Despite finishing 7-10 the previous three seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have a big season ahead of them since they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to lead them to the next level. Expectations are now very high. Despite signing Cousins, the Falcons made the most unexpected draft selection of the year by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall choice. Many had anticipated them to select a pass rusher, but maybe general manager Steve Sarkis understood something that the public did not. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Terry Fontenot stated that edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie has maybe gained the most from this offseason, adding, “We believe he’s going to take another step.” Since Atlanta clearly needed more pass-rushing skill, many anticipated that they would select Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 8. However, if Fontenot is right, it’s likely they didn’t need to add anyone. After being chosen in the second round of the 2022 draft, Ebiketie had six sacks in his first season with the organisation. He will have every chance to develop into a double-digit sack performer. The team left a significant gap in free agency when it failed to address the position, as both Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, who led the team in sacks last season, are still unrestricted free agents. This year, Ebiketie needs to do better because he is now this defense’s most skilled pass rusher by default.We’ll see if Ebiketie can turn the front office into something smart, but the Penix decision still baffles many because there is such a clear need on the roster that is being ignored.
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