5 Surprise targets for the Atlanta Falcons this off-season

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 24: General manager Terry Fontenot of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 24: General manager Terry Fontenot of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears sacks Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field on December 20, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears sacks Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field on December 20, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. If the Atlanta Falcons want to stop the run they need Akiem Hicks

Akiem Hicks is a very underrated player who would fit exactly what the Atlanta Falcons need along their defensive line. The Atlanta Falcon’s priority on offense and defense should be fixing the trenches and working out from there.

The only better fit for Atlanta is NFL hopeful Jordan Davis, Davis is currently projected to be drafted late in the first round. Unless Atlanta trades down Davis isn’t an option leaving Atlanta looking at free agency or later options in the draft.

Anyone that has watched the Chicago Bears over the last four years knows just how disruptive Akiem Hicks can be. He has the ability to implode the pocket and put a quarterback on the run. Rushing the ball with Hicks and Grady Jarrett up the middle would be next to impossible. Hicks paired with Jarrett would help Atlanta’s issues with getting pressure on the quarterback as well.

Akiem Hicks is going to be an underrated pickup for whoever decides to acquire the defensive tackle. Hicks and Jarrett would be a dynamic duo that would go a long way to rebuilding the Falcon’s defense and force teams to throw the ball against Atlanta.