Falcons outside linebackers ready to take a leap forward and ‘show the world’ in 2024

Ebiketie agreed with that sentiment, sharing that there was a different level of comfort and familiarity as he prepares for his third training camp.

“The further you go in the league, everything starts to slow down and it’s going to be a little different,” Ebiketie said. “I definitely think I have a routine in place for my third year compared to my first year.”

Trice is about to get his first lesson in what a training camp routine looks like. Atlanta drafted Trice in the third round in April. Trice’s explosiveness was obvious on tape — he led all FBS players in pressures over the past two seasons — and it’s already been evident in his short time on the field with the Falcons. Trice was also voted a team captain and considered a key leader on defense; the Falcons are quickly learning why.

“He’s a football nut. He loves it, he breathes football, he always wants to be around it,” Smith said. “It’s a fun sight to see for a rookie who wants to soak it all up like a sponge.”

Despite the Falcons’ youth at outside linebacker, Smith likes what he’s seen so far. It’s a group that will be scrutinized this fall after Atlanta didn’t acquire a big-name veteran or use its first-round pick at the position, but many believe it’s a unit on the rise.

“I’m really confident in the group we have,” Smith said. “I’m really confident in the way they work. To me, hard work always pays off. These guys work their asses off.”

Smith also sees a chance for his group to flourish under defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake’s new scheme. Lake will run a 3-4 base defense with four linebackers, which will give outside players more opportunities to rush.

Atlanta’s defense finished last season with 42 sacks, which ranked 21st in the league. The outside linebackers contributed 15.5 sacks last season with Dupree, Ebiketie and Carter. Those 42 sacks are the most by a Falcons defense since 2004, and they’re eager to surpass that total in 2024, starting with the edge rushers.

“The potential is growing and the pressure is on for us to get more,” Smith said. “We see it, and now we want more.”