Do the Atlanta Falcons have a good defense? Atlanta's roster explored ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons could have a better defense; they had one of the worst defensive units in the entire NFL last season, despite having a top-notch defensive coordinator in Dean Pees. The Falcons finished the 2022 NFL season ranked No. 27 in total defense (362.1 yards per game), No. 25 in pass defense (231.9 yards per game), No. 23 in run defense (130.2 rushing yards per game), No. 23 in scoring defense (22.7 points per game) and No. 31 in sacks (21).

It is worth noting that there are 32 teams in the NFL, so the Atlanta Falcons were well below the average mark in the league. One of the reasons for the Falcons' issues on defense is their youth on that side of the ball.

Atlanta was the league's second-youngest team. Only four players - defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, cornerback A.J. Terrell, outside linebacker Ade Ogundeji, and nickel corner Isaiah Oliver - started most of the games a season ago. Of course, these players will develop and become solid pieces someday. However, patience must be exercised to avoid making bad decisions moving forward.

Three positions the Atlanta Falcons need to improve with the 2023 NFL Draft

Here are three positions the Falcons should consider reinforcing throughout the 2023 NFL Draft.

1. Quarterback

The Atlanta Falcons have moved on from the Marcus Mariota experiment, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the experiment was unsuccessful. The good thing is that the 2023 NFL Draft has potential high ceiling shot callers, even if you don't possess a top-five pick.

The Falcons could have Anthony Richardson and Will Levis on the board, and we suggest they draft the latter. While Levis' NFL team will have to balance his attributes (strong arm, outstanding toughness, elite mobility) with liabilities (lacking consistency, decent mechanics, intermediate processing) that could have him out of the league sooner rather than later if he's in the wrong system.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith’s offense, which leans on play-action, multiple tight ends, and the run game, would provide Levis with a good starting point in which he wouldn’t be asked to be the force multiplier.

2. Defensive End

The defensive end position desperately needs an upgrade in Atlanta, and there's a particular Iowa State University prospect that could do the trick. The player we are talking about is Lukas Van Ness, a versatile operator.

The Falcons could put Van Ness on a retooled defensive line with free-agent signees Calais Campbell and David Onyemata, as well as incumbent stud Grady Jarrett, and you’ve got something.

3. Edge Rusher

The Edge position is one of the many defensive positions the Atlanta Falcons need help with. This year's Draft has a clear edge rusher that stands out from the rest, and that's Will Anderson Jr. Who knows, maybe Will Anderson Jr. could fall to the Falcons' lap at number eight in the 2023 NFL Draft. One thing's for sure, if he's available, the Falcons shouldn't hesitate for a second to bring him over.