NFL Exec: Falcons Want 'Anyone with a Pulse That Can Rush the Passer' in 2024 Draft

The Atlanta Falcons already solved their quarterback problem by signing Kirk Cousins, and now they're reportedly seeking to fix their pass-rush issues by any means necessary.

One NFC executive told Jordan Reid of ESPN that he expects the Falcons to target "anyone with a pulse that can rush the passer."

The Falcons tied for 21st in the NFL in sacks last season with 42. Atlanta has ranked outside the top 20 in sack total in each of the last six seasons overall.

No Falcons pass rusher topped 6.5 sacks in 2023. Calais Campbell, who is 37 years old, and Bud Dupree tied for the team lead. Both are currently free agents.

B/R's Scouting Department ranks Florida State's Jared Verse, Alabama's Dallas Turner and UCLA's Laiatu Latu as the top edge rushers in the 2024 draft class. Verse was an All-American each of the last two seasons with the Seminoles, while Turner won co-Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC.

Latu is considered the worst pro prospect of the bunch but swept nearly every national Defensive Player of the Year honor after recording 13 sacks last season.

The Falcons have used a first-round pick on an edge rusher twice in the last decade, but neither Takkarist McKinley (2017) nor Vic Beasley (2015) turned into viable starters.