In a new trend with power rankings, outlets will include a theme. ESPN’s latest NFL power rankings came with an under-the-radar move this offseason, and the Falcons’ move was worth talking about.
Atlanta came in 19th, which isn’t exactly noteworthy, but Marc Raimondi, the team’s beat reporter for ESPN, pointed out that hiring Nate Ollie as the defensive line coach shouldn’t fly under the radar.
“The news of the Falcons hiring Ollie got lost in the news cycle when the team announced it was bringing in former Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator. But Ollie brings developmental chops to an inexperienced line after the release of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. With Ollie as the assistant defensive line coach, the Texans finished tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks (49) last season. The Falcons ranked 31st (31). As the defensive line coach in Indianapolis, Ollie guided the Colts to an Indy-era franchise-record 51 sacks in 2023,” Raimondi wrote.
The Falcons pass rush is relying on a lot of young pieces. Arnold Ebiketie, Zach Harrison, Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice, Brandon Drolus, and whoever the club drafts in next month’s draft will be expected to contribute in some capacity.
Development has been an issue for Atlanta ever since Terry Fontenot took over as general manager, especially when it comes to defensive linemen. If Ollie can help Ebiketie, Orhorhoro, and the rest of the Falcons’ defensive linemen take the next step in their respective development, the pass rush should improve exponentially.
I love Raimondi pointing out Ollie, and the same can be said of Jeff Ulbrich. It’s mostly about addition by subtraction. Jay Rodgers and Jimmy Lake were terrible in their respective roles. If Ollie and Ulbrich are even average, they’ll be a significant upgrade over what Atlanta had last season.
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