BREAKING: Falcons Sign Draft Pick Zach Harrison - Contract Details
And then, there was one.
The Atlanta Falcons have moved another step closer to signing all six members of their 2023 NFL Draft class, officially adding the fifth member Tuesday.
The Falcons announced that they've signed third-round pick and former Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison to his rookie contract.
Only second-round pick Matthew Bergeron, who's poised to compete for the starting job at left guard, remains unsigned from Atlanta's class.
According to OverTheCap, Harrison's four-year deal is valued at $5.568 million total, with just over $1 million fully guaranteed. His 2023 cap hit is slated at $750,000.
Harrison, a former five-star recruit who turns 22 in June, finished his four-year Ohio State career with 25.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks across 46 games, 27 of which were starts.
As a senior, Harrison earned first team All-Big Ten honors for the first time, logging three and a half sacks and eight tackles for loss while reaching career highs with six quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles.
In each of the previous two years, Harrison was named second team All-Big Ten while accumulating 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks across 19 games.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith lauded the 6-6, 274-pound Harrison's length and feels he's on an upward trajectory entering his rookie season after a strong finish to his time in Columbus.
"He's a smart guy and eventually as his game evolves, we can play him in multiple spots," Smith said. "But just early on, you'll see a lot of early downs and develop him on the edge. If he continues to work and has success, his game can expand."
Now, with the business side worked out, Harrison's focus can fully shift to development - which he'll continue to do starting at OTAs next Tuesday.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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