{"id":133451,"date":"2022-05-04T13:39:07","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T17:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=133451"},"modified":"2022-09-22T14:34:53","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T18:34:53","slug":"atlanta-falcons-2022-nfl-draft-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/05\/04\/atlanta-falcons-2022-nfl-draft-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlanta Falcons 2022 NFL Draft Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The 2022 draft is officially over for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/falcons\/\" target=\"_self\">Atlanta Falcons<\/a>. They came away with eight new faces to start their new culture shift in the buildings in Flowery Branch. Terry Fontenot and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/coaches\/SmitAr0.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Arthur Smith<\/a> had a clear vision for the future and used this draft to execute it. They are fostering a level of competition on a daily basis. Let us see how well the Atlanta Falcons did with bringing new faces into the locker room in this 2022 NFL draft review.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For a recap, here are the players selected:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">First Round, eighth overall:\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/03\/18\/2022-nfl-draft-profile-drake-london\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Drake London<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, WR, USC<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Second Round, 38th overall:\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/25\/2022-nfl-draft-arnold-ebiketie-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Arnold Ebiketie<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, EDGE, Penn State<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Second Round, 58th overall:\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/13\/2022-nfl-draft-troy-andersen-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Troy Andersen<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Montana State, ILB<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Third Round, 74th overall:\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/03\/13\/2022-nfl-draft-desmond-ridder-player-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Desmond Ridder<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Cincinnati, QB<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Third Round, 82nd overall:\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/04\/27\/deangelo-malone-2021-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">DeAngelo Malone<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Western Kentucky, EDGE<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Fifth Round, 151st overall:\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/03\/22\/2022-nfl-draft-player-profile-tyler-allgeier\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tyler Allgeier<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, BYU, RB<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sixth Round, 190th overall: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/justin-shaffer-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Shaffer<\/a>, Georgia, OG<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sixth Round, 213th overall: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/john-fitzpatrick-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John FitzPatrick<\/a>, Georgia, TE<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Atlanta Falcons 2022 NFL Draft Grade: 9.1\/10<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>READ MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/05\/04\/tampa-bay-buccaneers-2022-nfl-draft-review\/\" target=\"_self\">Buccaneers Draft Review<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Atlanta Falcons 2022 Draft Review<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Best Player: Drake London<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In round one, the Atlanta Falcons took wide receiver Drake London from USC. This take seems like a cop-out because &#8216;Of course, the first pick is the best pick&#8217;, but look at what London is bringing to the table. The six-foot-four contested-catch master was touted pre-draft as one of the best receivers. Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith would agree. His ability to box people out on the way up to snag the football is uncanny. Where they are usually called 50\/50 balls, London made it seem like the ratio more resembled a 70\/30 at worst. USC used Drake London in a myriad of ways, both vertically and along the line of scrimmage. And whether it was a fade on the sideline or a simple crossing route, Clay Helton and his offense revolved around London and his play-making ability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are some valid questions about his explosiveness and inability to separate from defensive backs. But when you watch the tape, it is clear that his skill set will fit this offense. He has a huge catch radius with his 33-inch arms and good run after the catch ability. And whether he is at the X or the Y position with six-foot-five Auden Tate, the offense will look bigger than last year.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Congrats to Drake London on continuing the great line of USC WRs ! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/FightOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#FightOn<\/a>\u270c\ud83c\udffd <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gl1uk58aJP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/gl1uk58aJP<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Su\u2019a Cravens (@Channel2Suu) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Channel2Suu\/status\/1521555987374559232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 3, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Head-Scratcher: Troy Andersen<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Before we get on the &#8216;See, we should have got Nakobe&#8217; hype train, let us preface this selection. Troy Andersen as a draft prospect is one of the most intriguing that someone will see in this draft cycle. Not only did he produce at the linebacker position for Montana State, but also at the quarterback and running back positions. So, as a future defensive leader, he has the intellect to lead both the offense and defense at the most crucial positions (while also doing it in the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/footballfoundation.org\/news\/2021\/10\/27\/football-nff-proudly-announces-stellar-finalists-for-2021-william-v-campbell-trophy.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">classroom<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">). Also, he produced at an extremely high level on the field to the tune of unanimous 1st-team ballots on whichever FCS team you want to find.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Andersen is a head-scratcher despite all of these accolades and production because it was unexpected. If a team loves their prospect, they will get them. Just ask Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots about their\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/05\/02\/new-england-patriots-2022-nfl-draft-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">draft strategy<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. But the talk around Andersen was that he would still be there in the third round. Granted, before their next pick, three inside linebackers got taken so, again Terry, it is understandable. But with guys like <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/11\/2022-nfl-draft-travis-jones-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Travis Jones<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">,\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/25\/2022-nfl-draft-nik-bonitto-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nik Bonitto<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, and\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/03\/29\/2022-nfl-draft-demarvin-leal-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">DeMarvin Leal<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0still available at 58, there are still some questions around the thinking behind drafting such a project at this point in the draft.