Round 1 Pick 8: WR Drake London USC
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The Falcons signed their first-round draft pick WR Drake London to a four-year 21.53 million dollar contract on May 12th, 2022. Last season at USC London managed to rack up 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in only eight games after fracturing his right ankle playing against Arizona. He would still go on to achieve All-America and All-Conference honors, and even managed to become the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.
“Drake London is as talented of a player as I’ve been around. To combine the size he has with his body control and his ball skills, his toughness, I think he creates natural matchup problems for people.” -Graham Harrell, Former Offensive Coordinator
Round 2 Pick 38: OLB Arnold Ebiketie Penn State
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On July 13th, 2022, the Falcons signed second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie to a four-year 9.7 million dollar contract. Last season at Penn State, Ebiketie led the team with 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He totaled 62 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one pass defense. This earned the powerful edge rusher Second-Team All-America, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors last year. Before playing for Penn State, Ebiketie spent three seasons at Temple, where he earned 59 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles in 24 games.
“Ebiketie is a productive rusher off the edge who combines size, length, and a nice foundation of pass-rush moves; he should be a factor early in his career.” -Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Round 2 Pick 58: ILB Troy Anderson Montana State
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Troy Anderson was signed to the Falcons roster on May 25th 2022. The Falcons and Anderson agreed to a four-year 6.1 million dollar contract. While in college, Anderson was a multi-position talent who played running back, quarterback and linebacker. Last season Anderson earned 147 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, nine passes defensed, and two interceptions. He was named the 2021 FCS ADA Defensive Player of the Year and earned First-Team FCS All-American honors as well.
“Andersen’s game is defined by speed and comfort in space. A tall, well-built linebacker, Andersen still flies sideline-to-sideline and has some of the best range in the class.” – Derrick Klassen, Bleacher Report
Round 3 Pick 82: OLB DeAngelo Malone Western Kentucky
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One day before signing Troy Anderson, the Falcons and DeAngelo Malone agreed to a four-year 5.4 million dollar deal. The Outside Linebacker from Western Kentucky was able to tally 349 total tackles, 34.0 sacks, 60 tackles for loss, 9 forced fumbles, 8 passes defensed, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery over five seasons. Last season he led Western Kentucky in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. This earned Malone First-Team All Conference honors and Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.
“Long, bendy, high-energy rusher with a polished game and loads of productivity in college. He plays bigger and more powerful than his frame but does need to add weight/power. Falcons doubling up on EDGE is smart.” – Chris Trapasso
Round 5 Pick 151: RB Tyler Allgeier BYU
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Running Back Tyler Allgeier was signed by the Atlanta Falcons on May 12th 2022. He was signed to a four-year 3.99 million dollar contract. Allgeier was able to earn 2,899 yards on 452 carries with 36 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry during his career at BYU. In 2019 Allgeier spent some time as a two-way player, playing both running back and linebacker. His work on the field last season earned him Second-Team, All-America honors.
“Tyler Allgeier is a running back with a good build who has true three-down potential in the NFL. He runs with a good base and is light on his feet with polished footwork for his size.” – Nate Tice, The Athletic
Round 6 Pick 190: OL Justin Shaffer Georgia
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Following their signing of Tyler Allgeier, the Falcons signed Offensive Lineman Justin Shaffer. The former Bulldog was signed to a four-year 3.9 million dollar contract. Shaffer showed exceptional talent and dexterity while at Georgia, starting all 15 games at Left Guard. Last season Shaffer earned Second-Team All-SEC honors for his hard work. Shaffer is first cousins with Falcons rookie DeAngelo Malone and even played with him while in high school.
“Shaffer has a massive, thick build with good length and an attacking, physical demeanor. He has very good play strength and natural power in his hands to bang and displace defenders on gap run concepts, with the ability to bulldoze defenders in space.” – Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report
Round 6 Pick 213: TE John Fitzpatrick Georgia
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Tight End John Fitzpatrick was signed alongside the three other rookies signed on May 12th. The Falcons signed the former Georgia Bulldog to a four-year 3.8 million dollar deal. Fitzpatrick was the Falcons final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, yet was one of the first rookies to be signed by the team. While in college he was primarily used as a blocking tight end, and was a crucial part of Georgia’s offense. He ended the season with six catches for 83 yards. He even played through injuries to help the team win a national championship.
“Lining up primarily inline with some detached snaps, he was an understated, yet important part of the Bulldogs offense and national title run … his inline blocking and intangibles are what makes him a draftable prospect. He can find a niche as a productive Y tight end in the NFL.” – Dane Brugler, The Athletic
