Falcons draft Texas A&M pass rusher in new mock from ESPN

The Atlanta Falcons still have six games left to play before the season is over but we’re already noticing a trend in mock drafts. Since the defense has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, NFL analysts continue to project edge rushers to Atlanta.

It’s hard to argue, though. The Falcons rank dead last in sacks with 10 total through their first 11 games. While sacks are generally an overrated stat, they can also be a sign of consistent defensive pressure.

Even with the team sitting atop the NFC South at 6-5, Atlanta’s lack of a pass rush could limit any chance for a deep postseason run. Matthew Judon is in the final year of his contract and the Falcons need additional help regardless of whether or not he returns in 2025.

ESPN’s Matt Miller released a new mock draft of Round 1 which projects Atlanta to take Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton at pick No. 20:

Scourton, who transferred from Purdue to Texas A&M this past offseason, is a prototype power rusher. Though the 285-pounder might lack elite first-step explosion, he always comes with an excellent pass-rush plan and shows pro-grade hand usage, along with a surprising ability to bend the edge at his size. Scourton’s production is proven, with 15 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons, but he has even more upside if he improves at the point of attack. — Matt Miller, ESPN

The Falcons would benefit from adding someone with Scourton’s size and all-around game off the edge. The team’s run defense hasn’t been great this season, either. Scourton has a run defense grade of 79.4 from Pro Football Focus. Over his last two seasons, he has recorded 52 total pressures.

Rookie Bralen Trice was off to a promising start in the preseason before landing on the injured reserve list. The former third-round pick out of Washington should be back healthy next season. This could still be an area the Falcons look to address early in the draft.

The team is off in Week 12 but will return to play the Los Angeles Chargers at home in Week 13. In the meantime, check out the Falcons’ full list of players set to hit free agency in 2025.

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