The bigger problem for the Falcons is how tiny their front seven is on defense. Without lethal edge rushers to slow down teams I am not sure what they are going to do because as talented as their secondary is overall they need the front seven to hold it together against the run and generate some pressure.
It looks like Ulbrich will have to dial up blitzes to keep teams from abusing the Falcons very small front seven. Ojulari and Ebukam can give them some quality snaps as edge rushers but they really need Bralen Trice to make a comeback and shore up that OLB room.Â
you could make a similar argument about the Bucs last season if we are using injuries as a draft failing
Both of the Bucs premium draft picks from 2023 (Kancey and Mauch) were out last season
Only 1 of 2 contributed from 2024, Barton with Braswell as a bust
Only 1 of 2 contributed form 2025, Egbuka with Morrison mostly injured
Feels like the Falcons always chase shiny objects. It's why we have reached eternity twice and they have yet to, despite having a 10 year head start on us. It's weird...
you could make a similar argument about the Bucs last season if we are using injuries as a draft failing
Both of the Bucs premium draft picks from 2023 (Kancey and Mauch) were out last season
Only 1 of 2 contributed from 2024, Barton with Braswell as a bust
Only 1 of 2 contributed form 2025, Egbuka with Morrison mostly injured
Yeah Licht has been in a drafting funk for sure... Luckily Bain fell in his lapÂ
you could make a similar argument about the Bucs last season if we are using injuries as a draft failing
Both of the Bucs premium draft picks from 2023 (Kancey and Mauch) were out last season
Only 1 of 2 contributed from 2024, Barton with Braswell as a bust
Only 1 of 2 contributed form 2025, Egbuka with Morrison mostly injured
It is not the injuries alone that makes the Falcons draft value hurt them as a squad. But it is also what they gave up for it all between Penix and and the two edge rushers.
Barton and Egbuka are both outside the top 15 (arguably Egbuka a steal) and Morrison was a gamble on a first round talent in the second round. Braswell was the only real reach but then again he wasn't drafted at the top of the 2nd round either.
The Falcons used a top 15 pick on Jalon Walker. Traded back into the first for James Pearce Jr #26 overall, and Penix was drafted #8 overall.  That is THREE first round PICKS that are out of commission for the Falcons heading into 2026 season and who knows when they are ready to go. I mean Cooper Rush is at QB taking first team snaps for the Falcons.Â
That is brutal.
And hard for any new coaching staff to come in and succeed early.Â
