Grading each defensive position for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022

5 of 5

Dec 4, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett (97) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive line:

Grady Jarrett
Ta’Quon Graham
Abdullah Anderson
Timmy Horne
Jalen Dalton
Matt Dickerson
Jaleel Johnson
Anthony Rush

Without Grady Jarrett, the Atlanta Falcons would be doomed. He has absolutely carried the Falcons’ defensive line on his back for years. He just goes out there and plays his heart out. He is definitely taken for granted.

However, Grady finally got at least a little help next to him for much of the season with Ta’Quon Graham who had a great year. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to play the entire season due to a knee injury.

Past Grady and Graham, Abdullah Anderson was a pleasant surprise but that is about where it ends. The remainder of the defensive linemen either didn’t play well or didn’t play many snaps—or were released after starting four games like Anthony Rush was.

Overall, Grady Jarrett and Ta’Quon Graham were the real gems of the position and Abdullah Anderson was the only serviceable player behind them. They were marginally better than most of us predicted prior to week one.

Grade: C

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