ATL Standard

The upcoming NFL Draft is presenting a variety of prospects for the Atlanta Falcons, especially when it comes to selecting a pass rusher. In her recent mock draft, Tori McElhaney offered a scenario where Atlanta does not pick an edge rusher with the No. 15 pick, focusing instead on strengthening the secondary. However, this decision left some fans questioning, "What about the pass rush?" McElhaney acknowledges that mock drafts are more about exploring scenarios than predicting outcomes. The Falcons could choose a defensive back in the first round, but they might also look in other directions.

Terry Fontenot, Falcons general manager, prefers to draft the best available players rather than focusing solely on positional needs. Some advocates for Atlanta argue for narrowing the draft focus to key positions. For those hoping Atlanta will select a pass rusher in the first round, the draft offers many options that align with the Falcons' defensive strategy.

Penn State's Abdul Carter is expected to be a top-5 pick, so he is not part of this analysis, but the article does discuss several potential pass rusher candidates. These include:

- **Jalon Walker (UGA):** A versatile off-ball linebacker weighing 245 pounds, Walker was productive last season. His skills make him a fit for Atlanta's defense.

- **Mykel Williams (UGA):** Williams is viewed as a wild card due to an ankle injury in 2024. His potential is significant, given his ability to set the edge in the run game and success as a pass rusher.

- **Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M):** Despite impressive physical attributes, Stewart's lower college production presents a challenge. He is considered a test for scouts' philosophies on production versus potential.

- **Mike Green (Marshall):** Known for his explosiveness and production, leading FBS players with 17 sacks, Green's skillset offers a diverse range of moves.

- **Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College):** Ezeiruaku excels in pass rush moves and had 16.5 sacks last season. His ability to drop in coverage adds to his appeal.

- **James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee):** Pearce combines agility with power and has amassed 17.5 sacks over two seasons, making him a unique prospect in the draft.

The Falcons have many potential options available when selecting a new talent to bolster their roster.