2022 NFL Draft: 3 Players Falcons should take with No. 8 pick

Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1) and cornerback Coby Bryant (7) react after cornerback Arquon Bush (not pictured) blocked a field goal by the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

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After a 7-10 mark under first-year coach Arthur Smith, the Atlanta Falcons are rebuilding. With the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Falcons have several paths they could take.

The 2022 NFL draft sees the Falcons come in with a heinously bad roster.

With Matt Ryan gone, along with many others, the 2022 Falcons squad is in need of a massive talent upgrade. As well as Ryan, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is likely out of Atlanta. Adding to the misery, Calvin Ridley is suspended for the year due to gambling issues. Of course, it isn’t like he was raring to go for the Falcons this year, anyways.

Marcus Mariota is the top quarterback on the roster, and Olamide Zaccheaus is the team’s top returning receiver. On defense, even 2021 standout Foye Oluokun is gone, taking a big payday from Jacksonville.

The roster still does have some talent, though. A.J. Terrell at corner and Kyle Pitts at tight end are among the league’s youngest, brightest stars. Cordarrelle Patterson was a surprise at running back last year, and the do-everything veteran is a strange, but logical RB1 choice heading into the season.

A likely 2023 first pick candidate, the 8th pick is the first step in a full-on rebuild for the Falcons. These are the three players they should consider with that pick.

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