The Atlanta Falcons defense is aiming to build a unit capable of making a playoff push this upcoming season—but whether that vision comes to life remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Falcons had a clear goal in this year’s draft—adding young defensive stars in the making.
Atlanta did exactly that, selecting two pass rushers: Jalon Walker and James Pearce. While it wasn’t a surprise that the Falcons targeted that area in the draft, the motivation behind it was made crystal clear by head coach Raheem Morris.
“Raheem Morris says he was tired of getting grilled for the lack of a pass rush for the Falcons, and they were intentional about fixing that this offseason,” Will McFadden wrote. “That’s got to change, and the only way to change that is to change that.”
Walker is a versatile defender who can line up just about anywhere, but it was unclear at first how the Falcons planned to use him. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich later shed light on the plan.
“On first and second down, I want, especially Jalon, to really have an opportunity to just master playing on the edge because I think that there’s something there that’s really special,” Ulbrich said.
While the Falcons’ defense struggled last season, one player who quietly stood out was David Onyemata—Atlanta’s most reliable contributor on that side of the ball.
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“At 32 years old, Onyemata is coming off his seventh season of logging more than 500 defensive snaps, proving to be one of the more reliable players at his position in recent years,” wrote Jonathon Macri.
Now entering the final year of his contract, Onyemata is in a prove-it season—despite already showing his durability and consistency throughout his career. He’ll serve as a crucial veteran presence for rookies like Walker and Pearce, who will be looking to absorb every tip and trick he can pass along.
