The Atlanta Falcons look like a team to watch out for during the 2024 NFL season, as they made several key changes to the team both on and off the field.
Atlanta let go of former head coach Arthur Smith and brought in the well-respected Raheem Morris to replace him.
Morris previously served as their interim head coach years ago, but now returns to the franchise in a permanent role where he’ll be expected to uplift a defense that was about league average in 2023.
The most glaring need for the Falcons is off the edge as they were one of the worst teams at generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
As former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator, Morris knows how to scheme up a defense, though he’ll need more talent to do so.
With that in mind, Atlanta hosted free-agent defensive end James Smith-Williams, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
“Former #Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams visited #Falcons,” Wilson reported.
Former #Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams visited #Falcons
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 6, 2024
Smith-Williams was originally a seventh-round pick of the Washington Commanders back in the 2020 NFL Draft and made modest contributions during his time there.
The defensive end got a handful of starts due to injuries to Montez Sweat and Chase Young and was eventually elevated as a full-time starter after Washington traded both of them at the NFL trade deadline.
So far in his career, Smith-Williams has recorded 42 total tackles and seven sacks, though he could potentially do more if given more snaps.
Smith-Williams seems like a solid bet for the Falcons, who could use more depth up front.
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