NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Go Defense Heavy Before Selecting Kirk Cousins Backup?

After spending heavily on offense in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons are projected to focus on their defense in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Atlanta Falcons are shifting their attention to the NFL Draft after another offseason where they splashed the cash in free agency. Contrastingly to last offseason, when the Falcons invested heavily into improving their defense through free agency, they added to their offense this go around, filling their need at quarterback with the signing of Kirk Cousins while adding several weapons.

This heavy focus on offense has led to the belief that the Falcons will use the draft to enhance their defense further. Which has seemingly been backed up in a recent three-round mock draft from Pro Football Focus’s Trevor Sikkema. 

Round 1, No. 8 Pick: Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher, Alabama 

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) and defensive

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The Falcons selecting an edge rusher has become what seems to be a near consensus projection following free agency. After two of last offseason’s signings, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree remain free agents; it makes sense for the Falcons to go ahead and invest in their defensive line again, this time with the selection of Turner.

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound pass-rusher who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt seems like a good fit for what the Falcons are looking for.

If Raheem Morris’s defenses with the Los Angeles Rams are anything to show for what he and his defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, will implement in Atlanta, then Turner could find himself in a similar role to what Leonard Floyd did in L.A.

Round 2, No. 37: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson 

After Jeff Okudah's free agent departure, the Falcons potentially have a need at outside cornerback. Thanks to a mock trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Falcons moved up six picks to take the Clemson product. They could address that by selecting Wiggins. 

Round 3, No. 74: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

In another move that bolsters the secondary, PFF projects the Falcons to take Washington State’s Hicks. While they already have an All-Pro patrolling the backend of their defense in Jessie Bates III, it can’t hurt to add depth or even competition at a position, which it seems PFF is projecting them to do with the first of two third-round picks. 

Round 3, No. 79: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

Fast-forward five picks, and PFF projects the Falcons to break their streak of three straight defensive players being taken with the selection of South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Even after signing Cousins, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Falcons to take a chance on a quarterback this draft. It is very unlikely that their “chance” will be taken in the first round, but using their fourth selection as projected would make sense.