The last few seasons, Mercedes Benz Stadium hasn't been a place that brought joy to Falcons fans.
However, after an offseason of very solid moves that didn't put the team in any kind of cap purgatory, and the optimism of what this team is going to do in two weeks in the NFL draft, the Falcons are looking to make Sundays fun again in Atlanta.
This week saw the team add a former 3rd overall pick at cornerback from the Detroit Lions in Jeffery Okudah, acquired for a 5th round pick. Detroit is also going to pick up about $1.5 million of his 2023 salary. It's the kind of subtle move that has been commonplace for this team this offseason.
Add in Jessie Bates, David Onyemata, Calais Campbell, Mack Hollins, Kaden Ellis, Okudah, while shoring up the offensive line by resigning Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom, this team has fortified positions of need while making sure its young talent stays put here.
In today's Steakhouse with Steak and Drew Butler, the guys talked about how this team is on the right track, starting with the first big acquisition of Bates. "I think the Bengals are going to severely miss Jessie Bates", Drew added about the free agent safety. "That guy flies around the field."
Calais Campbell not only brings leadership, but according to Drew, "if he's an interior d-tackle next to Grady Jarrett, that's a problem."
Okudah could be the one gamble that pays off the biggest. "Him competing with Casey Hayward for that second corner, that's great for the entire defense." Okudah brings an element of speed and athleticism that can benefit a team that has to be primarily in a nickel defense.