4 New Atlanta Falcons Fans Not Named Kirk Cousins ​​Should Be Excited

Despite the chatter surrounding the Atlanta Falcons and their offseason, Atlanta appears well prepared to make some noise in 2024. The NFC South is still one of, if not the weakest, divisions in the league. Atlanta still has the easier strength of schedule heading into the year, and they still have three top-caliber offensive weapons waiting to be used in a role more conducive to their skills. The major acquisition this offseason was quarterback Kirk Cousins, but that’s too easy a selection for an exercise like this. Instead, we take a look at all the new acquisitions and pick four that should get Falcons fans excited.

Darnell Mooney

Drake London needed a running mate and, no offense to Mack Hollins, he hasn’t had one to be happy about since his arrival in Atlanta. In 2021, Mooney’s best season, his 640-plus receiving snaps were distributed almost evenly, with a slight tendency to work him from the outside. His versatility allows him and London to be more unpredictable in how offensive coordinator Zac Robinson can use them in his offense.

DL Brandon Dorlus

I’ll say it: fourth-round pick Brandon Dorlus will be the immediate impact guy on the line in Atlanta. His versatility along the defensive line allows him to see the field in different formations and situations where head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake can find advantageous matchups for him.

WR Casey Washington

I can’t emphasize enough how exciting the prospect of sixth-round receiver Casey Washington is for this offense. Atlanta had the horizontal stretchers in Rondale Moore and Ray-Ray McCloud. They had physical players who could work through the middle and up to the seams, like Kyle Pitts and Drake London. They even have the reliable splitter that can get you a first down if needed in Darnell Mooney, but they didn’t have the true vertical field stretcher and 50/50 ball winner outside of London. Sure, you can put Pitts there, but that confines him to that spot when you want to expand Pitts’ role beyond that. Washington’s skill set allows for that vertical threat down the field while giving Cousins ​​another 50/50 ball fade and back shoulder option on the sideline.

OLB Bralen Trice

Even when Arnold Ebiketie was drafted in the second round of the 2022 draft, there didn’t seem to be the hype that third-round pick Bralen Trice has generated in Atlanta until now. It could be the vaunted pressure production he’s put into place in Washington, it could be that he’s one of the few pass-rush options added to the roster. Whatever the reason, Falcons fans should be excited about Trice gaining experience on the perimeter of this defense. His relentless motor and playmaking strength make him an interesting player to watch for Falcons fans.