Other than quarterback, the Falcons’ biggest weakness over the last couple of seasons has been the pass rush.
Once Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney in free agency, attention turned to the defensive line. The expectation was the Falcons would finally make a significant acquisition, whether it was a free agent like Danielle Hunter or a trade for Brian Burns. They didn’t in the way we thought.
Instead, the Falcons spent three straight draft picks from the second round to the fourth round on Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice, and Brandon Dorlus. Along with those rookies, the Falcons will be relying on Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, James Smith-Williams, Arnold Ebiketie, Zach Harrison, etc. to rush the passer.
The mostly young, unproven group is apparently doing well, though, because Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly said Miami’s offensive line looked rough in the teams’ first joint practice on Tuesday.
This Dolphins offensive line took an L today.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 6, 2024
Let’s get a couple of things straight. First, this is controlled, joint practices. Secondly, the Dolphins offensive line sucks.
However, maybe just maybe, the Falcons actually have something along the defensive front under Raheem Morris and Jimmy Lake. At the very least, there will be plenty of bodies to have a healthy rotation this season, something that hasn’t always been the case in Atlanta.
Morris had a lot of success in Los Angeles with rookie pass rushers. Kobie Turner (9.0) and Byron Young (8.0) led the Rams in sacks last year, despite being Day 2 draft picks.
If the Falcons can get similar production out of their rookie defensive linemen, this may quietly be a strength for Atlanta in 2024.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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