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Again, let us preface: This is nowhere near an indictment of the pick. The Minnesota Vikings took\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/25\/2022-nfl-draft-brian-asamoah-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brian Asamoah<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0just eight picks after the Andersen pick.\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/27\/2022-nfl-draft-chad-muma-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chad Muma<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">,\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/23\/2022-nfl-draft-christian-harris-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Christian Harris<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, and\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/22\/2022-nfl-draft-nakobe-dean-scouting-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nakobe Dean<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0all heard their name called before the Falcons picked again. And after the first trade-up, another one would have been overkill to their ability to add depth to a depleted roster. So kudos to Fontenot and Smith for getting their guy ahead of the curve yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A little film session from the newest member of the LB Core from Montana St Troy Andersen! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Dirtybirds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Dirtybirds<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>\u2b07\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f\u2b07\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/f8rzlu3SHO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/f8rzlu3SHO<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Damski \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffd (@Damski32) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Damski32\/status\/1521490048889372679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 3, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Best of the Rest: Tyler Allgeier<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It was very tough not to go DeAngelo Malone for this category. With Grady Jarrett coming back, expect Malone and Ebiketie to share success on that line. However, with guys like Lorenzo Carter coming in and Adetokunbo Ogundeji coming back, expect Malone to have to work a bit harder for his playing time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tyler Allgeier is a wrecking ball out of the backfield that\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">enjoys<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0handing out contact to defenders. Or an Arthur Smith special, for short. The BYU product&#8217;s\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantafalcons.com\/news\/falcons-select-rb-tyler-allgeier-no-151-overall-in-2022-nfl-draft#:~:text=The%20Fontana%2C%20Calif.%2C%20native,to%20The%20Athletic&#039;s%20Dane%20Brugler.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">claim to fame<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is that he produced \u201c70-percent of his rushing yards after contact\u201d. But what is the best about him is his sneaky speed, and his ability to hit the open field and take the ball to the house. He has things to work on: His pass-blocking and pass-catching ability. Not saying he is not capable. He needs more development in those areas. But his upside and ability to give more punishment than he gets can lead to a productive career in Arthur Smith\u2019s run-heavy, control-the-tempo system.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I know Tyler Allgeier didn\u2019t run the fastest 40, but\u2026<\/p>\n<p>I don\u2019t think a 4.6 flat is an awful time for the type of back he is. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PjMqz0c178\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/PjMqz0c178<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; kenny g. (@Gritz_Blitz) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Gritz_Blitz\/status\/1521333138554769408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 3, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Last But Not Least: Justin Shaffer and John FitzPatrick<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What is an Atlanta Falcons draft review without talking about a few Georgia Bulldogs? Before this year, it was customary as the Falcons break an 11-year streak of not taking a Bulldog in the draft. However, when looking at the two Bulldogs selected, the Georgia player picked later in the draft actually has a better chance of seeing the field first.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">John FitzPatrick has a chance to see the field, not as much in the passing game, but as a sixth blocker. With the retirement of Lee Smith last year, the Falcons had a void at the blocking tight-end part of the scheme. FitzPatrick played best on the line as a potential sixth blocker.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">With Darnell Washington questionable it\u2019s important to remember John Fitzpatrick. <\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s the highest graded run blocker for UGA and his blocking will be key with Clemson\u2019s pass rush. At 6\u20196\u201d he\u2019s a red zone threat. With Bowers upright and Fitz inline UGA can run its full offense <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/idnst5Q7OB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/idnst5Q7OB<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GrahamCoffeyDC\/status\/1432478322722803712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 30, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Justin Shaffer played the left guard position for Georgia. With the struggles of Jalen Mayfield last year, competition at that position is a must. Shaffer is strong as an ox, and once he gets his hands underneath, the defender is not going anywhere. The problem is getting in position to get the hands underneath. He sometimes looks like he has some cement in his shoes, and his athleticism lacks. But his upside, especially in the run game, makes him an exciting prospect, and who knows? With some development, Shaffer may be the left guard this team needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: <a id=\"Z6szZ94_QTNktEdmDOSgDA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1394314334\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Z6szZ94_QTNktEdmDOSgDA',sig:'UUF5MDK7Xun_vfG3DxPK2jO7wqR-IyemUhOKBkdzCrE=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1394314334',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Falcons took a huge first step in their re-build with the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, we take a second to review the ups and downs of each pick.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3893,"featured_media":133463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1647,27],"tags":[8755,9163,8204,8990,9034,9204,9203,9102,8935],"class_list":["post-133451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl-draft","category-falcons","tag-2022-nfl-draft","tag-arnold-ebiketie","tag-deangelo-malone","tag-desmond-ridder","tag-drake-london","tag-john-fitzpatrick","tag-justin-shaffer","tag-troy-andersen","tag-tyler-allgeier"],"modified_by":"David Latham, Managing Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3893"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=133451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133451\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/133463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=133451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=133451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=133451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}