DISCLAIMER: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
Editor's Note: We'll track prospects the Falcons are linked to at No. 8 overall and beyond in mock drafts from respected analysts in this Mock Draft Roundup series, which will run through the 2024 NFL Draft.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — If you're a frequent reader of this mock roundup series, then you're very familiar with the name Dallas Turner.
The Alabama edge rusher has been projected to the Falcons by analysts since the first edition. In roundup 10.0 — with less than three weeks to the draft — it's no different.
In the last version, analysts only predicted Atlanta to pick a pressure player after the Falcons used free agency to shore up needs at quarterback and in the receiver room. That theme continues in this one with Jared Verse of Florida State as the only other prospect listed by this pool of experts.
Take a closer look at the latest projections:
Field Yates, ESPN
- Date: April 3
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Yates' analysis: "It's time for some defense, and Turner is the ideal candidate to kick things off on that side of the ball in this draft. Atlanta spent a lot of money in free agency on offense but is desperate for edge help -- it was last in pass rush win rate in 2023 (30.9%). Turner is a standout pass-rusher who had 10 sacks last season, showcasing burst and power. New coach Raheem Morris would love this addition and be able to slot him in as a top option right away."
Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL
- Date: April 4
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Jones-Drew's analysis: "The Falcons invested heavily in their offense during the free agency frenzy, so the defense will lean on draft reinforcements -- an approach new head coach Raheem Morris is used to, having come from the Rams organization. Turner is an explosive edge rusher who'll pair well with stalwart DT Grady Jarrett."
Lance Zierlein, NFL
- Date: April 2
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Zierlein's analysis: "Pass rusher or pass catcher? This could be the decision at hand for Atlanta, with Verse, Dallas Turner and Rome Odunze on the board. I'm planting a flag for Verse, who has the explosiveness and power that Raheem Morris is likely to covet."
Pete Prisco, CBS
- Date: April 2
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Prisco's analysis: "The Falcons have seemingly been searching for a top-tier edge rusher for a decade. Dallas Turner has those types of skills. They did a lot for the offense in free agency, so now it's time to add to the defense."
Bruce Feldman, The Athletic
- Date: April 4
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Feldman's analysis: "The Falcons could snag speedy Malik Nabers for even more juice for Cousins (Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London are all already on the roster), but new coach Raheem Morris could really use a pass-rushing spark, and Turner's an ideal fix here. Turner was the most disruptive player on the Crimson Tide defense, producing 14.5 TFLs and 10 sacks to go with 13 QB hurries and two forced fumbles in 2023. At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, he doesn't have great size for an edge, but Turner does have 34 1/2-inch arms and superb explosiveness, clocking a 4.46 40 with a 1.54-second 10-yard split in Indianapolis along with a 40 1/2-inch vertical and a 10-7 broad jump."
Ryan Wilson, CBS
- Date: April 3
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Wilson's analysis: "The Falcons now have Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney on the roster, reducing the likelihood of Rome Odunze. Instead, they beef up the pass rushers with Jared Verse."
Arjun Menon, PFF
- Date: April 1
- Falcons pick: No. 8 overall
- Selection: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Menon's analysis: "The Falcons are likely to take a defender with their first pick and are -250 to select a defensive lineman on DraftKings. Dallas Turner is widely considered the best edge defender in the class and is the pick for Raheem Morris here."
