The Atlanta Falcons don't get after opposing quarterbacks very well. The team mustered a measly 22.0 sacks in 2014, the same amount that Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston recorded by himself. The lack of a consistent pass-rush put too much strain on Atlanta's young secondary and the defense ended up allowing the most passing yards per game in the league (279.9).
But the silver lining is that the Falcons will likely be able to address this glaring need in the upcoming NFL draft. This year's class is deep with talented pass-rushers and Atlanta, picking eighth overall, are in a prime position to add one of them.
"It's probably the strength of this draft," Bill Polian, former general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, said of the pass-rusher prospects. "So it is a good time to be in that market. The odds are pretty good, I think, that somebody good in that position is going to be there for (the Falcons). That's what you like to have. You like for the need line and the talent line to cross."
USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams may be gone by the time Atlanta picks, but there are a handful of other talented players that may still be on the board. Florida's Dante Flowers, Nebraska's Randy Gregory, Missouri's Shane Ray, Clemson's Vic Beasley and Oregon's Arik Armstead will all be significantly scouted and considered by Atlanta's decision makers.
"Assuming that (Falcons coach) Dan (Quinn) is going to play the same defense, I don't know that he said that, then they all fit either the (outside linebacker) position," Polian said. "There are others that fit the (traditional defensive end) position. That wouldn't be a problem. But if you are thinking about a power 4-3 where you want the guy to play a five-technique, there are some that are a little bit light."
Polian is likely talking about Gregory and Ray when he mentions the lighter players. Both are listed under 250 pounds by ESPN. Regardless, the bevy of enticing pass-rushing options will allow Atlanta some flexibility when picking.
