Despite drafting edge rushers in the first rounds of the 2015 and 2017 NFL drafts, the Atlanta Falcons have a pretty glaring need at the defensive end position.
The team let Vic Bealsey walk in free agency prior to the season, and waived Takk McKinley a few weeks ago. And while the Falcons have Dante Fowler under contract for two more seasons, don’t be surprised to see the new general manager select a pass rusher early in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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That’s the case in Draft Wire’s new mock draft, at least. Luke Easterling projects several quarterbacks to go in the first round, but has Atlanta drafting Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye with the tenth-overall pick. Here’s what Easterling says about the selection:
The Dirty Birds have spent multiple first-round picks in recent drafts trying to find a consistent, dominant edge rusher, but to no avail. In this situation, they swing away on yet another one, hoping Paye’s rare combination of size, athleticism and versatility can make him what Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley never became.
The Falcons are coming off of a dominant 43-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 in which the team forced five turnovers. Defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner had a breakout game, netting his first career sack and first NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.
Atlanta could benefit from another edge rusher to take pressure off of Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett. There’s still plenty of directions this team could go, and until the Falcons name a new GM, we have no idea what the future holds.
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