Atlanta Falcons miss out on Derrick Morgan – What Now?

Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) pressures South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dylan Thompson (17) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Draft

Whilst always likely regardless of our free agency results, the Atlanta Falcons simply must invest in the pass rush early and often in the upcoming NFL Draft. With the 8th overall pick, the Falcons are in a good position to pursue one of the elite pass rushing options entering the league, and may not have as much competition as first thought. Whilst Chicago may have aimed to use the 7th overall pick on a pass rusher, the Bears recently landed free agent OLB Pernell McPhee on a 5 year deal, and may not be so desperate to pursue another pass rusher with their 1st round selection. Meanwhile, the Jaguars grabbed headlines by luring former Broncos TE Julius Thomas, but the underrated addition of DE Jared Odrick may also make the team less desperate to select a pass rusher 3rd overall.

Whilst always likely regardless of our free agency results, the Atlanta Falcons simply must invest in the pass rush early and often in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Be it Randy Gregory, Dante Fowler, Shane Ray, Bud Dupree or Vic Beasley, there is no shortage of pass rushing talent in the draft. It is likely the Falcons will have their choice of most rookie pass rushers from the 8th spot, and would be wise to double dip and pursue edge rushers in several rounds.