Atlanta Falcons boost interior pass rush in recent second-round mock draft

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Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News' Tyler Forness released a second-round mock draft predicting the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Atlanta Falcons have one pick in this round and after focusing down the road on their first-round pick, an aggressive approach on day two should be on the docket for the Falcons from here on out. In this mock, the Falcons address pass rush by getting one of the more talented players in this draft in Illinois' defensive tackle Johnny Newton.

Newton measures out as an undersized defensive tackle (6'2", 304 pounds) with shorter arms (75 7/8" wingspan, 32 3/8" arms) on paper. He makes up for that with an explosive burst off the snap and unique quickness for a 300+ pound athlete. He's got active hands and knows how to link his hand usage with his quick feet to win against bigger offensive linemen.

Head coach Raheem Morris has seen the impact of an interior pass rush in Los Angeles Rams future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald for years while he was the defensive coordinator for the Rams. If Newton can bring a sliver of the impact that Donald did, Atlanta could be a force as soon as this season.