The Atlanta Falcons made a flurry of moves to begin free agency to shore up its lackluster defense. But Atlanta didn’t fill all their holes, making it paramount for the organization to do just that at the 2023 NFL Draft from April 27-29 in Kansas City.
BEST | Plucking linebacker Kaden Ellis from division rival Saints
Ellis is one of several former New Orleans Saints making the trek to Atlanta. He’s joined by defensive lineman David Onyemata and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, but Ellis may be the best addition among the three. Last season, Ellis played a career-high 632 snaps and recorded his best grade per Pro Football Focus at 81.5, the seventh-best mark in the league among LBs. He finished with seven sacks, more than any Falcons defender had in 2022.
BEST | Signing safety Jessie Bates to a four-year, $64 million contract
Bates spent the past four seasons in Cincinnati and can do a little bit of everything, which is huge for an Atlanta defense that struggled on every front last season. The Falcons ranked 23rd against the rush and the pass in 2022. Per PFF, Bates graded as the sixth-best safety against the run last season and allowed 19 receptions on 37 targets with as many interceptions (four) as touchdowns allowed (four). Quarterbacks posted a passer rating slightly below average (76.1) when targeting Bates.
The Falcons didn’t have to re-set the market when signing him. Bates’ deal makes him one of the highest-paid safeties in the league, trailing only Derwin James (Chargers), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers) and Jamal Adams (Seahawks) in per-year earnings. But that’s a reasonable price for a player as consistent as Bates. By the time his deal is up, his $16 million yearly salary may be a bargain.
WORST | Not pursuing Lamar Jackson
Of all the teams openly stating a lack of interest in Lamar Jackson, the Falcons made the least amount of sense. As a rookie last season, Desmond Ridder made four starts, completing 73 of 115 passes (63.5 percent) for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
While doubt surrounds Ridder, that isn’t a concern with Jackson. He won the 2019 MVP Award and is a player who puts his team in a position to succeed. In his 61 regular-season starts, the Ravens are 45-16 and held a two-possession lead in all 11 games he finished last year. His addition would make the Falcons the favorite in the NFC South.
WORST | Edge rusher remains a concern
Atlanta ranked 31st in sacks (21) in 2022 and hasn’t made many moves to improve at edge rusher. The Falcons added 15-year veteran Calais Campbell, but it’s fair to wonder how much he has left in the tank. Per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, “Campbell … doesn’t expect to play more than 60 [percent] of snaps” this season.
Campbell, who will be 37 when the 2023 season begins, was signed as much for what he can do off the field as what he can do on it. He told NFL insider Josina Anderson how the organization enticed him by discussing the ways he can expand upon his philanthropic efforts in Atlanta.
