The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in an advantageous position after inking contracts with quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Plus, the Falcons traded for Rondale Moore, signed kick returner Ray Ray McCloud and former Georgia Bulldogs tight end Charlie Woerner. With the movement during the free agency period, the Falcons got faster, added home run threats, and bolstered their offense in all levels. As the countdown to the 2024 NFL Draft descends from days to hours, I will be in Detroit when the Falcons presumably make their first-round selection with the 8th overall pick.
If they keep the pick, the mainstream media and fans alike have their eyes set on Alabama defensive lineman Dallas Turner and rightfully so. In 2021, he was Freshman All-SEC. In that season, Turner had 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. In 2022, he played in all 13 games and had four sacks. During that season, Will Anderson was dominant and maybe Turner didn’t take the opportunities to shine on the opposite side. However, in 2023, Turner was an All-American and a team captain. He started all 14 games, leading Alabama with 14.5 tackles for loss, had 10 sacks, had 53 tackles and forced two fumbles.
The Falcons have not had a long-term answer at defensive end since Claude Humphrey. Yes, Claude Humphrey. If the Falcons draft Turner with the 8th pick, he would definitely fill that role.
What if the Falcons trade the pick?
However, if the Falcons decide to trade down, there are plenty of options. Atlanta general manager Terry Fontenot told reporters they are looking for value. That perceived value could be found in this year’s cornerback class. If they trade to the back of the first round, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is a viable option. He played three years in Tuscaloosa and can return kicks and punts.
Michigan’s Mike Sainristil is a 5’10”, 182 pound cornerback that provides a physical, take no prisoners approach. He would fit any scheme because he’s got great ball skills and is unafraid of making the tackle in run support.
If the Falcons trade to the middle of the first round, edge rusher Jared Verse would be available. Verse tallied 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss with the Florida State Seminoles in the 2023 season.
In the middle rounds, if the Falcons don’t take a swing on Dallas Turner, they could take a look at these defensive linemen. Why? Calais Campbell hasn’t decided if he’d come back for another season, and there can never be enough depth on the defensive line. T’Vondre Sweat represents University of Texas and is a great fit in the third or fourth round. Sweat was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He’s 6-foot-4 and weighed in at 366 pounds at the combine.
Sweat won the Outland Trophy (given to the nation’s top interior lineman-OL/DL). Sweat leaves Austin as First-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-Big 12 Conference. He also played in all 14 games with eight starts, tallying 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, four PBUs, one blocked kick. So, with those credentials, why would he go in the middle rounds? On April 7th, Sweat was arrested on suspicion of a DWI in Travis County, Texas. Also, his weight and conditioning could be an issue. But, Sweat has the tools to be a dominant player, if he can mature.
If Sweat isn’t available, defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III out of the University of Miami has potential. While at Miami, Taylor flashed with his physicality, tenacity and sudden movements. However, he was wildly inconsistent. In 2022 he was honorable mention All-ACC, playing in 12 games, amassed 24 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks In 2023, Taylor had 19.5 tackles in 10 games with 3.5 tackles for loss.
In the back end of the NFL Draft, linebacker Steele Chambers from The Ohio State University could be a great option. He is a tough competitor. While he doesn’t possess the speed you’d want from an inside linebacker, he’s got a nose for the football. He’s a former running back as well. Chambers is a great fit in a backup role and on special teams.
The Falcons offense can score with anybody in the NFL. This defense must be addressed in the draft. If the defensive side of the ball is average at best, this team could easily win 11-12 games.
I would like to caution everyone, I am not a general manager and have never claimed to play one on television or social media!