The 2022 NFL draft is now in the books and I begin my breakdown of each team's IDP draft class. Last week I started with the Arizona Cardinals and now I move to the Atlanta Falcons where I look at who they drafted and the potential impact these rookies can have. The Falcons need talent all across the roster, especially on defense. From the top overall pick to Mr irrelevant, I will cover every IDP drafted.
Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State (2nd Round 38th Pick)
One of the worst positions on Atlanta’s defense was their ability to rush the passer. They had a league-worst 18 sacks, 105 pressures, 59 QB hits, 6th worst TFLs (58), and the 7th most missed tackles (120). In Ebiketie’s senior season he ranked 9th in the NCAA in TFLs (18) and 3rd in the Big-10 Conference in sacks (9½). As you can see he has the ability to rush the passer and make stops in the backfield. The Falcons top leaders in each of those categories had 4½ sacks and eight TFLs. Ebiketie will likely be in more of a sub-package role to begin his career. He’s not really built or has the base to anchor and plug up run lanes. Nonetheless, he’s an upgrade over what they have currently and can be a solid piece for their defense.
Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State, (2nd Round, 58th Pick)
The linebacker position was one of the Falcon's stronger defensive positions, but the loss of Foyesade Olukun to free agency put a major crimp in that. While that production will be hard to replace, Troy Andersen will help pick up some of the slack. The Falcons brought in free agent Raashan Evans, who has familiarity with Head coach Arthur Smith and Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees from their time together in Tennessee, but there was a reason that the Titans let him walk. Andersen Has a terrific opportunity in front of him, so just be patient. While he already was on the radar of NFL scouts, he really shot up draft boards with his combine performance (4.42 40-yd) opened even more eyes. Atlanta had a need and filled it with one of the best defensive players in the draft. Andersen is definitely a fantasy option that you want to roster.
DeAngelo Malone, DE, Western Kentucky (3rd Round 82nd Pick)
We talked about the addition of Ebiketie earlier, but DeAngelo Malone is the real prize of the two pass rushers. There is a lot to love about his game and the Falcons will be so happy they drafted him. In 61 career games (Super Senior) for Western Kentucky, Malone had 349 tackles, 59 TFLs, 32½ sacks, and eight forced fumbles. As you he was a truly disruptive force on defense. Unlike Ebiketie who is more of that sub-package type player, Malone is a legit three-down option. They let Dante Fowler leave in free agency and brought in former New York Giant Lorenzo Carter as his replacement, which means Ebiketie and Malone will battle it out for the bookend position. Malone is far more talented and a better fit, so I will take the gamble on him. Just like Andersen, Malone is a fantasy option that you should be adding to your IDP portfolios.
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
