There were two big pieces of sports news out of Atlanta this week as the Falcons not only traded for Patriots DL Matthew Judon at the cost of a third round pick, but they also announced the signing of All-Pro S Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8M contract.
These were major moves for a defense that certainly needed an influx of new talent. Add in the return of DTs Grady Jarrett & David Onyemata from their season-ending injuries, and it’s clear that the Falcons are cooking up something special on defense.
What does the defense look like now (on paper) as they prepare for the 2024 season? Let’s discover the answer to that question as we examine the Falcons’ new-look D.
Returning starters from last year
S Jessie Bates III and CB A.J. Terrell are two important starters from last season’s defensive unit who should play well under new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. LBs Nate Landman and Kaden Elliss, alongside CBs Dee Alford and Clark Phillips III, will look to continue their ascendent play within a new 3-4 defensive scheme.
LBs Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Andersen are young defenders who still have massive upside, but the clock is clearly ticking on these guys to prove themselves this season. GM Terry Fontenot called out Ebiketie specifically in a recent interview by declaring that, “we believe that he’s going to take another step this year and continue to grow.”
Defenders returning from injury
DTs Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata will take the field together for the Falcons Week 1 game against the Steelers for the first time since Week 8 of the 2023 season. Jarrett missed nine games last season due to an ACL tear, while Onyemata missed three games in 2023 as he dealt with a chronic ankle injury that derailed his season.
These guys are key cogs in the defense, particularly in the pass-rushing department. Unfortunately, both guys are getting older, and the team has begun looking for their replacements in the NFL Draft as they selected three defensive tackles back in April.
Incoming rookie draft class
The Falcons spent five of their eight total draft picks on defensive players in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting DT Ruke Orhorhoro, EDGE Bralen Trice, DT Brandon Dorlus, LB JD Bertrand, and DT Zion Logue to bolster their much maligned defensive unit. Trice is out for the season with a torn ACL, but the rest of this solid crew should see meaningful snaps at some point this season whether that’s as a starter or as depth.
New pieces to the defensive puzzle
LB Matthew Judon and S Justin Simmons will step in as impact starters on defense. Judon’s impact on the defense cannot be understated, as the Falcons have lacked a true pass-rushing presence off the edge for years, and now they finally have one. Pairing Simmons with Jessie Bates III gives the Falcons the best safety tandem in the league, as they will get a chance to truly showcase their talents as playmakers.
What does this mean for the defense?
The Falcons defense will look vastly different in 2024 in comparison to 2023’s unit. They have two impactful new starters at key positions, two solid starters returning from injury, and four rookies who should provide depth to a unit that badly needs it.
Six of the team’s eleven total defensive starters are already in place from last season. A new-look 3-4 defensive scheme could also provide a boost for young players like Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Andersen as they will face make-or-break seasons in 2024. Add all of this up & there’s a lot to like about the Falcons defensive unit this season.
The Sports Beacon 