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

The Atlanta Falcons should give Desmond Ridder a chance to be the starting quarterback in 2023 and he has some excellent receivers to throw to in Kyle Pitts, who was a first round pick in 2021, and Drake London, who was the first round pick last year.

Both players are big targets for Ridder but this offense could use someone more elusive that can work the middle of the field in those short and medium routes. That is why Jayden Reed was the next pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Reed played the past three seasons with the Spartans and had over 2,000 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns. However, he is also an experienced returner with 42 career kickoff returns and 38 career punt returns.

The Falcons have a number of wide receivers that are set to be free agents to adding a player that has the potential to be that third or fourth option for Desmond Ridder makes sense.

The final pick for the Atlanta Falcons in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft they add another part to what is hopefully an improved pass rush by selecting Byron Young out of Tennessee. He played two seasons with the Volunteers and showed an incredible ability to make plays in the backfield with 12.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for a loss.

At a minimum, Young should be able to contribute to this defense right away as a rookie as a situational pass rusher and be a boost for this defense.