FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons 2023 NFL Draft class is now complete.
Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith added an elite running back talent in the first round, a lineman on both sides of the ball in the second and third, an All-American cornerback in the fourth and a pair of seventh round picks.
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This is the group you'll see listed and graded in all these post-draft evaluations.
RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
OL Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
DL Zach Harrison, Ohio State
CB Clark Phillips III, Utah (As an aside, I LOVE this pick)
DB DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
OL Jovaugh Gwyn, South Carolina
In my mind, this list deserves an incomplete. And not because of the cliché (and logical) rationale that we need to wait multiple seasons to see how these players develop.
It's because the list above doesn't include Jeff Okudah and Jonnu Smith.
They're a part of this player haul as well. The Falcons used 2023 draft capital to acquire those guys, which more important than whether or not they were actually pulled from the amateur ranks.
You have to look at the group in totality and evaluate how each pick was used. That's how you get a grasp of what was brought in with the Falcons selections.
It changes how the class is viewed, in my opinion. It now includes an established veteran tight end and a super-talented cornerback working to prove himself. Those guys will help the 2023 product immensely, especially if they find true form and realize vast potential.
Would you rather have Okudah or a shot at a fifth rounder? I'd take a former No. 3 overall pick hungry to prove himself after getting a fresh start, even with but one year left on his contract. I'd rather have Smith that pick No. 245, even if he's more expensive than a rookie. I would fixate too much on the length of their deals, though. Okudah's 24 and Jonnu Smith is 28, and the Falcons have the future cap flexibility to pay them if another contract is earned.
The goal is to acquire good players with the resources available. That's what Fontenot and Arthur Smith worked to do, either by drafting or trading those picks for players.
"They're all assets. We kind of look at it even with guys like that, like with Jeff Okudah or Jonnu," Fontenot said. "It's going to take a draft pick and somebody to go get them. It's more about that. You weigh it.
"If you are using this draft pick, you won't be able to draft a player there, but it's just literally when we really like players, no different than there are some players that we had to move around for some players we were patient with, but when we have passion and conviction, whether we're talking about a free agent, whether we're talking about a draft pick, you have to be disciplined.
"We just really wanted to go get them. So, we just look at it like they're assets to try to get the right results that we want."
It remains uncertain how Okudah and Smith will fare in Atlanta. Same can be said of the draftees. But we know the talent is there. Did they get value with those assets, whether they were given or acquired in a previous deal?
It sure seems so, for the most part. We also know that not every move works out. We can't sit here and applaud the Smith and Okudah moves without bringing up Bryan Edwards, a failed experiment that cost a 2023 fifth-round draft pick. Wouldn't be prudent.
We also must state that the Bergeron move was expense, costing the Nos 44 and 110 overall picks to take a Syracuse lineman at No. 38. If he becomes a solid, steady starting left guard who shores up the offensive line's only opening, totally worth it.
All those things, though, must be considered when evaluating how the draft went.
I care a lot less about perceived value than most when it comes to draft assets. Did you select a talented player who makes the team and locker room better? If he does, it doesn't matter where you got him. There are too many swings and misses around the league, even with high picks, not to relish when you get one right at any level.
Smith likes to drop draft status at the door. It doesn't matter how you got to Atlanta, only that you can help. Odds are strong that several of players in this haul can do exactly that.
Join us as we take a look at the 2023 NFL draft class for the Atlanta Falcons, presented by AmFam.
Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron blocks against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (9) celebrates with fans after defeating Penn State 44-31 in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison, right, tackles Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Western Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) celebrates a touchdown with teammate Jake Majors (65) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
American offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron of Syracuse (60) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III, right, intercepts the ball from Oregon State wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) celebrates his interception with teams during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Syracuse's wide receiver Damien Alford and Matthew Bergeron (60) celbrate Alford's go-ahead touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) cheers after a stop of Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) warms up before their NCAA college football game against Stanford Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) steps in front of Oregon State wide receiver John Dunmore (14) before catching an interception and run back for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) looks on before the start of their NCAA college football game against San Diego State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison plays against Arkansas State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) runs downfield before the start of their NCAA college football game against San Diego State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming during the second half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) runs off the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Utah Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) runs to the ball during an NCAA football game against Florida on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Utah 29-26. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) recovers his own fumble in front of Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (9) lines up against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) celebrates an interception against Georgia during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas quarterback Casey Thompson (11) hands the ball off to Bijan Robinson (5) during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Rice on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Syracuse offensive lineman Kalan Ellis (76) and Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron (60) during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Boston College in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) picks off the ball intended for Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Syracuse offensive lineman Kalan Ellis (76) and offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron (60) move to block Clemson defensive end K.J. Henry (5) during the first quarter of their NCAA football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Florida running back Malik Davis (20) is tackled by Alabama linebacker Henry To'oTo'o, rear, and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) after rushing for yardage during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Texas' Bijan Robinson (5) runs against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison plays against Oregon during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (9) forces Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) to fumble the ball in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. Ohio State recovered the ball for a touchdown and won 45-31. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) plays against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) returns an interception for a touchdown against Washington State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn (54) looks to block against Florida defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams (23) is tackled by Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (29) and others after a short gain in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison talks to reporters during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Friday, July 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs for a touchdown past Colorado cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (25) during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) gains yardage as he tries to get past Michigan defensive back Vincent Gray (31) and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams, right, during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (33) plays against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn (54) looks to block against Florida defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
