The Falcons were expected to take a pass rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft, whether it be Laiatu Latu, Dallas Turner, or any interior linemen, but the club ended up shocking the world and drafting Michael Penix Jr.
Even though Atlanta selected three defenders in the second, third and fourth rounds in Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice, and Brandon Dorlus, the Falcons still had an obvious need that wasn’t filled until last week.
The club traded a third-round pick for Matthew Judon, giving them their best pass rusher since John Abraham roamed the Georgia Dome. With a contract extension likely, the Falcons outlook at the position, with Bralen Trice returning next year, is much more appealing.
As we’ve learned though, a defense can never have enough pass rushers, and ESPN’s Field Yates has the Falcons drafting a defender in the first round for the first time in Terry Fontenot’s tenure, landing Abdul Carter out of Penn State with the 22nd pick.
While I wonder whether the Falcons should have attacked the edge position in the first round of this year’s draft, I did love the Bralen Trice pick in Round 3 — even though he will miss his rookie season with a knee injury. Atlanta also traded for Matthew Judon this month, and that helps, but remember that this team finished last in pass rush win rate at 30.9% last season.
Carter has great physical traits, and he will move to defensive end on a full-time basis this season after largely playing at linebacker at Penn State so far. He finished last season with 4.5 sacks, 60 tackles and 22 pressures. Surely coach Raheem Morris would have no issue adding another moveable chess piece to his defense.
For the first time in quite a long time, the Falcons might not actually need an edge rusher come next offseason. Of course, I’m assuming Matthew Judon stays in Atlanta, Trice returns from his injury, and Arnold Ebiketie improves.
As of right now, projecting toward 2025, I would say the Falcons’ biggest positional need will be cornerback. That’s even with A.J. Terrell returning on a new deal. The Falcons have had a revolving door opposite of him. Clark Phillips could be the answer, but that’s not probable.
The Falcons have several new deals to work out. Drew Dalman, Terrell, and Judon should take priority, but depending on how Dee Alford, Nate Landman, and Mike Hughes perform under the new regime, they’ll be in line for new contracts as well.
I won’t complain if the Falcons finally take an edge rusher in the 2025 draft, but there are a lot of other positions that need attention.
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