INDIANAPOLIS — There was no questioning the Atlanta Falcons' top priority last offseason. They desperately needed a quarterback. So much so, they didn't just get one. After signing Kirk Cousins in free agency, the team also drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round.
The goal this time around, as the 2025 NFL Combine is underway, hasn't been as bluntly stated, nor as often, but it's still obvious.
"This year," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Tuesday, "we probably got to increase our pass rush, like we did towards the end of the season. We'll definitely have an eye for those guys."
The Falcons finished last season with 31 sacks, the second-fewest in the league. They very well could have been last in the league if it wasn't for that late-season surge Morris noted. Atlanta had 10 sacks through Week 11, which ranked last in the league and were seven behind the 31st team. It then had 21 sacks from Week 13 on, second-most in the league during that stretch and only three behind the No. 1 team.
Thirteen different players recorded at least one sack; Arnold Ebiketie led the way with six. Fellow outside linebacker Matthew Judon was second with 5.5, while inside linebacker Kaden Elliss was third with five. Next on the list were defensive tackles David Onyemata (three) and Grady Jarrett (2.5).
Among those five leaders, all except Judon are set to come back in 2025. Four players who notched a sack last year are set to hit free agency, however.
So, help on the edge is needed.
Help has been needed, too.
The Falcons haven't placed in the top half of the NFL in sacks since 2017, when they were 13th with 39. That season doubles as the last time the Falcons had a winning record and the last time they made the playoffs.
Atlanta hasn't been top 10 in sacks since 2004, when it was No. 1 with 48.
"It starts with the people," Morris said. "We've got the people to be in place to be able to find those guys. … Then, it goes to the coaches and them being able to develop some of the players that we already have on our roster. (We have to) be able to add some new players to roster, whether it be for agency, whether it be trade or whether it be the draft. I just think all of those things play a part in it."
Outside linebacker Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to place top 10 in sacks with 15.5 in 2016. In fact, Beasley led the league in quarterback takedowns that year. Atlanta obtained Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Falcons would surely love another player who can put up those numbers. Unfortunately for them, they have the No. 15 overall pick this year. Fortunately for them, the perception about this draft class is that it's heavy on defensive players, particularly on the line.
"Super deep on defense, and it's unique," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "Look at last year's draft. The first defensive player didn't come off the board until 15, right? This year, that's not going to be the case. This is loaded, defensively. When I say best player available for us, we're talking about not reaching for needs."
And finding a strong presence off the edge is certainly a need.
Because the Falcons know the importance of a strong pass rush. They didn't have one consistently last year. They want – need – one this year.
"It all starts up front," Morris said. "We watched that, a clear example, in the Super Bowl with those guys being able to rush the passer and be able to finish off and do some really good things."
