This position has needed an overhaul for years, probably since John Abraham was in town. The Falcons still have some cap space to work with up to this point, as we’ve only spent $62 million. I also plan on using multiple draft picks to address the position. All figures are via Over The Cap.
If you want to check out my articles from my previous offseason series — One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, and One Trade — those will be linked below:
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Quarterback
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Running Backs
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Wide Receivers
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Tight Ends
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Offensive Line
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Edge Rushers
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Defensive Line
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Cornerbacks
- Falcons 2023 Offseason: One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, One Trade — Safeties
Previous editions of this series are listed below:
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Quarterback
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Running Back
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Wide Receiver
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Tight End
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Offensive Line
- Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Defensive Line
Current Rostered Edge Rushers
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
EDGE DeAngelo Malone
EDGE Ade Ogundeji
The Falcons have some work to do; the good news is that they have a couple of young building blocks in place. I think Atlanta should seriously consider bringing Lorenzo Carter back, and they can make a splash in free agency or use their draft picks.
Re-Sign Lorenzo Carter
With a pretty lackluster class in free agency for pass rushers, I’m fine bringing back Lorenzo Carter to be part of this rotation. There really isn’t anyone available worth throwing a bag at, so Atlanta should save their money and go with the guy who led them in sacks with… four. I’d like him back on a two-year deal with a raise.
Lorenzo Carter re-signs for two years, $10 million.
Draft Zach Harrison
I considered signing Charles Omenihu, but I’d rather save the money and use the picks. Here’s what I said about Harrison in my Offseason Mock Draft 1.0:
Harrison’s stock may have risen after a good Peach Bowl showing, but this is around where scouts have him going at the moment. I think his athletic upside makes him a worthy pick for a team that has a pass rush that is almost nonexistent. Harrison can be a little stiff at times, but he’s a great athlete with the length and build you want in a pass rusher. He does need some seasoning and coaching, so hopefully the Falcons get a few guys to patch up the pass rush while he develops. At worst, he’s a rotational piece on a team that doesn’t have much of a rotation. At best, he’s a gem in the third round.
Hopefully, the Falcons hit on an edge rusher or two in this draft with a meager free agent class.
The Falcons draft Harrison with pick 76
Draft Dylan Horton
The TCU standout was also featured in the Offseason Mock Draft 1.0:
Even if the Falcons upgrade their pass rush in free agency, they still need a few young bodies to groom and get into the rotation. Dylan Horton played the game of his life against Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl, notching four sacks and forcing a fumble. At 6’4, 275, he’s a guy you can play as a defensive lineman or cut some weight on and have him come off the edge. Horton’s effort is evident on tape, and he plays all over TCU’s defense.
The Falcons draft Dylan Horton with pick 110
Overhauled Pass Rush
EDGE Lorenzo Carter
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
EDGE DeAngelo Malone
EDGE Zach Harrison
EDGE Dylan Horton
EDGE Ade Ogundeji
Although it may seem underwhelming, it’s a good start. When you can improve other areas of the defense with impact players, throwing all of your money at one position because you need it is unwise. The Falcons can still improve their pass rush by improving their secondary and defensive front, opening up opportunities for these young guys to cut their teeth.
Current Roster: 36
QB Desmond Ridder
QB Taylor Heinicke
RB Tyler Allgeier
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
RB Justin Jackson
RB Avery Williams
RB Caleb Huntley
WR Drake London
WR Allen Lazard
WR Ronnie Bell
WR Olamide Zaccheaus
WR Frank Darby
TE Kyle Pitts
TE Darnell Washington
TE MyCole Pruitt
TE Parker Hesse
OL Jake Matthews
OL Nate Davis
OL Drew Dalman
OL Chris Lindstrom
OL Kaleb McGary
OL Elijah Wilkinson
OL Matt Hennessy
OL Jarrett Patterson
OL Ryan Neuzil
DL Grady Jarrett
DL Javon Hargrave
DL Ta’Quon Graham
DL Abdullah Anderson
DL Byron Young
EDGE Lorenzo Carter
EDGE Arnold Ebiketie
EDGE DeAngelo Malone
EDGE Zach Harrison
EDGE Dylan Horton
EDGE Ade Ogundeji
Draft Picks Remaining
- Round 1, Pick 8
- Round 5, Pick 155 (from JAX)
- Round 7, Pick 226 (from LV)
2023 Cap Space Allotted: $61 Million
Quarterback: -$6 million
Running Back: $900k
Wide Receiver: $19.5 million
Tight End: $1.9 million
Offensive Line: $27.5 million
Defensive Line: $12.2 million
EDGE: $5 million
More must-reads: