Ranking the Falcons' top 10 defensive players for 2024

This was not an easy call. While I considered Clark Phillips III, Lorenzo Carter, Antonio Hamilton and Bralen Trice, the Falcons have invested more in Orhorhoro. The team gave up a third-round pick to move up to pick No. 35 for the Clemson defensive lineman. Since Calais Campbell signed in Miami, I expect the ultra-athletic Orhorhoro to have a significant role on defense by the end of the season.

Richie Grant didn’t have his best year in 2023, but head coach Raheem Morris still believes in the former second-round pick. Starting alongside Jessie Bates last season highlighted some of Grant’s coverage deficiencies. In Grant’s defense, though, he performed better under former Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees in 2022. Perhaps Morris, a former defensive backs coach, can help the 26-year-old safety return to form in 2024.

Alford has scratched and clawed his way to a role on this defense over the last two seasons. The versatile defensive back has served primarily as the nickel CB but can help the Falcons at multiple spots while they figure out their cornerback rotation. Alford also gets extra points for his special-teams contributions, returning 20 punts and two kickoffs last season.

Landman was one of the team’s breakout players in 2023 and I expect him to man one of the starting inside linebacker jobs this season. The former Colorado standout finished with the team’s third-highest run defense grade (85.4), according to Pro Football Focus. Landman recorded 82 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles while starting in place of Troy Andersen.

The Falcons didn’t add much to their pass rush over the offseason, so it will be up to third-year OLB Arnold Ebiketie to lead the way in 2024. Ebiketie racked up six sacks, 12 QB hits and two forced fumbles in his first season as a full-time starter. With 2023 sacks leader Bud Dupree out of the picture, the pressure is on Ebiketie to pick up the slack.

Kaden Elliss followed former Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to Atlanta last offseason and played well for the team in 2023. The former Saints linebacker did a little bit of everything, racking up 92 tackles, four sacks and 26 total pressures. Despite the coordinator change, Elliss is still under contract and figures to keep his role as the team’s top inside linebacker.

David Onyemata might be the most underrated player on this defense. Just like Elliss, Onyemata followed Nielsen to Atlanta and excelled last season. The big defensive tackle earned the team’s second-highest PFF grade (83.3), racking up 34 pressures and five sacks. Expect Onyemata to continue to have success as he’s extremely tough to block inside.

Terrell has been solid throughout his four years in Atlanta. Despite his lack of interceptions in recent seasons, Terrell finished with the second-highest coverage grade (74.6) of his career in 2023. Since he’s entering the final year of his contract, I expect to see Terrell at his very best. Ideally, the Falcons will extend him so he doesn’t hit the open market in 2025. Terrell is the best cornerback on this team and would be tough to replace.

Jarrett’s 2023 season was cut short after tearing his ACL in Week 8. The veteran defensive lineman has been the heartbeat of this Falcons defense for the past decade and we don’t expect anything less if he’s healthy in 2024. Head coach Raheem Morris believes interior pressure can make up for the lack of edge rushers on the team. Plus, Morris knows what Jarrett is capable of since he was an assistant and interim coach in Atlanta from 2015 to 2020.