NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Take Local Pass Rusher in Round 2?

The Atlanta Falcons are seeking a pass rusher at some point in the NFL Draft. Could Georgia Tech prospect Keion White stay home and join the Falcons?

Jeremy Brener | Apr 28, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons started their third straight draft class with an offensive skill player by taking Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 pick.

Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London have headlined all three of Terry Fontenot's draft classes, and if history repeats itself again, it means that the Falcons will go defense with their second pick.

Defensive back Richie Grant and defensive end Arnold Ebiketie were each the second pick of the past two draft classes, and if ESPN's projection holds true, Georgia Tech pass rusher Keion White will keep the tradition going as the No. 44 overall pick.

"The Falcons have signed veteran Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree this offseason, but they need to continue to address the defensive front after finishing last in sacks in 2021 and second to last in 2022," ESPN writes. "The defensive line will look different in 2023."

White, 24, is one of the older prospects in this year's class, but developed tremendously during his time down the road at Georgia Tech. He started his college career as a tight end at Old Dominion, but moved to defensive end in 2019 and transferred to Georgia Tech for the 2021 season. While he hardly played in 2021, White burst onto the scene in 2022, recording 54 tackles (14 for loss) and 7.5 sacks for the Yellow Jackets.

The Falcons need another dynamic pass rusher to add to the rotation, and White could be exactly what Atlanta is looking for.

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Published Apr 28, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.