24 defensive prospects the Falcons could target in 2024 draft

Looking at 24 defensive prospects the Falcons could target in the 2024 NFL draft

The Atlanta Falcons have more talent than they’ve had in recent seasons, but with players like Calais Campbell, Bud Dupree, David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett on defense, Atlanta’s front seven is getting a little long in the tooth.

In the secondary, starting cornerback Jeff Okudah is set to hit free agency this offseason. The Falcons could look to upgrade their defense in the 2024 NFL draft.

After looking at 24 offensive prospects, let’s check out 24 defensive prospects the team could target in this year’s draft class.

NFL Draft: 5 TEs the Falcons could target after Round 1

Here are five tight ends the Falcons could target after the first round.

Although the Falcons have been heavily linked with Florida’s Kyle Pitts, the need for a tight end is considerably small. Atlanta traded for Lee Smith, signed Ryan Becker, and Hayden Hurst is still under contract.

Nonetheless, the Falcons have nine draft picks and could use one of those picks on a tight end outside of the first round. Here are five potential targets.

NFL Draft: 5 WRs the Falcons could target outside of top 10

Here are five receivers the Falcons could target in the 2021 draft without having to use a top-10 pick on the position.

The Atlanta Falcons may not be looking to select a wide receiver at No. 4 overall, but that doesn’t mean they will ignore the position entirely. With all the attention focused on the draft’s top four receiving options (Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith and TE/WR Kyle Pitts), there are a handful of reliable playmakers the team could get outside of the top 10.

Here are five receivers the Falcons could target in the 2021 draft without having to use a top-10 pick on the position.

Watch: Defensive backs go through combine drills

When the 2019 season ended, the Atlanta Falcons were thought to be in the market for a corner or safety in the first round.

When the 2019 season ended, the Atlanta Falcons were thought to be in the market for a corner or safety in the first round. However, that changed once the team announced it would be moving on from DE Vic Beasley, and will let LB De’Vondre Campbell and TE Austin Hooper test free agency.

With two second-round picks and an impressive 2020 defensive back class, the Falcons could still add a player or two in the secondary. The NFL scouting combine continues today with the defensive backs taking the field. Let’s take a look at some of Sunday’s top performers thus far.

OSU’s Jeff Okudah solidifies himself as the draft’s top corner:

Utah DB Javelin Guidry showed next level speed at the 40:

Alabama CB Trevon Diggs does it all:

Florida CB and possible Falcons draft target C.J. Henderson runs a 4.39:

Javaris Davis of Auburn brings his A-game:

Clemson safety Tanner Muse has wheels:

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger runs a respectable 4.50:

6-foot-3 Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn flashes his athleticism:

The Gauntlet Drill:

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Video: Best of linebacker prospects at the combine

The NFL scouting combine has helped some of the year’s top draft prospects display their athleticism.

The NFL scouting combine has helped some of the year’s top draft prospects display their athleticism. On Saturday, the linebackers shined, particularly in the 40-yard dash where Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray and Patrick Queen flashed elite speed.

Watch some of the best moments from the linebacker class as shared by the NFL’s Twitter account below:

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Falcons formally met with confident LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

One name being linked to the Falcons is LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson, one of the top edge rushers in this year’s class.

The Atlanta Falcons are doing their due diligence at the NFL scouting combine, talking with several of the draft’s defensive line and outside linebacker prospects.

A name being linked to the Falcons is LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson, one of the top edge rushers in this year’s class. Chaisson formally met with the team earlier this week, and according to Kelsey Conway, Atlanta’s entire defensive staff was present:

Chaisson, one of the players most frequently projected to the Falcons in mock drafts — along with Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa — sounded extremely optimistic when talking about his meeting with the team:

Atlanta could be locking in on Chaisson with Vic Beasley on his way out. The versatile LSU standout has no shortage in confidence, talking about his ability to do more than just rush the passer at the combine:

The Falcons met with several other prospects, appearing to put a premium on the defensive line, linebacker and running back positions.

Some of the players that have reportedly spoken with Atlanta include Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor, Utah DE Bradlee Anae and Ohio State LB Malik Harrison.

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2020 NFL Draft: 7 possible targets for Falcons in 2nd round

The Falcons have their work cut out for them this offseason with potentially three starters leaving in free agency.

The Falcons have their work cut out for them this offseason with potentially three starters leaving in free agency. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and tight end Austin Hooper could be too pricey for Atlanta to bring back, plus the team has already said it will not retain defensive end Vic Beasley.

We’ve looked at some different options for the Falcons at pick No. 16, so today we will examine seven players they could target with their two second-round picks in the 2020 draft.

Zack Moss, RB, Utah

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

2019 Stats: 235 rushes, 1,416 yards, 15 TDs; 28 catches, 388 yards, 2 TDs

Analysis: Utah’s Zack Moss is rising up draft boards, even drawing comparisons to Marshawn Lynch. He’s a ferocious runner that has good vision and is tough to bring down. Moss had a wildly productive 2019 season, averaging 6.0 yards per carry and scoring 17 total touchdowns. If Atlanta releases Devonta Freeman, Moss would be a good option if he’s available in the second.

Video: Moss (No. 2) rushes for 131 yards against Oregon below: