Falcons GM Terry Fontenot 'Wants to Add Everywhere' on Defensive Line

The Atlanta Falcons will look to draft several defensive line pieces this offseason in free agency and the draft.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 2, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons could be interested in a number of pass rushers in this year's NFL Draft, especially with the No. 8 overall pick.

But exactly where along the line will the Falcons go? The possibilities are endless, according to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot.

"When we talk about pass rush, it's not just about the defensive line or the defensive tackles or the defensive ends, you want to add everywhere," Fontenot said. "Because no matter how quick you're getting to the quarterback, if your coverage or not, isn't good, it doesn't matter, they can get rid of the ball quick. So you want versatile players, but you have to make sure you're approving your whole defense. And you're not just focusing on one area, because it's a total picture."

The Falcons have reportedly met with several edge rushers like Clemson's Myles Murphy and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson, but have also talked with Alabama defensive tackles D.J. Dale and Byron Young.

Given the flow of the draft, several pass rushers are likely going to have good value at the No. 8 pick, more than the defensive tackles. However, Georgia's Jalen Carter could be worth the pick if he's there at No. 8.

In Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft, Carter was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick going to the Chicago Bears. However, this was written before the news that Carter was issued an arrest for his role in the death of his teammate Devin Willock and team staffer Chandler LeCroy back in January.

There is a lot of uncertainty in how the Falcons will attack adding on the defensive line during the draft, but the only thing certain is that Atlanta will add talent in the trenches this spring.

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Published Mar 2, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.