For the better part of a decade, the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive line has been their primary Achilles heel. First-round draft picks and high-priced free agents haven’t been enough to revitalize a unit that has long lingered among the NFL’s worst teams at generating and converting pressure.
With adequate financial resources this offseason, there was an expectation that Atlanta would attempt to correct this problem once and for all. The Falcons’ approach didn’t involve overpaying for the top pass rusher on the market – not that there was a true no-brainer option available – nor did it involve using their top-10 draft pick on a talented defender.