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- Sports Illustrated Atlanta Falcons News, Analysis and More
Falcons UDFA 'Surprise Standout' Could Force His Way to 53-Man Roster
For an Atlanta Falcons defense that ranked largely amongst the league's worst last season, any and all unexpected contributions are valued. The team spent significant capital on improving the defense both in free agency and the draft and is now getting a positive return on one of its undrafted rookies. According to ESPN, linebacker Nate Landman has been Atlanta's surprise offseason standout.
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Atlanta Draft Picks
Drake
London
1
Rnd
8
Pk
WR
Position
- Draft Grade: C+
- Pre-Draft Rank: 17
- School: USC
- Height: 6' 5"
- Weight: 210
Eric Edholm's Commentary
Once London worked out a few weeks ago following an injury that ended his 2021 season and prevented him from working out at the combine, the Falcons likely felt a lot better about this pairing. They’re forming a basketball team in Atlanta, with Kyle Pitts at the 5, London at the 4 and Marcus Mariota the point guard. This is a big, athletic duo that can win almost every jump ball imaginable. But is London the best WR option? Time will tell. Jameson Williams is tough to pass on, injury or not.
Arnold
Ebiketie
2
Rnd
6
Pk
DE
Position
- Draft Grade: B+
- Pre-Draft Rank: 37
- School: Penn St.
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 256
Eric Edholm's Commentary
The Giants moved down twice in the span of two picks, giving way to Atlanta. One of our favorite pass rushers still on the board, Ebiketie easily could have gone Round 1 with his terrific get-off, high energy and disruptive skills. He's not massive but has good length. A strong pick.
Troy
Andersen
2
Rnd
26
Pk
LB
Position
- Draft Grade: B-
- Pre-Draft Rank: 73
- School: Montana St.
- Height: 6' 4"
- Weight: 235
Eric Edholm's Commentary
Atlanta is accumulating some fascinating athletes this draft, taking Andersen — the rare QB/RB/LB in college. Yes, he played (and started!) at all three spots for the FCS standouts and has plus-plus athleticism. His technique is raw, but Andersen has the kind of make-it traits to develop into a playmaker in time.
Desmond
Ridder
3
Rnd
10
Pk
QB
Position
- Draft Grade: B+
- Pre-Draft Rank: 36
- School: Cincinnati
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 207
Eric Edholm's Commentary
A fall we didn't see coming — and with Malik Willis on the board. Ridder improved incrementally throughout his career, is a dual threat and carries a lot of experience into Atlanta. The QB we compared him to? Marcus Mariota, whom Ridder likely will back up. A higher-floor, medium-ceiling prospect, Ridder has nice mechanics but so-so accuracy and touch.
DeAngelo
Malone
3
Rnd
19
Pk
DE
Position
- Draft Grade: B-
- Pre-Draft Rank: 78
- School: W. Kentucky
- Height: 6' 0"
- Weight: 240
Eric Edholm's Commentary
The Atlanta native comes home after a bit of an up-and-down career with the Hilltoppers. He was great in 2019, so-so in 2020 and good again last season, offering pass rushing ability and versatility, although his positional fit was a league-wide debate in scouting circles. This is right about where we thought our No. 79 prospect might end up.
Tyler
Allgeier
5
Rnd
8
Pk
RB
Position
- Pre-Draft Rank: 92
- School: BYU
- Height: 5' 11"
- Weight: 220
Justin
Shaffer
6
Rnd
11
Pk
OG
Position
- School: Georgia
- Height: 6' 4"
- Weight: 330
John
FitzPatrick
6
Rnd
34
Pk
TE
Position
- School: Georgia
- Height: 6' 7"
- Weight: 250
NFC South Standings
| W | L | T | Pct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 4 | 0 | .765 | |
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | |
| 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | |
| 5 | 12 | 0 | .294 |
- y
- - Clinched Division
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