Atlanta Falcons biggest challenge heading into training camp

In a recent article, NFL.com’s Eric Edholm revealed the biggest challenge each team faces as they all head into training camp in the coming weeks. Edholm named the Atlanta Falcons’ biggest challenge, and it probably won’t surprise you: Improving the pass rush.

With the eighth overall pick, the Falcons had their pick of every defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they took quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who became the blitz selection of the event. Atlanta did use five picks on defensive players, including DT Ruke Orhorhoro and OLB Bralen Trice on Day 2. But is that enough, along with what the Falcons already have? Their top two edge rushers from a year ago, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, are gone. Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Zach Harrison and potentially DeAngelo Malone have a chance to form a decent rotation, but there is no clear difference-maker. Atlanta also needs DT Grady Jarrett to return to form after a torn ACL. There is a lot for new head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake to sort out up front.

Edholm hits the nail on the head with his comments, as there is no clear alpha in this pass rushing unit. Atlanta doesn’t have their own TJ Watt or Myles Garrett who can completely dominate a game. Instead, they have a group of fairly serviceable pass rushers that Morris and the new staff are hoping can step up and get the job done. Unfortunately, Atlanta has missed out on a handful of pass rushers like Danielle Hunter and even missed out on a trade for former Philadelphia Eagles’ Haason Reddick this offseason. It’s fair to say that the team had opportunities to find their best pass rusher, but ultimately stuck with their current unit, along with a couple of mid-round draft picks.

Arnold Ebiketie, who had six sacks and two forced fumbles in 2023, figures to lead this group next season. There’s a chance that rookie Bralen Trice impresses in training camp and overtakes Carter for the No. 2 starting OLB position. In his final year with Washington, Trice had seven sacks and 49 total tackles. If Trice beats out Carter for the starting job, will he be able to immediately perform like he did in college?

Maybe the team doesn’t need a top-five pass rusher. Head coach Raheem Morris is fully capable of developing underrated players and getting the most out of them. Who’s to say he can’t do that here in Atlanta with guys like Ebiketie and Trice?

Once training camp ends, teams will trim their rosters to 53 players. Atlanta may not be comfortable with this unit, sees a pass rusher cut from another team, and could get another chance to bring someone into this group before their Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Raheem Morris and Jimmy Lake have a lot of confidence in this current unit and will be something to watch during Atlanta’s training camp. Will this group impress everyone, or does the team need to add someone for added strength? Either way, the Falcons need to do something to improve this unit and excite the fan base.

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