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Falcons might use first-round pick on edge rusher from Alabama

AP photo by Vasha Hunt / Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates a sack against during a home game against Ole Miss last Sept. 23. The Atlanta Falcons, who have the No. 8 pick in next week's NFL draft, could choose Turner and use him as an edge rusher in their 3-4 defensive front.
AP photo by Vasha Hunt / Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates a sack against during a home game against Ole Miss last Sept. 23. The Atlanta Falcons, who have the No. 8 pick in next week's NFL draft, could choose Turner and use him as an edge rusher in their 3-4 defensive front. AP photo by Vasha Hunt / Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates a sack against during a home game against Ole Miss last Sept. 23. The Atlanta Falcons, who have the No. 8 pick in next week's NFL draft, could choose Turner and use him as an edge rusher in their 3-4 defensive front.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press 4 min read

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ offseason overhaul, highlighted by the additions of coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins, adds intrigue to the team’s plans for the NFL draft next week in Detroit.

By signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed, the Falcons appear to have no need to join the competition for the top quarterbacks in the draft with their No. 8 overall pick next Thursday night. Desmond Ridder, who opened last season as the starter, was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for receiver Rondale Moore after the addition of Cousins as a free agent.

Taylor Heinicke, the journeyman who shared the job with Ridder last season, returns as the probable backup.

Is there still a need for someone else who could take snaps? Cousins will be 36 when the 2024 season opens, and he is returning from a torn right Achilles’ tendon that ended his 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings after eight games.

While it’s possible the team could add another quarterback after the first round, the Falcons could focus on defense at the top of the draft. Atlanta may address a pressing need by looking for an edge rusher such as Alabama’s Dallas Turner in the first round.