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Atlanta Falcons offseason positional expectations: LB/DE

By Andrew Ross

Dec 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) catches a pass and tries to break away from Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) catches a pass and tries to break away from Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Johnny Langan (17) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Johnny Langan (17) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

Unfortunately for the Atlanta Falcons, they have a top-five pick in the wrong year.

There is no “that guy” this year, no Chase Young, Joey, or Nick Bosa, no Miles Garrett. If there were that guy this year the Falcons would sprint the card to the podium.

As it stands there simply is not anyone in this class that warrants the fourth pick. Micah Parsons is the best defensive player and would serve well in a Dean Pees defense but should not be a top-five draft pick.

Jaelan Phillips is a great pass rusher but has injury concerns. Linebacker Jeremiah Owuso – Koramoah is a great talent but would be a bit of reach at pick four.

Kwity Paye is an absolute freak of an athlete and has a ton of tools as a pass rusher. He only played in 18 games for Michigan in his career but logged 11.5 sacks. There is certainly talent but not a ton of experience.

While all these players have a ton of upside and should be first-round picks, four is too high. If the Falcons move back in the first-round any one of them would be a solid addition to this defense.

Day two has a ton of potential. If Phillips’s injury history causes him to fall, he medically retired from football briefly due to concussions, the Falcons would be crazy to pass on him at the top of round 2.

Jason Oweh, Joseph Ossai, Azeez Ojulari, Zaven Collins, Gregory Rousseau, and Ronnie Perkins are all players to keep an eye on. They should all be available at the end of round one early round two range.

If available at 35 any of them would be a smart pick. They all bring something a little different but can make an immediate impact.

Further down in the draft are plenty of interesting options that would provide year one depth and long-term starter potential.

The Atlanta Falcons will invest heavily this offseason

Both free agency and the draft should be points of emphasis for this group. Expect the Falcons to spend some money bringing in a free agent to anchor this position.

While pick four is early, a trade down makes a day one pick a possibility. Day two should be the sweet spot to add high upside depth to both defensive end and linebacker groups.

Next. Falcons should be excited about Hayden Hurst’ future. dark

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