The Daily Blitz: Atlanta Falcons 2023 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Atlanta Falcons from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Falcons:

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (5/3)

5. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

The top senior quarterback in next year's class, Levis blossomed in his first season at Kentucky after transferring from Penn State. He is a good-sized athlete with a loose arm and the creative instincts to make plays. Despite losing Liam Coen as offensive coordinator (hired as the offensive coordinator with the Rams), Kentucky went back to the McVay/Shanahan tree and hired former 49ers quarterback coach Rick Scangarello to run its offense, so the scheme and playbook should be similar.

Draft Wire - Luke Easterling (5/3)

3. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Even after grabbing two promising pass rushers in the 2022 draft, the Falcons wouldn't pass up the best overall player in next year's class, especially after stealing their quarterback of the future in third-rounder Desmond Ridder.

Fox Sports - Jason McIntyre (5/3)

2. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

The Penn State transfer had a very good year for the Wildcats (8.0 YPA, 24 TDs) in the SEC and has a quick release. If you're looking for a sneaky QB pick to go first, this is your guy.

PFF - Michael Renner (5/2)

2. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Anderson led the country in total pressures (81) as a sophomore in 2021. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder may be a touch undersized, but he has the frame to add muscle. Even if he doesn't, he's lightning-quick enough to get by in the league at his size.

CBS - Ryan Wilson (5/2)

8. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Falcons had a good '22 draft but need to continue to add Dudes, and Nolan Smith qualifies as one. Again, it's hard wrap your brain around how good that Georgia team was last season.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (4/30)

2. Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Anderson is a blue-chip prospect that is among the most exciting pass rushers to enter the NFL in recent years. He would provide the Falcons with a game-changer in its front seven.

The 33rd Team - Michael Schottey (4/30)

2. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

All the above said, from this distance, Stroud looks to be the better prospect. He's a couple of inches taller than Young and more than a couple of pounds heavier. Both QBs have insane levels of production and will likely be in the discussion for every relevant award. Both QBs have incredible talent around them as you'll see in the rest of this mock draft. Moreover, both are considered exceptional young men and natural leaders.

What separates them for this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Stroud has more physical tools and even better ball placement than Young. Many will question, though, whether he (along with Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields) can break a long trend of Ohio State quarterbacks who have struggled at the next level.

Pro Football Network - Cam Mellor (4/30)

2. Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia

Likening Jalen Carter to Warren Sapp is all too easy. The comparison is so good that the Hall of Famer happens to also hail from the same high school as the younger Carter. Like Sapp, the Georgia Bulldog defensive tackle is a smart and athletic player.

Carter will jump from gap to gap with anticipation, routinely finding himself in the right position because of his instincts. He's a monster in the middle and is the rare interior pass rusher to get excited about. He'll change the Falcons' defense for the better.

Barstool Sports - Steven Cheah (4/30)

7. Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia

The Falcons have a ton of holes and continue to replenish talent along the Defensive Line.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups