NFL Mock Draft: Falcons 'Double Down' on Defense

The Atlanta Falcons defense continues to improve in the latest mock draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have added talent all over the defense in free agency, and they may not be done improving with the NFL Draft later this month.

In ESPN's latest two-round mock draft, the Falcons selected Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez at No. 8 overall.

"I thought about Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness for Atlanta, given it ranked worst in sacks in 2021 and second worst in 2022," ESPN writes. "That said, the pass defense allowed a 67.8% completion percentage (28th) and lacks a long-term option opposite A.J. Terrell at corner.

"Casey Hayward is entering the final year of his deal and turns 34 in September. Gonzalez is 6-foot-1 and has 4.38 speed and plenty of on-ball production, bringing down four interceptions last season."

After adding Gonzalez, ESPN has the Falcons doubling down on defense, drafting Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton with the No. 44 overall pick.

"This should be an edge rusher, but there just isn't one with any sort of value on the board," ESPN writes. "Maybe Atlanta can move back a little bit. But if not, Benton has the quickness and strength to rush on the interior and stuff the run. He'd provide depth behind Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata before turning into a starter." 

Both Jarrett and Onyemata will be 30 this year, so expect the Falcons to add a defensive lineman or two at some point during the draft. While it would be a surprise to see any defensive tackle other than Jalen Carter taken in the first round, the Falcons should target the position early.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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