Round 2, No. 44 overall: DL Keion White, Georgia Tech
2022: 12 Games Played, 54 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 7.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Pass Deflection
2021: 4 Games Played, 4 Tackles, 0.5 Tackles for Loss
2020: Medically Redshirted
2019: 12 Games Played, 64 Tackles, 19.0 Tackles for Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 1 Pass Deflection, 1 Blocked Kick
2018: 8 Games Played, 11 Catches, 124 Yards
2017: Redshirted
The Falcons have been investing heavily into the defensive line this offseason by signing David Onyemata and bring back Eddie Goldman from retirement. However, when the defensive coordinator is a defensive line coach by trade, getting a lot of depth options is the smartest move. Keion White has all the tools to be a great player in Nielsen's system as a defensive end in the three-man fronts and as a defensive tackle in the four-man fronts. Nielsen likes to run pass-rush sets with defensive ends slid inside and White would fit in well here.
Keion White is a lot like a shorter Calais Campbell athletically. pic.twitter.com/bdJWh1KNkh
— Scott Carasik (@CarasikS) March 26, 2023
By getting White, Nielsen would have yet another piece to rotate with Grady Jarrett, Ta'Quon Graham, and the aforementioned Goldman and Onyemata. Having depth is always a good thing, but White would look to be a long-term starter next to Graham and Jarrett since Onyemata and Goldman have shorter-term deals. He would also be the best player available and bringing in White could give the Falcons an interior/exterior rusher they haven't had in their history.