When the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, they gave their supporters and the league a clear indication that they were ready to compete, but with their current roster, they aren’t prepared to do so in the postseason.
Although the team is strong favorites to win the weak NFC South, Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris’ acquisition of the best quarterback available means that winning the division is no longer the team’s main objective. These days, the focus is on postseason success.
The defense needs a lot of attention, but the attack is probably almost set. Additionally, it is not only about the staff. Jimmy Lake’s future is still up in the air, but he has large shoes to fill once Ryan Nielsen leaves. From 2022 to 2023, the Falcons saw statistical improvements in seven key areas; the biggest increase occurred in sacks, which went from 21 to 42. Atlanta also ranked fourth in red zone defense (45.3%) and third in third-down defense (33.8%).
For Kirk Cousins, the offense has always carried his teams. Even though his defense and special teams are ranked 28th out of 36, the Athletic reports that his teams have placed 13th out of 36 in terms of EPA per start according to TruMedia.
On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Falcons agreed to deals with Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney, filling their two biggest roster vacancies. The defense hasn’t been addressed yet, though.
Priority one is to be giving EDGE rusher experience.
Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, and Lorenzo Carter as an EDGE unit cannot be selected by the Falcons before the draft. That group could be the poorest in the league. If Ebiketie’s development accelerates significantly, he could grow to 7-9 sacks. Zach Harrison might also be useful, although he will be used as a scrimmage lineman. Malone has not yet received any significant playing time, and Carter is more of a rotational player.
It’s not that they didn’t try. Drafting one of the best prospects shouldn’t be the sole strategy; Terry Fontenot has access to information on Brian Burns, Danielle Hunter, Montez Sweat, and possibly others that we are unaware of. Jared Verse, Dallas Turner, and Laiatu Latu are all tempting choices, but they should be used to enhance the space rather than as a mainstay.
Before the NFL draft, the Falcons need to sign a proven player like Jadeveon Clowney or Haason Reddick.
Although it’s not as urgent, cornerback still needs to be addressed.
While Dee Alford and Clark Phillips are great players, let’s not act like they would be the best starting tandem with A.J. Terrell. The Falcons need a starting-caliber acquisition, someone who can at least challenge Phillips for the starting role, but they don’t need an impact player like the EDGE position. I am referring to targets such as Stephon Gilmore, Steven Nelson, and Xavien Howard. NFL teams require two reliable depth players in order to have three starters on the field.
Perhaps even another defensive back
Jessie Bates’ starting positions aren’t set in stone for Richie Grant and DeMarcco Hellams, and there are plenty of possibilities in the safety market. Although it’s not as important as EDGE and Corner, an improvement is still very much appreciated.
