The Falcons pass rush disappointed during the 2018 season and Atlanta could use another edge rusher. This draft class is luckily very deep at the position and adding a quality pass rusher or even two come April is possible. Currently, the team has just Vic Beasley, Takkarist McKinley, Steven Means and Jack Crawford on the roster at edge. With Crawford able to play either DE or DT, it gives the team enough flexibility to take a defensive end early in the draft with the choice to slide Crawford inside.
After 2019, the Falcons only have McKinley under contract and finding him a long-term sack artist partner is something the team needs. Atlanta must look for a true three-down defensive end who can play the run well, align in both the nickel and base packages and also rush the passer effectively. Here’s eight prospects they should consider this year.
Round 1: EDGE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
Clelin Ferrell is an effort player who has all of the off-field characteristics that fit coach Dan Quinn’s brotherhood philosophy. He also has eye-opening production, averaging 10.5 sacks the last two years. Ferrell is more of a technique-driven pass rusher than someone who has a great first step who bends the edge quickly. His pass rushing style will draw comparisons to Justin Houston and how he wins makes him ideally suited to play at strong-side end in Atlanta’s base 4-3 defense. He also has the power to align inside in NASCAR packages featuring four defensive ends.
Round 2: EDGE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
Continuing the search for a Michael Bennett-type for Quinn’s defense, the Falcons should take a look at the 6-foot-5, 269-pound Jaylon Ferguson, who has put up years of 14.5 and 17.5 sacks. He’s done it relying on a great first step and intelligent, violent use of his hands. He embarrassed college OTs with his power. Ferguson really thrives against the run, though. He’s able to set the edge effectively and can wrap in the open field with the best of them.
Round 3: EDGE D’Andre Walker, Georgia
It’s not often a Georgia product actually gets drafted by the Falcons, but if D’Andre Walker gets a shot, he could be a diamond in the rough. He projects as a base strong-side linebacker right away, but could grow into a specialized pass rusher some day. The intensity he shows on the field suggests that he’s the kind of player Quinn would love. Once he learns how to use his hands, he could be a dominating pass rusher. Ferguson understands how to keep his pads low and shows a lot of flexibility. Many teams would be lucky to get him in the third round.
Round 4: EDGE Christian Miller, Alabama
Christian Miller (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) already has a series of counters in his repertoire that will benefit him against the run. However, his pass rushing abilities are going to be useful, as well. He won’t be a 10-sack a year kind of guy, but his early potential shows he can get at least five on a regular basis. Miller would instantly start on the weak-side in base formations and could allow Takk McKinley to play more specialized nickel set roles.
Round 4 (comp): EDGE Jalen Jelks, Oregon
Jalen Jelks is a prototypical defensive end for Quinn’s system. He’s a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge with a frame to add a lot more weight once he gets into an NFL-strength program. He can create a ton of pressures, but his inability to convert those pressures into sacks doesn’t inspire much confidence that he is ready to be a premier pass rusher at this time. Atlanta could be the perfect fit for him, though. Once he finally gets it all together, the Falcons could have an excellent complement for McKinley in the edge rotation.
Round 5: EDGE Charles Omenihu, Texas
It’s rare for men that are 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds to move as fast as Charles Omenihu does off the snap. His first step allows him to beat players on the edge easily in the run game. So does his excellent hand usage that allows him to keep his body clean. His ability to mix up his pass rushing moves will have him starting early for whoever takes him. The Longhorns used Omenihu as the B-gap defender between the tackle and guard as well as far out as a 9-technique off the edge of the tight end. The Falcons could use that kind of versatility. If he’s still around in the fifth, he might be a steal.
Round 5 (comp): EDGE Carl Granderson, Wyoming
Carl Granderson is an above-average pass rusher but as a run defender, there’s a lot that’s lacking. He doesn’t win with a great first step, but he has solid enough technique, especially with his hands to be effective early on. The Falcons could use him as a depth option. However, his long-term potential is very low.
Round 6: EDGE Wyatt Ray, Boston College
Wyatt Ray is a product of the players around him. While he’s a solid enough complementary rusher who can use his athleticism to beat offensive tackles, he doesn’t look like the kind of defender who will maximize as anything else outside of a standard rotational piece. The Falcons might take him and expect a solid special teams addition.
