PFF candidate for Atlanta Falcons would provide major boost to defense

The Atlanta Falcons have strengthened their defensive front by signing three defensive linemen with their first four picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. These three selections took place on day 2 or 3.

But Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus (PFF) argued that no one should forget a Day 2 pick the Falcons made two years ago – edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie.

Locker named Ebiketie the Falcons’ top prospect for the 2024 season.

“The Falcons lost Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, but didn’t draft a rusher until the third round,” Locker wrote. “As a result, second-year players like Ebiketie will need to increase their production compared to last year.

“The former second-round pick accumulated 28 pressures and two forced fumbles on just 385 snaps to revive his professional career.”

With only 385 photos, Ebiketie will undoubtedly break out again in 2023. He recorded 6 sacks, more than twice as many as his rookie season, and a career-best 12 hits.

As Locker explained, the Falcons did not re-sign Campbell or Dupree this offseason. So it’s very likely that Ebiketie will have the opportunity to build on his 6-sack season with more playing time in 2024.

The question, if there is one, with Ebiketie is why the Falcons didn’t trust him more last season. Ebiketie had just 0.5 fewer sacks than Campbell and Dupree while playing far fewer snaps.

Although Ebiketie’s efficiency was impressive, he played 131 fewer snaps in his sophomore season than his freshman year. Decreased playing time isn’t really a sign of a breakout candidate.

The Falcons may have preferred to trust their veterans more than Ebiketie last season, and former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen regularly preferred a four-man front with a single rusher. But the team is now confident in the 2022 second round.

Atlanta did not add an upside in free agency and did not address the position at No. 8 in the draft.

Instead, the Falcons grabbed edge rusher Bralen Trice and defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. They also selected defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round.

Atlanta will count on Ebiketie to lead this group. With this confidence stemming from its effectiveness in 2023, it’s not hard to see why Locker has labeled Ebiketie as a breakout candidate.

Follow all the hawks on Facebook | X