A former Duck to the Atlanta Falcons didn’t work out so well in 2022 with Marcus Mariota playing just one season.

But according to the latest mock draft by Draft Wire, the Falcons could very well go back to the Oregon well again with corner Christian Gonzalez. Atlanta has the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL draft and its defense could use the help. A cover corner would go a long way for the Falcons’ return to the playoffs.

This is the analysis provided by Falcons Wire own Matt Urben.

While TCU WR Quentin Johnston was an option here, the Falcons have spent top-10 picks on skill position players in each of the last two drafts. Instead, the team continues to revamp its defensive secondary by adding Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a group that features A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates III, Richie Grant and Mike Hughes. With the top edge prospects off the board and no first-round quarterback prospects remaining, Gonzalez isn’t a bad consolation prize for what should be an improved Atlanta defense this season.

Labeling Gonzalez as a “consolation prize” is just the bulletin board material he needs to prove he is the top corner in this class, whether Atlanta drafts him or not.