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