Falcons 'God-Awful' Pass Rush: NFL Draft Expert Offers 2 Fixes

The Atlanta Falcons pass rush was among the worst in the league last season and still stands out as a point of improvement heading into the NFL Draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have been among the most active teams in the NFL this offseason as they've continually pushed the envelope when it comes to roster acquisition. After being patient in the first two years of general manager Terry Fontenot's tenure, they are looking to come out of a rebuild and start contending for the NFC South again. 

While they have made progress at several positions this offseason, filling needs like safety, cornerback, linebacker, and even making important signings to improve their defensive line, the Falcons still need more additions. 

This is where the NFL Draft comes into play as the Falcons hold seven draft picks over the three-day event, starting with the No. 8 overall pick. As to who or where the Falcons are learning towards picking is unknown. 

"I think it's pretty wide open for them when you look at the direction they could go," NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah said about the Falcons. "They did a nice job in free agency kind of locking their own guys in. So offensive line-wise they're okay ... I just look at them on the defensive side of the ball, and when you are 31st in sacks and 31st in third down defense, I like the fact they brought in Calais Campbell. I like the fact they just brought in Bud Dupree. They have added some good pieces there." 

Yet as Jeremiah notes, Campbell isn't going to play forever at age 36. So the Falcons still need younger players to develop into impact players alongside Grady Jarrett, who Jeremiah also adds is getting up there in age. 

"I like the idea of adding some juice up front," Jeremiah said. "I think there's two guys that come into play there. When you look at Lukas Van Ness, I have talked about him a bunch with them, I think that one is one that will be in the mix. I also think Nolan Smith from right down the street at Georgia.

"To me, those two players make a lot of sense for their front. Get younger, get more athletic, get a little bit more dynamic and see if they can't groove on some of these god-awful numbers against the pass and on third down."

Smith, who stands 6-3 weighing 238 pounds, is a potential point of concern for evaluators. Along with the fact that he never lit up the stat sheet as many would've liked to see from an edge rusher that could be picked in the top-10. 

But on tape, Smith did show the traits of a potential starting NFL pass rusher, His bend coming off the edge, combined with his strength and quickness, allowed him to win against offensive tackles. And despite his smaller frame and shorter arms, Smith was consistent in setting the edge as a run defender. 

Where does Smith fit in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's defense? Likely it will be as a specialist edge rusher who can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up.

Van Ness, on the other hand, is a completely different prospect with a much more prototypical build for a defensive end at 6-5, 272 pounds. While Smith may be the more complete player when compared, the Iowa product possesses high upside after beginning his collegiate career as a defensive tackle before converting to the edge. 

Van Ness showed on tape an impressive bull rush which highlights his raw strength that made him a bully for offensive tackles. But he will still need some refinement in his game, like Smith as a rusher. 

Both prospects are realistic picks for the Falcons, with the No. 8 pick as either one or maybe even both could be available when Atlanta is put on the clock. 

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