Falcons pick Nolan Smith in ESPN’s new 7-round mock…

Falcons pick Nolan Smith in ESPN’s new 7-round mock draft

The Atlanta Falcons aren’t known for taking Georgia players early in the draft, but that narrative may very well change this year. The top of the 2023 draft class is loaded with Bulldogs, including defensive lineman Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith, cornerback Kelee Ringo and offensive lineman Broderick Jones.

With Day 1 set to kick off this Thursday, NFL analysts are releasing their final mock drafts and we’re seeing more and more Georgia players being projected to Atlanta. The Falcons hold the No. 8 pick, which could go in a number of different directions based on how many quarterbacks are selected with those first seven picks.

ESPN’s Matt Miller released a new seven-round mock that has the Falcons taking Smith in the first round:

Smith can be a game-changer in Ryan Nielsen’s defense given his ability to win in space. His speed, awareness and three-down traits make him a utility knife off the edge. Multiple sources around the league said that Texas running back Bijan Robinson might be too good to pass up here, but the premium position is pass-rusher, which is why Smith gets his name on the draft card. Despite playing in only eight games because of a torn pectoral muscle in 2022, Smith collected three sacks, seven tackles for loss and 17 pressures.

In our recent poll, Smith barely edged out Carter as the preferred choice of Falcons fans. Even after adding so many veteran pieces to the front seven in free agency, Atlanta may look for more of a long-term answer along the edge. Smith is arguably the most explosive of the edge prospects in that top tier.

ESPN then has the Falcons addressing the linebacker position with a highly-touted Clemson prospect in Round 2. Check out the rest of Miller’s projected picks below.

Round 2, pick 44: LB Trenton Simpson - Clemson

Adding speed on defense is the theme of this Atlanta draft so far, with Nolan Smith selected to rush the quarterback, and Simpson picked to be a playmaker at weakside linebacker. Simpson, who ran a 4.43 at the combine, has the rare speed and short-area quickness to be a factor in a pass-coverage and run-defending role. — ESPN’s Matt Miller

Round 3, pick 75: WR Trey Palmer - Nebraska

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

One of the best deep threats in the draft lands in Atlanta, where he can realistically become the No. 2 wide receiver in a hurry. Palmer has 4.33 speed and is an explosive route runner, as evidenced by his nine touchdowns last year. He is the dream fit alongside possession-style wideout Drake London and dynamic tight end Kyle Pitts. — ESPN’s Matt Miller