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Projecting the Atlanta Falcons pre-NFL Draft depth chart

By Dalton McCormick

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons
Oct 29, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is tripped by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) on a keeper during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Ends

  • L-Defensive End: 1-Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, 2-Brandon Copeland
  • R-Defensive End: 1-Dante Fowler, 2-Barkavious Mingo

Edge is a legit concern for the Atlanta Falcons and is destined to be addressed within the first two rounds of the draft.

The Falcons ranked towards the bottom of the league in sacks and passing defense and improving this group will go along way in changing that. Tuioti-Mariner impressed enough a season ago to warrant being extended via an ERFA tender and his inside/outside versatility is useful for this defensive front.

The former first-rounder in Barkavious Mingo comes over following a solid season in Chicago as a depth piece for the Bears, collecting 35 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Brandon Copeland is also expected to play a similar role, being brought in one a one-year deal that reunites him with LB coach Frank Bush. Copeland, 29 had his best season in the NFL under Bush in 2018 when he was with the Jets recording 5.0 sacks. Dante Fowler also comes back despite being quite disappointing yielding only four sacks.

This position remains the biggest need for Atlanta and you could see the Falcons potentially trading down to select an edge as this pass-rushing class doesn’t feature a prospect worthy of being selected fourth overall.

Positional Grade: D+

Defensive Tackle

  • L-Defensive Tackle: 1- Grady Jarrett, 2-Marlon Davidson
  • R-Defensive Tackle: 1- Tyeler Davison, 2-John Cominsky

This is arguable the most well-rounded position group on this defense and it all starts with Grady Jarrett. Jarrett is fresh of back-to-back pro bowl selections and alongside him is Tyeler Davison who is an impressive run stopper.

Marlon Davidson, the Falcons second-round pick from Auburn struggled with health over the course of his rookie season but when 100 percent has a chance to play meaningful snaps on the inside and outside this fall.

John Cominsky yielded a 67.5 PFF grade a season ago and also possesses the ability to come off the edge or play on the interior.

Positional Grade: B

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