The majority of this offseason for the Falcons has centered around what defensive player they draft with the 15th overall pick, a pass-rusher or a defensive back. What if it ends up being neither?
There's an SEC LB climbing up draft boards and some NFL analysts even have him going to the Falcons in the first round. But, would Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell actually have a big enough impact on the Falcons defense if selected?
"Love his athleticism. That's the type of versatility and athleticism that you covet at that position," says NFL Draft Analyst Emory Hunt. "This is someone that started as an edge-rusher, had to move to off-ball linebacker and played as if he'd played that position his whole career.
"Not only do you get someone that's shown he can make the transition seamlessly but already has the built-in experience of being a pass-rusher if you use him in that role. I think he is the best overall backer in the class because of the versatility and athleticism."
One of the questions the Falcons would have to consider if they did select a more traditional do-everything linebacker is what it would mean for the future of Troy Andersen. The Atlanta Falcons took Troy Andersen in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While he flashed quite often in his rookie season, he's only been available in nine games the past two seasons combined.
