The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2024 NFL Draft with eight picks. Following an offense-focused spending spree in free agency, the Falcons turned their attention to defense, selecting six defensive players among their eight picks.
While rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. stole most of the spotlight, Atlanta’s 2024 rookie class as a whole had a relatively quiet season. The six defensive selections saw limited playing time, as the team leaned heavily on its veteran roster.
Here’s a closer look at what each rookie accomplished during the 2024 season.
1. Michael Penix Jr.: Round 1, Pick 8
2024 Stats: 105 Attempts, 61 Completions, 58.1%, 775 Yards, 7.4 Average, 3 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, 4 Sacks - 7 Carries, 11 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Pro Football Focus Grade: 87.9
The Atlanta Falcons made one of the most controversial picks in recent NFL history by selecting former Washington Husky quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the first round, just a month after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Despite the initial controversy, the Falcons appear to have made the right choice, as Penix has shown franchise quarterback potential in his late-season starts. Penix performed exceptionally well in all of his appearances, regardless of what the statistics might suggest. His three interceptions were the result of receiver errors: two dropped passes and one potential hold or incorrect route.
The rookie showcased remarkable poise in the pocket and led Atlanta to two significant fourth-quarter game-tying drives that forced his final two games into overtime. Although Penix never had possession during either overtime period, his performance confirmed that the Falcons made the right decision by selecting him at No. 8.
With an entire offseason to build chemistry with his star pass-catchers, the Atlanta offense looks ready to make a splash across the NFL in 2025 with Penix under center.
2. Ruke Orhorhoro: Round 2, Pick 35
2024 Stats: 11 Total Tackles, 4 Solo Tackles, 147 Defensive Snaps
Pro Football Focus Grade: 56.2
Atlanta surprised many by trading up to select Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro. The team traded their No. 43 and No. 79 picks to the Cardinals in exchange for Orhorhoro at No. 35, while also acquiring the Cardinals' No. 186 pick.
However, Orhorhoro's limited contributions on defense raise questions about Atlanta's decision to trade up for a player they used sparingly in 2024. With the 35th pick, Atlanta passed on Cooper DeJean—selected by Philadelphia at No. 40—a cornerback who could have made an immediate impact in the secondary. Orhorhoro played just 147 defensive snaps this past season, as Atlanta relied heavily on their veteran defenders.
Orhorhoro showed improvement as the season progressed, even while dealing with injuries. His raw talent became increasingly evident, particularly toward the end of the season. The rookie has significant potential and is expected to earn meaningful snaps in 2025.
Looking ahead, with David Onyemata's and Grady Jarrett's significant cap hits taking up a large portion of Atlanta's 2025 budget, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team moved on from one or both veteran defensive tackles. If that happens, Orhorhoro will be someone Atlanta must rely on to step up in 2025.
3. Bralen Trice: Round 3, Pick 74
2024 Season: Injured Reserve
The Falcons had appeared to have found a gem in the third round by selecting another Washington Husky, EDGE Bralen Trice. Before the season began, there were significant concerns about Atlanta’s pass rush, or lack thereof.
Trice quickly gained attention during the offseason, earning more first-team reps than any other rookie. A dominant force in college, he led the FBS in quarterback pressures in both 2022 (70) and 2023 (78).
Unfortunately, Trice's promising rookie season was cut short when he suffered a season-ending knee injury during Atlanta’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. He was placed on injured reserve on August 11, and just four days later, the Falcons traded a 2025 third-round pick to the New England Patriots to acquire veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon.
Once healthy, Bralen Trice should be a valuable addition to Atlanta’s defense in 2025, particularly if the Falcons decide to move on from Judon.
4. Brandon Dorlus: Round 4, Pick 109
2024 Stats: 3 Total Tackles, 1 Solo Tackles, 19 Defensive Snaps
Pro Football Focus Grade: 63.0 (limited)
The rookie defensive tackle did not play any snaps until Week 11 against the Denver Broncos. Dorlus was expected to add "versatility" to the defensive line but saw very little action during the 2024 season.
The former Oregon Duck recorded five sacks in his final college season and led the team in tackles for loss (9.5) in 2022. If David Onyemata is not retained, Dorlus should see more opportunities and increased production in his second year, particularly under a new defensive coordinator.
5. JD Bertrand: Round 5, Pick 144
2024 Stats: 23 Total Tackles, 16 Solo Tackles, 1 Sack, 157 Defensive Snaps
Pro Football Focus Grade: 49.8
JD Bertrand logged the most snaps of any defensive rookie for the Falcons in 2024. Bertrand capitalized on injuries within the linebacker group and made the most of his opportunities.
Nicknamed “Captain America” during training camp, Bertrand showed steady improvement as the season progressed, culminating in a standout performance in Week 17 against the Commanders. As a pass rusher, likely influenced by Kaden Elliss, Bertrand excelled and delivered a key sack on Jayden Daniels.
While Bertrand had a solid rookie campaign, his coverage skills remain an area for improvement, as is the case for much of the Falcons' linebacker corps. Bertrand projects as a valuable depth piece who can continue to make impactful plays. However, if Troy Andersen and Nate Landman stay healthy in 2025, Bertrand may see increased time on special teams.
6. Jase McClellan: Round 6, Pick 186
2024 Stats: 13 Carries, 32 Yards, 2.5 Average, 19 Offensive Snaps
Pro Football Focus Grade: 70.6 (Limited)
Jase McClellan saw more opportunities than fellow sixth-round pick Casey Washington, though his chances came late in two blowout losses. Despite limited action, the rookie gained valuable live reps before heading to injured reserve in December, prematurely ending his first season.
Being the third-string running back behind two of the NFL’s best in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier is no easy task. Atlanta’s lead duo is exceptionally durable—Allgeier has missed only one game in his three-year career, and it wasn’t due to injury. With no role on special teams, McClellan faces limited opportunities for playing time.
Barring injuries to the starters, McClellan is unlikely to see significant action in 2025. However, learning from two elite backs and working behind a strong offensive line positions him well to capitalize on any chances that come his way.
7. Casey Washington: Round 6, Pick 187
2024 Stats: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 14 Yards
Pro Football Focus Grade: 76.0 (Limited)
Casey Washington emerged as one of Michael Penix’s favorite targets during the preseason. In Penix’s lone preseason game, he targeted Washington nine times on 16 pass attempts. The limited first-team reps Penix saw during the season allowed him to develop chemistry with his fellow rookie receiver.
When Penix was named the starter, there was hope for an elevated role for Washington, but that opportunity never materialized. His lone reception of the season came in Week 11 during a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, when Penix entered late to relieve Kirk Cousins.
Washington is poised for a larger role in 2025, though the extent of his involvement remains uncertain given the depth of Atlanta's offensive roster. If he continues to build chemistry with Penix, Washington could work his way into the WR4 spot next season.
8. Zion Logue: Round 6, Pick 197
2024 Stats: 2 Solo Tackles, 36 Defensive Snaps (All with Buffalo)
Logue did not initially make the Atlanta Falcons' 53-man roster and was signed to their practice squad. However, on October 1, the Buffalo Bills signed the defensive tackle off Atlanta's practice squad, and he has been with the Bills ever since.