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The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for the 2023 NFL Draft and according to a recent report from ESPN’s Matt Miller, the team’s “dream scenario” would be to land either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, two of the most highly-touted quarterbacks in this year’s class.
The Falcons are reportedly interested in selecting a quarterback in the top 10 but only if they can land either Young or Stroud. The problem is, both of these players are expected to be off the board by the time Atlanta picks at #8.
Sources close to the Falcons have indicated to Miller that the team is comfortable with their current quarterback situation, with Desmond Ridder entering his second year with the team after being selected in the third round of the 2022 draft. Ridder started four games at the end of the season, throwing zero interceptions and showing promise as a potential starter.
Bryce Young, who played for the Alabama Crimson Tide, is widely considered the favorite to be selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers, who traded up to acquire the pick. C.J. Stroud, who played for Ohio State, is also expected to be a top pick, possibly going as high as second overall to the Houston Texans.
Despite the challenges of landing their preferred quarterback, the Falcons are said to be taking a “serious” look at the quarterbacks in this year’s class. However, the team is also said to be looking at other positions, including wide receiver and safety.
According to the same source who spoke to Miller, the Falcons could be targeting Brian Branch, a safety from Alabama, in the second day of the draft. Branch is the top-ranked safety in this year’s class and would be a valuable addition to Atlanta’s defense.
Overall, the Falcons are facing a challenging draft this year. While they may not be able to land their “dream scenario,” they will undoubtedly be looking to add talent to their roster in any way they can. Fans will be eagerly watching to see who the team selects when the draft kicks off later this month.