The Atlanta Falcons need Christian Wilkins

Christian Wilkins is the answer to the Atlanta Falcons’ question of ‘who can they put beside Grady Jarrett that will cause disruption’ in the pass and running game. 

If you are a die hard Falcons fan like me, then you felt the frustration and anger of witnessing the run defense give up ridiculous amounts of rushing yards last season. The team finished the season ranked 25th in overall run defense. Along with the run defense, the pass rush has been almost non-existent. I believe Christian Wilkins can fix both of these issues.

During his four year tenure at Clemson University, Wilkins recorded 192 tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss and 16.0 sacks, while showing the versatility of playing both inside and out. Wilkins was a first team All-American as both a defensive-end and defensive tackle during his career at Clemson.

As a Falcons fan, I look at those statistics and think about the possibilities of having a guy that can do everything at the position. He has the size and speed to be a game changer in the NFL.

I know that the Falcons drafted Deadrin Senat in last years draft. They drafted him with the hopes of being the guy beside Jarrett to plug up the holes and cause disruption in the pass game. Unfortunately for Falcons fans, we didn’t really get to see much of Senat.

Based off of the few opportunities Senat was given last season, I would have to say that I don’t really see him being more than a back-up for the Falcons. He may have the talent to become a star in the future given more opportunities to play, but I believe Wilkins has the talent to be a star now.

Watching the Clemson vs Alabama National Championship this past January, I was left in shock at how many times the Crimson Tide’s offensive line allowed Tua Tagovailoa to get hit. I was shocked at how powerful and quick the Tiger’s defensive line was. I want the Falcons to have this type of relentless line and I think Wilkins can help make this wish a reality.

If the Falcons do the right thing in the first round of this years draft, the rest of the league better watch out because the duo of Wilkins and Jarrett will be feasting on opposing offenses for years to come.