The Atlanta Falcons have struggled to get much of note out of their outside linebacker/EDGE group for far too long, which we’ve hashed, re-hashed, and re-re-hashed over the course of those years. That led to one of the most eyebrow-raising first rounds in Falcons draft history earlier this spring, with the team drafting Georgia pass rusher Jalon Walker and trading back up to grab Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
The net effect is that this group, minus grizzled veteran signing Leonard Floyd, is quite young and brimming with real potential. Arnold Ebiketie has put together a couple of strong second halfs and will be seeking more in a contract year, Walker and Pearce are itching to make their impact at the NFL level, and Bralen Trice is coming back from injury and hoping to make up for a lost rookie season.