I would not say the Falcons pass rush was great in 2016, but I would say it was improved, and that was reflected in the team’s dramatic gain in sacks year over year. That’s in a year where Derrick Shelby and Adrian Clayborn missed significant time, too, and both were legitimate pass rush assets. They finished the year with 34 in total.
It’s fair to say I’m even more bullish on their prospects in 2016, even before I’ve seen who they wind up with in the draft. That’s chiefly due to the addition of Dontari Poe, a potentially potent force in the middle who should create opportunities for those around him.