NFL Mock Draft: Who Do Falcons Take at No. 8?

The Atlanta Falcons are projected to select Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Dallas Turner in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Atlanta Falcons' offseason is beginning to take shape after signing Kirk Cousins and acquiring receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore.

With Raheem Morris as the team's head coach this offseason, one of the biggest steps the franchise will make will come with the 2024 NFL Draft. With the Falcons fortifying the offense through free agency, focus could point towards the defense with the No. 8 overall pick.

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Sports Illustrated has the Falcons projected to spend their No. 8 overall pick on Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Dallas Turner, one of the top players out of the SEC.

Besides going to school in Tuscaloosa and being in close proximity to Atlanta, Turner has put up a monster career with the Tide, including registering 28 solo tackles and 10 sacks in 2023.

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"Ever see a pass rusher with a rocket strapped to his back? Turner is explosive and then some," Athlon Sports writes. "The first-step quickness, especially out of a 2-point stance, will win him quite a few reps immediately on the edge."

The Falcons have some capable pass rushers already in Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, but they are free agents at the moment. With very little established in the front seven, it makes all the sense in the world for the Falcons to address that need with one of the draft's top prospects.