- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,195,716
- Reaction score
- 59
The Atlanta Falcons are loaded on the back end of their defense, lethal off the edge and they have a couple of solid performers at linebacker and defensive tackle.
The biggest weakness for this unit is their interior defensive line rotation, which is fairly thin outside of breakout star Brandon Dorlus. The Falcons traded former second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith over the offseason, but neither player contributed very much in 2025.
Above all else, the Falcons need a powerful nose tackle who can swallow up the run and force the opponent outside. In a new 2027 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Sports Network, Atlanta gets just that by using the sixth overall pick on Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone.
"The Falcons seem to be heading in the right direction, but they still have a few kinks to work out on both sides of the ball," wrote Alec Elijah. "Atlanta would be wise to add more core pieces at defensive tackle, as it is their biggest need. Insert, Oklahoma’s David Stone, a true powerhouse in the trenches. Checking off length and bruising power, Stone has the versatility to play at 0-tech and 3-tech, as well as 4i. With both Maason Smith and Brandon Dorlus unlikely to be in Atlanta long-term, finding immediate impact players for the future of the defensive line would be wise."
Stone (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) is precisely what the Falcons are missing at the position and has all the tools he needs to succeed at the next level.
After not seeing much action in his first season with the Sooners, Stone broke into the starting lineup in 2025 and immediately paid dividends. In 13 games he posted 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss and 42 tackles total.
The Falcons will also likely still need more firepower at wide receiver to complete the picture with Drake London and Zachariah Branch. Their first-round pick next year should either be used in that direction or on filling the big hole up front on defense with someone like Stone.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons land Oklahoma standout in new 2027 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
The biggest weakness for this unit is their interior defensive line rotation, which is fairly thin outside of breakout star Brandon Dorlus. The Falcons traded former second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith over the offseason, but neither player contributed very much in 2025.
Above all else, the Falcons need a powerful nose tackle who can swallow up the run and force the opponent outside. In a new 2027 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Sports Network, Atlanta gets just that by using the sixth overall pick on Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone.
"The Falcons seem to be heading in the right direction, but they still have a few kinks to work out on both sides of the ball," wrote Alec Elijah. "Atlanta would be wise to add more core pieces at defensive tackle, as it is their biggest need. Insert, Oklahoma’s David Stone, a true powerhouse in the trenches. Checking off length and bruising power, Stone has the versatility to play at 0-tech and 3-tech, as well as 4i. With both Maason Smith and Brandon Dorlus unlikely to be in Atlanta long-term, finding immediate impact players for the future of the defensive line would be wise."
Stone (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) is precisely what the Falcons are missing at the position and has all the tools he needs to succeed at the next level.
After not seeing much action in his first season with the Sooners, Stone broke into the starting lineup in 2025 and immediately paid dividends. In 13 games he posted 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss and 42 tackles total.
The Falcons will also likely still need more firepower at wide receiver to complete the picture with Drake London and Zachariah Branch. Their first-round pick next year should either be used in that direction or on filling the big hole up front on defense with someone like Stone.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons land Oklahoma standout in new 2027 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
