Falcons completely revamp defense in Mel Kiper’s final mock draft

The Falcons’ defense, as currently constructed, isn’t quite moving. Terry Fontenot swapped out Grady Jarrett, Matthew Judon, and Justin Simmons for Morgan Fox, Leonard Floyd, and Jordan Fuller.

As one NFL executive put it, Atlanta essentially swapped average for average. There are two notable differencse between last year’s defense and this year. First, and perhaps most importantly, Raheem Morris fired his good friend Jimmy Lake and hired his old friend Jeff Ulbrich.

Seemingly every single player on the defense regressed under Lake. One of the only examples where a player exceeded expectations was Mike Hughes. Hell, there was miscommunication in the final game of the season in a secondary that featured three former All-Pros. If that’s not coaching, I don’t know what is.

The other potentially notable difference is the 2025 draft class. I say potentially notable because if we look at Fontenot’s track record, it might be overzealous to expect a significant impact from the Falcons’ rookie class this season. The front office has to hit on their draft picks, and Mel Kiper’s final mock draft has them completely revamping defense.

15. Atlanta Falcons

Mike Green, OLB, Marshall

“It almost seems too simple. Atlanta had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season (31). Green had the most sacks in the FBS (17). Suddenly, there’d be some optimism around the pass rush, with Green and free agent signing Leonard Floyd flying in off the edge. Green mixes in speed and power to keep offensive tackles on their heels, and his ability to stop the run means coach Raheem Morris could keep him on the field no matter the situation. If things play out this way, he’d be the second-highest drafted Marshall player in the common draft era (Byron Leftwich went seventh in 2003).”

It is that simple. The Falcons haven’t been able to consistently get after the passer in what feels like a lifetime, and Mike Green led the country in sacks last season. Outside of Abdul Carter, Green is the best pure pass rusher in the class. There are off-the-field concerns, and the Falcons have thrown around the word “ethos” more than any other organization.

Is there a chance that Atlanta doesn’t see Green as a fit in the organization as a person? Perhaps, but at a certain point, the Falcons have to trust the culture they’ve built. They didn’t with Jalen Carter, but Mike Green could be the exception. The only other issue is that the Marshall product might not even be available when the Falcons are on the clock.

If he is, a rotation of Mike Green, Arnold Ebiketie, and Leonard Floyd on the edge is the most inspiring unit in a long time. The Falcons could do much worse.

46. Atlanta Falcons

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

“Morrison looked like a first-rounder early in the 2024 season, before a hip injury ended his campaign. He’s an extremely talented press corner with good technique. Opponents completed passes at will against Atlanta last season; the Falcons’ 69.9% completion percentage against was bottom of the league. To help fix the problem, Morrison could take away receivers as the CB2 opposite A.J. Terrell. Plus, with nine career picks, he has the ball skills to create turnovers.”

That is what I love to see. Instead of taking traditionally invaluable positions like tight end, running back, offensive guard, and safety in the first two rounds of the draft, Kiper has the Falcosn taking two of the most valuable — cornerback and edge rusher.

Benjamin Morrison could provide value because of his injury. A first-round talent in the second round could be just what the doctor ordered for an Atlanta team that is desperate to add talent anywhere on the defensive side of the ball.

Morrison competing for the starting boundary role with Mike Hughes could result in the veteran kicking inside to the slot, which would push Clark Phillips and Dee Alford into depth roles. That’s ideal.

Finding two Day 1 starters in the first and second rounds should be a priority for the Falcons, and the duo of Morrison and Green could be just that.

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