(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Now that Atlanta has signed quarterback Kirk Cousins, the next step for the Falcons is securing the defensive unit for the upcoming season.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell addressed Atlanta’s current situation on Friday, noting how some analysts are suggesting the Falcons draft a quarterback to sit behind Cousins and become their future starter.
“NFL on ESPN” posted a clip of Barnwell as the analyst discussed how an upgrade to the defense would help Atlanta not just advance into the postseason this year, but also win a playoff game for the first time since 2017.
“[The Falcons] could win a playoff game if they get their defensive additions right in the draft this year,” Barnwell said.
“[The Falcons] could win a playoff game if they get their defensive additions right in the draft this year.”
—@billbarnwell thinks that the Falcons should have defense as their priority in the draft pic.twitter.com/MfekkGKMC5
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 5, 2024
The discussion centered around the Falcons taking a shot at a future NFL starting quarterback with a draft heavily-stacked at the position.
Barnwell thought now that the Falcons added Cousins, the team immediately is a playoff contender.
The Atlanta front office should focus on building the defense, he added.
Through Week 16, the Falcons were allowing the fifth-fewest points per possession of any NFL team, Barnwell explained.
Atlanta lost several pieces in free agency, Barnwell concluded, and addressing those positions in the draft would make sense.
This offseason, the Falcons have signed cornerback Antonio Hamilton, defensive lineman Kentavius Street, and defensive tackle Eddie Goldman to bolster their defense.
Barnwell said that while the Atlanta GM could add a few more pieces to the offense, the primary focus should be on which positions the Falcons can shore up on their defensive unit.
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