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The Atlanta Falcons added some talent during the 2022 NFL Draft who should have a fantasy impact for this upcoming season. Before we dive into what impact these rookies could have on the Falcons in 2022, let’s look back at last season.
Kyle Pitts was the most fantasy-relevant player on the Falcons in 2021, recording over 1,000 yards receiving on 110 targets during his rookie season. Pitts had one receiving touchdown last season but expect this number grow as the tight end goes into his second season. Cordarrelle Patterson is back with the Falcons for another year after an impressive 2021 season. Patterson rushed for 618 yards and recorded 548 receiving yards. These two should continue to see targets as the Falcons lost Russell Gage to Buccaneers and Calvin Ridley was suspended for the 2022 season.
Marcus Mariota should replace Matt Ryan under center to start the season, having played the last two seasons as the backup to Derek Carr with the Raiders. In that span, he attempted just 30 total passes, completing 60% of them for 230 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Falcons also added Auden Tate in the off-season. Although Tate never really flashed as a member of the Bengals, he has the size and potential to make an impact on this offense.
Falcons 2022 Draft selections
No. 8: Drake London, WR, USC
No. 38: Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State
No. 58: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
No. 74: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
No. 82: DeAngelo Malone, LB, Western Kentucky
No. 151: Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU
No. 190: Justin Shaffer, OG, Georgia
No. 213: John FitzPatrick, TE, Georgia
Fantasy football impact
Drake London immediately becomes Atlanta’s top option at wide receiver and given the lack of depth the team has at the position, he could be one of the most valuable rookie fantasy options this year.
The Falcons scooped Ridder up in the third round as just the second quarterback taken off the board. The former Bearcats QB will need some work and will be squarely behind veteran Marcus Mariota to start the season.