Tyree vs. Anderson: Falcons Should Draft Pass-Rusher Early - Here’s Why

A stronger pass rush would go a long way in helping the Falcons get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The Atlanta Falcons have nine selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the No. 8 overall pick. 

The rebuilding Falcons have needs to fill all over their roster, including adding help at wide receiver, cornerback, EDGE and linebacker. 

A stronger pass rush would go a long way in helping the Falcons get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Atlanta finished the 2022 season in last place in the NFC South with a 7-10 record. The Falcons look to have a successful draft to compete in an NFC South division that is wide open this season. 

After finishing with the second-fewest sacks last season, Atlanta looks to level up with an edge rusher or defensive lineman. Good news for the Falcons is their need for EDGE comes at a solid time. NFL.com ranked the EDGE position as the third best position group as a whole. The reasoning?

"If your team is looking for an edge defender, you should hope it addresses the position within the first 75 picks because the depth will start to diminish after that point in the draft," NFL.com writes. "Will Anderson Jr. and Tyree Wilson have high-end potential and there is a nice collection of future starters with size and/or explosiveness within the first two rounds. Some of the most intriguing prospects include Tuli Tuipulotu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Isaiah Foskey, who should go in the second round."

Of course, the quarterbacks are garnering the most attention as a strong group with varying skills and size.

Whoever the Carolina Panthers with their No. 1 overall selection will send waves through the rest of the draft, in particular for Houston. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is the favorite to be the first player picked, with Bryce Young right behind him. With many teams hungry for a quarterback, the expectation is the first round will be highlighted with many quarterback selections. 

However the chips fall, the Falcons have solid options to upgrade their pass rush in the first round. 

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