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How Bralen Trice Fits Into the Atlanta Falcons

Theo

Atlanta Falcons fans have been deprived of a consistent pass rush since 2013. It’s one of the oldest jokes in the NFL and, aside from a brief glimmer of hope from Vic Beasley, it stands continues. With the 74th pick in the 2024 draft, the Falcons decided to make another attempt at finding an answer to their pass rush woes by drafting Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice.

Coming out of Washington, Trice has had the most pressure of any edge player since 2021. That type of production will put you on everyone’s draft board, but what put him at- over the edge for Atlanta? We look at some of the positives in his game, what Trice can improve on, and his overall fit in a Raheem Morris/Jimmy Lake defensive scheme.

Good points

High engine

The first thing that pops up on Trice’s tape is the fact that Trice just won’t stop. There are plenty of examples in the run and pass game where he plays simply through the effort he brings to each snap. Every time Trice lines up, it’s clear he’s shooting the ball with everything he’s got.

Physical

Another thing Trice brings when he shoots the way he does is a physicality and violence that will always be coveted in the NFL. Trice’s violent nature can take a toll on offensive linemen throughout a game, especially when you pair it with his efforts.

Ground

It can’t be emphasized enough how weak this pass rush has been over the last decade. The Falcons have taken risks adding to the outside pass rush, including bringing in Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone in 2022. What Trice gives you with the traits above is a floor that looks higher than most third-round rookies. It’s hard to imagine a world in which Trice wouldn’t be at least a solid piece in the NFL, whether for the Falcons or elsewhere, based on his college production and effort level.

Negative points

Stiffness

There’s not much specialness in Trice’s game. Let me clarify, this is good. He has enough that he can still be effective in the pass-rushing department, but if there is a limitation, it will be the stiffness of his hips and general lack of athleticism.

Conclusion

How Bralen Trice fell to the Falcons at 74 baffles me. He doesn’t have the most upside in this class, but his proven ability to get to the quarterback should have put him no later than the middle of the second round. The Falcons have a chance to pull off a real steal on day two in Trice as Morris and Lake line him up on the outside, moving him into coverage (yes, he can do that) and getting after the quarterback for years in red and black. .

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