Atlanta Falcons 'Inside The Rise' And How They Are Quietly Building A Super Bowl Contender
The Atlanta Falcons are building something special for years to come.
Optimism is at an all-time high in and around Atlanta. Falcons fans are abuzz due to the aggressive nature Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has taken to address an ongoing epidemic of a dismal pass rush over the past few seasons.
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Trading back into the first round of the NFL Draft would require the Falcons to give up some real estate regarding the draft. Still, team officials see it as warranted, given the team's "win now" mentality for the foreseeable future.
Atlanta Falcons fans hold up Rise Up towels during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
The term "Rise Up" has been a staple around Atlanta for Falcons fans for some time now, but the team is done with the ascent and ready to stay atop the NFC South division every year and be a playoff contender annually. Atlanta's draft picks are all capable of contributing immediately. The team has also hit the jackpot on its UDFA athletes, who have been invited to camp to make the team.
Some would argue that a couple of the UDFAs should have heard their names called during the draft, but they may be lacking in an area or two that need tweaking in order to get a foot in the door and find NFL longevity.
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Looking at the current roster, Atlanta has addressed its need for a pass rush by selecting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr in the first round. It was an aggressive move to do so, but the Falcons feel they did what was necessary to make an immediate impact. Atlanta would also add a big-bodied offensive lineman, Jack Nelson, to help give quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ample time in the pocket, along with Jake Matthews.
Atlanta would also draft a couple of ball-hawking defenders, such as Billy Bowman and Xavier Watts. Athletic depth is always a good thing in the secondary, but look for Watts as a starter in week one. Veteran-wise, the team has an extremely deep wide receiver and running back room. Penix Jr only started three games last season, but showed flashes of greatness with a good internal QB clock and a cannon of an arm.
Matt Ryan has also been tasked to come in and be a mentor to Penix Jr. The Atlanta Falcons are building something special, but fans are eager to put it all to good use now and make this team a contender in the NFC.
Related: The Time Is Now For Falcons GM Terry Fontenot After Aggressive NFL Draft
Related: Which Player Was Named Most Likely UDFA To Make Falcons Roster?
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