Can Atlanta Falcons Make Playoffs With 'Right' Defensive Draft Additions?

After a free agency period where the Atlanta Falcons spent heavily on their offense, it seems the belief is they'll focus on the defense in the NFL Draft.

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons haven’t made the postseason since 2016, and despite it being the first year under new coach Raheem Morris, they aim to end that drought this coming season. 

The Falcons have made that goal clear through their offseason moves so far. Like last offseason, the Falcons were big spenders, this time heavily focusing on improving their offense with the signings of quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Darnell Mooney, among other additions. This begs the question: What else do the Falcons need to realize their goal? 

According to ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell, a few additions through the NFL Draft could be enough to see the Falcons end their postseason drought.

“But I think this Falcons team has a lot to play for this year. They are closer than a lot of people may give them credit for. The defense was not great the last couple weeks of the year. But up to that point, up to Week 16, the Falcons were allowing the fifth-fewest points per possession of any defense in football, …” Barnwell said on a recent edition of ESPN’s NFL Live. “[The Falcons] could win a playoff game if they get their defensive additions right in the draft this year."

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Barnwell’s evaluation of the Falcons’ defense last season isn’t wrong. Thanks to last offseason’s hiring of then-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the Falcons saw a big improvement from the two years before on that side of the ball. 

When Nielsen was hired and the Falcons spent heavily in free agency last offseason, the unit went from one of the league’s worst passing defenses to one of the best. The Falcons finished the season with the eighth-best passing defense according to yards allowed per game while ranking No. 10 in total yards allowed per game.

With top needs like quarterback and even receiver already seemingly addressed through free agency and via trades, it makes sense for the Falcons to focus heavily on defense in the upcoming draft. 

With holes remaining at edge rusher and cornerback, the Falcons could address either with the No. 8 overall pick. However, in recent weeks, most mock drafts have projected them to fill their long-standing need at pass-rusher. 

If the Falcons manage to fill their need at pass-rusher, among other positions, on paper, Barnwell’s assessment is hard to disagree with; the Falcons could put themselves in a position to be a true playoff contender.