Falcons take EDGE Dallas Turner in ESPN’s latest mock draft
After addressing their biggest need in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons can go into the 2024 NFL draft without being pigeon-holed into taking a quarterback in the first round. Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract and the Falcons are going all in to win in 2024.
The team has already added multiple receivers, including Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore, upgraded at tight end, and brought back a few reserve offensive linemen. Now, Atlanta must focus on upgrading its defense.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah signed with Houston in free agency while defensive lineman Calais Campbell remains unsigned. This leaves cornerback and edge rusher as the team’s biggest remaining needs.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper released a new mock draft that projects the Falcons to upgrade their defense. Kiper has Atlanta taking Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner with the No. 8 pick:
Landing Turner would be a great first step to revamping this defense. Atlanta hired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake over the offseason and the team plans to run a 3-4 base defense in 2024.
Turner, who’s more of an outside linebacker than a defensive end, would be a good fit in Lake’s system. Outside linebacker Bud Dupree tied for the team lead in sacks last season. Assuming the Falcons don’t bring Dupree back at some point, Turner could step into that role as a rookie.
Other options for the team in Round 1 include Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold and Jared Verse. In our latest mock draft, the Falcons trade down and address their front seven.
