The Atlanta Falcons have a big season ahead of them, as expectations are now sky-high despite going 7-10 for the past three years due to the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins to get them to the next level.
The Falcons made the most shocking pick of the draft by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick despite signing Cousins, as many expected them to take a pass rusher, but perhaps the general manager knew something that fans don’t.
GM Terry Fontenot spoke with Sports Illustrated and said that perhaps no Falcon has benefited more from this offseason than edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, saying “we believe he’s going to take another step.”
Perhaps no Falcon has benefited more this offseason than Arnold Ebiketie – and Terry Fontenot thinks he’s poised for a big 2024.
“We believe he’s going to take another step.”
On Ebiketie, who has a strong opportunity to build on a promising second season:https://t.co/aCE4ikZ50q
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) May 5, 2024
Many expected Atlanta to draft Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 8 due to the team’s obvious need for added pass-rushing talent, but if Fontenot is correct, it’s possible they didn’t need to add anyone.
Ebiketie had six sacks last season in his second year with the team after being selected in the second round of the 2022 draft and will have every opportunity to blossom into a double-digit sack artist.
Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree each led the team with 6.5 sacks last season, and both are still free agents leaving a big void behind as the team didn’t address the position in free agency at all.
Ebiketie has to step up this year as he is now by default the most accomplished pass rusher on this defense.
The Penix pick is still puzzling to many with such an obvious need on the roster being neglected, but we’ll see if Ebiketie can make the front office look wise.
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