The Atlanta Falcons will go into the 2024 season with a different defensive coordinator for the third straight year. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris hired Jimmy Lake to replace Ryan Nielsen, who took a job in Jacksonville.
On Wednesday, Lake met with the media and said the team was going back to a base 3-4 scheme. This is good news for outside linebackers like Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone. Both players were drafted under former defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who ran a 3-4 defense from 2021-2022.
While Malone’s role was drastically reduced under Nielsen, Ebiketie made strides in 2023. Ebiketie recorded six sacks, 12 QB hits, and two forced fumbles for Atlanta last season. Pro Football Focus’ Jonathon Macri named the third-year edge rusher as a potential breakout candidate for 2024:
The Falcons moved up in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft to select Ebiektie out of Penn State. As Macri points out, Ebiketie should have an increased role in 2024, assuming the team doesn’t sign a big-name pass-rusher in free agency.
Falcons linebacker Bud Dupree and defensive lineman Calais Campbell are set to hit free agency this offseason, which could also help Ebiketie earn more playing time. Nonetheless, the former Nittany Lions edge rusher appears to have a bright future in Atlanta.