Atlanta Falcons Have An Opportunity For A Big Splash This Offseason
By Kyle Edmond
Atlanta Falcons Step 3: Build The Defense Through The 2023 NFL Draft
Adding Lamar Jackson and Tee Higgins to the offense in Atlanta should give them all the tools they need on that side of the ball. Atlanta allowed just 37 sacks this past season, the 12th-best mark, and were third in the league for rushing yards. With the additions of Jackson and Higgins to those numbers, scoring shouldn’t be a concern. Defense, on the other hand, needs work.
Atlanta failed to create pressure on defense, totaling just 21 sacks which ranked 31st ahead of only Chicago’s 20. The Falcons also allowed the eighth-most passing yards, 10th-most rushing yards, tied for the sixth-fewest interceptions and tied for the third-fewest fumbles recovered. The defense needs work.
Luckily, there’s room to find impact players with the picks remaining in the 2023 NFL Draft. If the proposed Higgins trade goes through, then the Falcons would hold the No. 45 and No. 61 picks in the second round, No. 76 in the third, two fourths, a fifth and two sevenths. Nearly all of these eight selections should be used on defense.
One name to watch that could be a great piece for the Atlanta defensive line is Bowling Green’s Karl Brooks. Brooks made headlines after a strong Senior Bowl week and his skill set would fit well into Atlanta’s 3-4 defense.
Brooks played defensive end at BGSU, but can play anywhere on the line, especially in a 3-4 set. This past season, Brooks tied for 10th in the nation for sacks with 10 and forced two fumbles.
While Brooks is now climbing draft boards after the Senior Bowl, he’s the exact type of player Atlanta would need to identify. Hidden draft gems that can make an immediate impact and improve the Falcons’ defense. If they can find a few players like Brooks after adding Jackson and Higgins, it could be an immediate turnaround for the Falcons in 2023.