Falcons’ Bralen Trice expected to challenge for rookie sack title

The Falcons have been missing a premier pass rusher since John Abraham was roaming the Georgia Dome, and the hope is that 2024 will be different.

Atlanta didn’t add a single pass rusher in free agency, so they’re relying on a few things — 1) internal development, 2) pass rush by committee, and 3) maybe, just maybe a rookie star.

The Falcons are hoping that Arnold Ebiketie can develop into a double-digit sack artist, but the more likely reality is that Atlanta’s pass rush is of the committee approach via Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, creative schemes, and coverage.

However, there could be an unlikely contributor among them. ESPN believes a Falcons rookie will challenge for the sack title among first-year players, projecting Bralen Trice to garner 4.5 sacks.

Sacks

1. Laiatu Latu, Edge, Indianapolis Colts: 5.4 sacks
2. Darius Robinson, Edge, Arizona Cardinals: 5.2 sacks
3. Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams: 4.9 sacks
4. Bralen Trice, Edge, Atlanta Falcons: 4.5 sacks
5. Dallas Turner, Edge, Minnesota Vikings: 4.2 sacks

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The Falcons are hopeful that Raheem Morris will have the same success in Atlanta as he did in Los Angeles with Rams rookie pass rushers.

Kobie Turner, a third-round pick, finished third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race thanks to his nine sacks, which led all rookies and matched a Rams franchise record that was set by Aaron Donald.

Byron Young, also a third-rounder, wasn’t far behind. He finished with eight sacks, second among all rookies, while posting 61 total tackles, eight of them for loss, to go with 18 QB hits and two forced fumbles.

The Falcons are hoping that Bralen Trice, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Brandon Dorlus can replicate similar production in Atlanta. ESPN believes Trice has the potential.

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Photographer: Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire