 (75) — Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State: A 6-6, 274-pounder has to help an Atlanta team get to the quarterback after it’s managed just 39 sacks – total – over the past two seasons. Draft tracker
Round 4 (113) — Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah Draft tracker
Round 7 (224, from Raiders) — DeMarcco Hellams, S, Alabama Draft tracker
Round 7 (225) — Jovaughn Gwyn, C, South Carolina Draft tracker
Atlanta Falcons’ last five top draft picks:
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2022 (No. 8 overall): Drake London, WR, USC
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2021 (No. 4 overall): Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
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2020 (No. 16 overall): A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
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2019 (No. 14 overall): Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
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2018 (No. 26 overall): Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
2023 NFL draft: Team-by-team picks
AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons picks in 2023 NFL draft: Round-by-round selections
