Falcons New Look Defense

(Image via AtlantaFalcons.com)

By: Lucas Kochevar

The Falcons haven’t had a strong defense since 2017. They’ve been a laughing stock, especially when it comes to rushing the passer, for years now. With a new defensive coordinator and several new starters, the Falcons are going to be a completely different unit. They lost one of their franchise staples with Grady Jarrett and his leadership, but if you look at his numbers on the field, it was time. They’ll try to fill in his leadership with new draft picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. 

Jalon Walker has been everything you could ask for in a draft pick already off the field. The command he holds at his age shows the type of leader he can and will be at the next level. Pearce Jr. has more questions surrounding him, but still can grow into the type of guy the Falcons wanted when they traded back into the first for him. On the field, both players will have to carry the load that many rookies don’t have to. The Falcons haven’t had a legitimate pass rush in ages and the rookies will get the opportunities to step up.

The Falcons also brought in veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd for a one year deal to bridge the year until they have more concrete plans. Floyd has been a steady producer for a number of teams, most recently the 49ers. They will also need Zach Harrison. Brandon Dorlus, Bralen Trice and Ruke Orhorhoro to step into big roles and grow up quickly. These guys are all young guns that will be heavily relied on to be, at the very least, playable. 

The Falcons secondary will also have a big role to play in the Falcons success as the cornerback opposite of A.J. Terrell was a disaster. Terrell bounced back after some tough seasons and Jessie Bates was terrific as usual. Justin Simmons departed after a year and now Jordan Filler, Xavier Watts and Alan Bowman will have to fill his role. Lastly, the nickel cornerback spot will be a big spot for the Falcons to improve at as it cannot be any worse than what they trotted out last season.