Atlanta Falcons address pass rush in ESPN’s too-early NFL Mock Draft

The Atlanta Falcons were almost universally mocked last cycle with Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Dallas Turner. They surprised almost everyone by passing on a position player for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick.

The Falcons addressed the point guard position in the third round with former Washington Huskies star Bralen Trice, but until proven otherwise, that remains the team’s biggest need.

It’s no surprise, then, that ESPN’s early 2025 NFL Mock Draft features the Atlanta Falcons always selecting an edge rusher.

ESPN used its Power Index to determine the draft order, and the Falcons selected JT Tuimoloau, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ top pick, with the 22nd pick in their 2025 mock draft.

“The Falcons finished 32nd in the league in rushing success rate last season (30.9 percent) and then didn’t add at outside linebacker until the third round of the draft,” Matt Miller wrote on ESPN+. “Tuimoloau, who displays unique footwork, is primed for a big season as a senior after recording five sacks last year. If he can string together more consistent performances in 2024, the 270-pound rusher could move up the rankings.”

At 270 pounds, Tuimoloau doesn’t necessarily fit the bill as a standout player. He’s closer to former teammate Zach Harrison, who finished strong last year. He’s also closer to Falcons fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlus, who measured 6’3” and weighed 300 pounds at the NFL Combine, than he is to 2022 second-rounder Arnold Ebiketie, who measured 6’2” and weighed 250 pounds at the same event.

The top prospects in the NFL Draft will obviously change over the next year. Still, it will be interesting to see who to consider keeping an eye on this fall if the Falcons choose in the bottom third of the draft instead of Arthur Smith’s commemorative No. 8.

Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Mykel Williams is being selected 17th overall by the Chicago Bears, and Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton is being selected 26th overall by the Buffalo Bills. In between those picks are mostly interior linemen and quarterbacks, which shouldn’t be a priority for the Falcons after addressing those long-term needs in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It’s a feeling of déjà vu with the Falcons being tied to an edge rusher this early in the process. But with quarterback addressed, it’s the team’s biggest need until it’s not. Ebiketie and Trice have an opportunity in 2024 to give the Falcons the luxury of focusing on another position in the first round.