The Atlanta Falcons feel good about their roster going into the 2025 NFL season. After going 8-9 in 2024 and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Falcons needed to upgrade certain areas, and general manager Terry Fontenot didn't let the fanbase down.
Edge rusher was one of those spots, and the Falcons made sure to take some swings there, adding rookie disruptors Jalon Walker and James Pearce in Round 1 of last month's draft.
The Falcons are not only expecting more from that unit, but from the defensive line as a whole. At this spot in the offseason, teams aren't going to find a dynamic difference maker, but there are still veterans with useful traits. Some available names haven't lived up to their draft status yet, but they can still make solid rotational players.
Falcons Must Take a Flyer on DT Raekwon Davis Before OTAs
The Falcons should consider going after defensive tackle Raekwon Davis before organized team activities (OTAs) begin. He was the 56th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft, spending four years there and one season with the Indianapolis Colts before hitting free agency this spring.
In 80 career games, Davis has notched 144 total tackles, 10 QB hits, six tackles for loss, and two sacks. Those numbers are discouraging considering he's 6-foot-7, 325 pounds. Things haven't worked out so far, but the former Alabama product still has the size needed to be a gap-stuffing run defender in the middle.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich did a great job developing defensive linemen with the New York Jets. Guys like Will McDonald, Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins, and Quinnen Williams, among more, became standout players under his guidance.
While those players have more talent than Davis, he could improve under Ulbrich's coaching based on the DC's track record.
The Falcons already have speed off the corner with Arnold Ebiketie, Walker, and Pearce, and having a big body in the middle to take up space could create more one-on-one opportunities.
Granted, Davis would have to play better for this to happen, but it's still worth a shot. The Falcons parted ways with longtime DT Grady Jarrett in March, so they could use some beef along the interior.
Davis could provide that to the Falcons at a low cost while still having the potential to reach his draft potential with the right coaching.