Ian Cunningham made it clear what the Falcons' new defensive philosophy will be

Following the acquisition of former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (6-6, 326) and the waiver claim of former Seattle Seahawks edge Jared Ivey (6-6, 274), Atlanta Falcons GM Ian Cunningham made the franchise’s newfound defensive philosophy going forward crystal clear.

While discussing the new additions at his Wednesday press conference, Cunningham explained that the front office seeks “big, powerful, rugged, explosive, violent players.” And every single move they've made on the defensive line this offseason backs up that sentiment.

Actions speak louder than words. Cunningham has made immediate moves within his structure and vision for raising the floor of the team’s personnel. Fact: the average DT size in 2025: 6-foot-3 1/2 and, 290s pounds. In 2026? 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. That's an inch-and-a-half and 15 pounds up.

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to get much bigger on the defensive line

Specifically looking at the defensive line, no move was more telling than the trade of 2024 35th overall pick Ruke Orhorhoro (6-foot-4, 294) for 2024 48th overall pick Masson Smith (6-5, 306).

"I just think with this trade, (it was) good for them, good for us," Stefanski said. "It just felt like Maason's ability to work inside was something that we were looking for. Obviously, we think highly of Ruke, but maybe the usage of both players is a little different."

The same can be said for the Clark Phillips III - Gervon Dexter Sr. trade.

For the Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts extensions to linger more skill-position headlines, need we not forget Cunningham made Falcons LG Matthew Bergeron the highest-paid guard in NFL history for about a week (Titans OG Peter Skoronski).

Talk about a commitment to the 315-pound Bergeron, a four-year, $96 million deal ($60M guaranteed) to respectfully not even be the best guard on his own team. Talk about “big, powerful, rugged, explosive, violent players” with Bergeron. He’s the bar bouncer ready to throw hands whenever he deems necessary.

Referring back to Jared Ivey, the North Gwinnett High School (Suwanee, Georgia) alum is a result of the spoils of the Super Bowl-winning riches hitting waivers, not a lack of talent and potential. The size and aggressive, physical edge-setting in run defense and availability in fitting the urgent need won favor of a roster spot over Zach Harrison. Though the pass rush potential is there with seven sacks in 11 games for Ole Miss in 2024, that’s where defensive line coach Nate Ollie gets to put his talent to work in development.

Miscellaneous growth attempts at larger and in-charger have not stopped there, including the NFL Draft and the right tackle spot. Selected 231st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Ethan Onianwa was the final piece of Ian Cunningham’s inaugural draft class. Standing a massive 6-foot-7 and weighing 331 pounds,

Onianwa’s selection was a direct response to a sudden need for depth after veteran right tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement. If keeping Onianwa wasn't enough proof of the Falcons' obsession with size, the front office doubled down during final roster cutdowns by claiming Cameron Williams off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. A former Texas Longhorn, Williams brings an equally intimidating 6-foot-6, 317-pound frame to the Falcons' sideline. Williams boasts a rare combination of length and fundamental run-blocking capability. By claiming Williams, the Falcons sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they will actively scour the waiver wires to hoard massive, high-upside blockers who can control the edge and wear down opposing defensive fronts in the fourth quarter.

In the sixth round of the draft, Atlanta selected defensive tackle Anterio Thompson out of Washington. Measuring 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Thompson is a mountain of a man who anchors the interior defensive line. What makes Thompson a defining piece of this new-look roster is his freakish athletic profile for his size. He posted a spectacular Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.36 out of 10.00, indicating elite explosiveness and quickness. Scouting reports emphasize his “killer bull rush” and “explosive power” off the ball. Though currently managing a non-football injury (NFI) to start his rookie campaign, Thompson was kept on the active list—a testament to how highly defensive line coach Nate Ollie values his devastating physical ceiling.

Not to be cliche, but Rome wasn't built in a day. Even if recent years in Atlanta feel closer to Little Italy in terms of laying the bricks, Ian Cunningham's work is not going to stop anytime soon in improving the Falcons roster to be a better contender. Week 1 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and beyond. Nonethless, it's time to tee it up.

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