Falcons 2023 Offseason Overhaul: Defensive Line

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We’re finally to the part of the series a lot of folks have been waiting for — the defensive trenches. So far, we’ve used about $40 million of the $90 million the Falcons should be near in terms of cap space. There’s still plenty of picks to use on the defense as well, so let’s get into it. All figures are via Over The Cap.

If you want to check out my articles from my previous offseason series — One Free Agent, One Draft Pick, and One Trade — those will be linked below:

Previous editions of this series are listed below:

Current Rostered Defensive Linemen

DL Grady Jarrett

DL Ta’Quon Graham

DL Timmy Horne

DL Jalen Dalton

As you can see, the Falcons don’t have too much at the position. They need to make a splash, but they also need to make sure they build up some solid depth alongside Jarrett. I have a couple of ideas in mind.

Re-Sign Abdullah Anderson

Anderson played well, and as a restricted free agent, the Falcons should look to bring him back at a reasonable price. The former undrafted free agent deserves another deal in Atlanta.

Abdullah Anderson re-signs for one year, $1.2 million.

Sign Javon Hargrave

This is one of my big fish for the offseason. I don’t want to dole out too many more contracts, but Hargrave is worth the price. He won’t be cheap, but the Falcons would finally have a big enforcer next to Grady Jarrett. Hargrave is only 29 years old, so I’m comfortable handing him this type of money to help re-shape what has been a bad Falcons defense. I considered Da’Ron Payne here, they’re my 1a and 1b, but Hargrave is very consistent and should be a real difference maker for the Falcons. I’m perfectly fine with either guy.

Javon Hargrave signs a four year, $44 million deal.

Draft Byron Young

I had the Falcons picking up some young depth in my Offseason Mock Draft in the form of Byron Young:

Maybe not the B. Young from Bama that you were looking for, but Byron brings a lot to the table. The Falcons need some physical, tough guys up the middle — and that’s exactly what Young provides. The Senior is a strong, solid athlete who can eat up space for (hopefully) Atlanta’s new pass rushers and Grady Jarrett. Grabbing someone like Young can really give a boost to a pretty poor Falcons defense.

I would have considered Jalen Carter or Tyree Wilson, but I have other plans for Atlanta’s first round pick. I’m not complaining if either of those guys come aboard.

The Falcons draft Byron Young with pick 156.

Draft Keondre Coburn

Coburn is a massive man at 6’2 and 343 pounds. The Texas Longhorn is your classic space eater, but he’s pretty quick for his size and has a high motor. He can eat up blockers up the middle, and he’s a guy the Falcons should pick up for run downs and other situations as they look to work on his technique. Good way to spend a 7th round pick.

The Falcons draft Keondre Coburn with pick 249

Overhauled Defensive Line

DL Grady Jarrett

DL Javon Hargrave

DL Ta’Quon Graham

DL Abdullah Anderson

DL Byron Young

Moving some guys to the practice squad, including Coburn, the Falcons have a really good looking defensive front rotation — something they haven’t been able to say in a while. Pass rushers are up next, but these guys are going to help Atlanta get a push they haven’t had up front in a long, long time. I wanted to snag another big space eater, but we have to spend a lot more money to revamp this defense.

Current Roster: 30

QB Desmond Ridder

QB Taylor Heinicke

RB Tyler Allgeier

RB Cordarrelle Patterson

RB Justin Jackson 

RB Avery Williams

RB Caleb Huntley

WR Drake London

WR Allen Lazard

WR Ronnie Bell

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

WR Frank Darby

TE Kyle Pitts

TE Darnell Washington

TE MyCole Pruitt

TE Parker Hesse

OL Jake Matthews

OL Nate Davis

OL Drew Dalman

OL Chris Lindstrom

OL Kaleb McGary

OL Elijah Wilkinson

OL Matt Hennessy

OL Jarrett Patterson

OL Ryan Neuzil

DL Grady Jarrett

DL Javon Hargrave

DL Ta’Quon Graham

DL Abdullah Anderson

DL Byron Young

Draft Picks Remaining

  • Round 1, Pick 8
  • Round 3, Pick 76
  • Round 4, Pick 110 (from TEN)
  • Round 5, Pick 155 (from JAX)
  • Round 7, Pick 226 (from LV)

2023 Cap Space Allotted: $54 Million

Quarterback: -$6 million

Running Back: $900k

Wide Receiver: $19.5 million

Tight End: $1.9 million

Offensive Line: $27.5 million

Defensive Line: $12.2 million

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Photographer: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire

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