The Atlanta Falcons have selected EDGE defender Bralen Trice with the 74th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Trice was the Washington Huskies' Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 with 49 total tackles and seven sacks. He has good size at 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds with the ability to effectively set the edge against the run. Trice was a team captain at Washington due to his high motor effort and leadership skills.
The Falcons have now selected back-to-back defensive linemen after their controversial first-round pick of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Defensive line was arguably Atlanta's biggest need entering the draft, so it makes sense to stockpile within the group.
Unlike Atlanta's second-round pick in Ruke Orhorhoro, Trice isn't the most athletic player. However, he compensates for it by playing with intelligence and a high motor. Trice and Orhorhoro should complement each other well with their differences.
Trice mostly played as a standup outside linebacker at Washington, which is something he'll likely do plenty of in coach Raheem Morris' 3-4 hybrid scheme. Trice may never be one of the top players at his position, but he can carve out a solid career by consistently racking up solid production.
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