Falcons select “polarizing” prospect in latest mock draft

Even though the Falcons recorded a season-high five sacks on Sunday against the Chargers, the pass rush will once again be a focal point this offseason.

It could be quite the busy spring for Terry Fontenot. The biggest decision will surround the quarterback position for the second consecutive offseason. Will the Falcons trade Kirk Cousins? That’s what will dominate headlines, but there’s plenty more to do.

The pass rush is still a weakness, and it will require resources if it’s to improve. The free agent class isn’t currently robust with options, but perhaps Fontenot will finally use a first-round pick on a defender. That’s exactly what most mock drafts have them doing.

— ESPN’s Jordan Reid had the Falcons drafting Landon Jackson of Arkansas

— ESPN’s Field Yates had the Falcons drafting Abdul Carter of Penn State

— PFF’s Trevor Sikkema had the Falcons drafting Mykel Williams of Georgia

— The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner had the Falcons drafting Harold Perkins of LSU

The latest comes from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who has the Falcons drafting a “polarizing” prospect in Tennessee’s James Pearce.

“Pearce is going to be another polarizing prospect in this class, because he hasn’t proven himself to be a true every-down player. But he knows how to get after the quarterback, something the Falcons have been severely lacking over the last decade.”

The story on Pearce is that he’s susceptible to getting pushed around in the run game if offensive linemen can get their hands on him. Obviously, any college prospect is going to have to develop, especially physically. Although, I’m not sure what the Falcons would prefer in an edge defender.

Would they prefer a bigger edge rusher that would hold up against the run but might not be as effective rushing the passer? Or someone like Pearce, who is more of a speed rusher and isn’t as stout against the run?

That answer would tell you a lot about the Falcons’ intentions in the draft, but don’t underestimate the club’s value of intangibles as much as the tangible attributes.

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