Falcons take ‘do-it-all defensive player’ in latest mock draft

It’s draft season as the Falcons prepare for a campaign where expectations are set higher than they’ve been since 2017.

With Kirk Cousins in the fold, Raheem Morris doesn’t have the luxury that his predecessor did. Arthur Smith didn’t have high expectations, but he somehow didn’t even meet them, resulting in his firing. Morris, on the other hand, has high expectations. Signing a quarterback like Cousins is a double-edged sword.

Yes, it’s a drastic improvement from what the team’s got from the quarterback position in years past, but anything less than a postseason berth would be a supreme disappointment, and Morris’ job security would immediately come into question.

For a talented roster that has yet to realize its full potential, the Falcons have to build it out even more, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Atlanta has serious needs at cornerback and edge, but most mock drafts have one of them being filled with their top draft pick, including the latest one from CBS Sports, who have the Falcons taking a “do-it-all defensive player” in Jared Verse.

Bryant McFadden — This is his No. 1 edge rusher in the class, and here’s why: “He’s a do-it-all defensive player. We know he can rush the passer and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but his ability to be stout against the run is huge, especially when you’re talking about being a difference-maker in the National Football League.”

Regardless of the media outlet or mock drafter, everyone and their mothers have the Falcons taking Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, or another defender, which would mark the first time in Terry Fontenot’s tenure of taking a non-offensive player in the first round.

The Falcons do have a need, but I wouldn’t be so sure they’re locked into taking the top defender. Fontenot has been consistent in his approach of taking the best player available, even if that means bolstering a position of strength.

I don’t think it necessarily takes them out of the running for Verse, Turner, or another defensive prospect, but Fontenot isn’t going to take one of them unless they’re the highest-rated prospect on the big board. The selection shouldn’t be out of need.

—

Photographer: Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire