The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2022 season with a second-place finish in the NFC South and a 7-10 record. With that finish, they earned the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Falcons relied heavily on young talent throughout this past season. Through the air, rookie wide receiver Drake London, and second-year tight end Kyle Pitts were two of their main contributors. On the ground, rookie running back Tyler Allgier burst onto the scene and led the group.

On the other side of the ball, safety Richie Grant, cornerback AJ Terrell, and linebacker Mykal Walker looked to be true cornerstone pieces. They all played some of the best football of their young careers.

Heading into the offseason, the Falcons have shown that they have a solid foundation in place. With star power on offense and quality pieces on defense, they are headed in a good direction.

With so many young players at key positions, the Falcons could have money to spend in the offseason. Adding a top-10 pick could mean that this team looks drastically different next season.

In recent years, the Falcons have leaned heavily on offense in the first round of the NFL draft. Over their past two drafts, they have used this pick on London and Pitts. But with this draft class, they should in turn choose to focus on the defense.

With this year’s NFL draft class, several elite defensive prospects will be available when this team makes their selection.

Here are three players the Falcons should consider with the eighth overall pick.

3. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Georgia’s Kelee Ringo could very well be the best cornerback in this year’s draft class. The 6-2, 205-pound defender has been an elite force over the past two seasons. With his addition, the Falcons secondary would be set for the foreseeable future. A pairing of him and Terrell could lead this group for the next decade.