Atlanta Falcons load up on defense in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

In 2021, the Atlanta Falcons selected one of the best safeties in that draft class with the addition of Richie Grant in the second round. This past season, Grant was the starter for every regular season game and finished with 123 total tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended.

While Grant can drop back, his strength looks to be closer to the line of scrimmage so pairing him with someone like Brandon Joseph would be a good compliment. That is why he was the next pick for the Atlanta Falcons in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Joseph played three seasons with Northwestern before transferring to Notre Dame last season. In total, he had 10 interceptions and seven passes defended. He does a much better job in coverage and is more of a traditional free safety that would allow Richie Grant to play closer to the line and would be another draft pick that indirectly could improve defending the run game while also improving the pass defense.