FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Mailbox is back, and we're diving deep into the trenches... only a little pun intended.
From concerns about the run defense's ability to hold up on early downs to the evolving role of Zach Harrison and the hopes for standout UDFA Nick Nash, y'all are asking the right questions heading into training camp, which arrives in a couple weeks' time.
This week's questions come from all over — I'm talking from Budapest to California — and reflect a growing curiosity (and a cautious optimism?) about how this roster will take shape. If you want to submit a question for next week's Mailbox, you can do so here.
But let's get into this interesting slate of Qs first!
Imre B. from Budapest
Hey Tori, I have so many burning questions defensively. This time I picked specifically the run defense, as I'm worried about that.
Last year, we couldn't really stop the rushing attack, and this offseason, we didn't do much to strengthen it. Ruke Orhorhoro must step up next to David Onyemata, but I feel we don't really have a "Plan B," and we didn't really see much last year from Ruke. No one talks a lot about run defense, but it doesn't matter how much we can improve in pass rush, if the opponent will face third and 2 constantly. Your thoughts?
You're right that the Falcons' run defense left something to be desired in 2024, though it wasn't as poor a performance when compared to the rest of the league. The Falcons ranked 15th in the league in rushing yards allowed, conceding 2,051 total rushing yards while averaging 120.6 rushing yards allowed per game. So, around the middle of the pack.
However, where the run defense struggled was indeed on third downs, particularly those short yardage situations. Opponents converted third downs 45.3% of the time, which ranked the Falcons defense 31st in the league, according to Pro Football Reference. The Falcons — to your point — found themselves in too many short yardage third down situations in 2024. This hurt pass rush opportunities as well as made it statistically easier for opponents to stay on the field longer and keep drives going. So, even though the shortcomings show up on third down, it's actually bigger chunk plays on first and second down that bring you to third-and-short.
But to your question, did the Falcons do enough in the interior to bolster better third down numbers? Truth be told, it is a question I have myself. Because you're right that they are sticking with their own. And their own are in a little bit of uncharted waters at the moment. In fact, there are still a number of questions I have about Orhorhoro and the mantel he will take on in 2025, as well as the defensive front as a whole. Is Orhorhoro ready for the challenge presented? Can Zach Harrison emerge as a trusted playmaker (more on this in the next section)? How do new presences off the edge affect run defense numbers (i.e. how quickly can Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. make their presence known)? If better on first and second down, how does this improve pass rush stats?
I hate answering your question with even more questions, but that's where I find myself at the moment, too.
Stephen W. from Loganville, Georgia
How much of a key role will Zach Harrison be playing in the upcoming coming season? I know he has potential, and I never understood why he wasn't getting many snaps last year.
I definitely expect to see a broader and more pointed role for Harrison in 2025. Truth be told, Harrison was asked to take on quite a transition in 2024. He put on weight and moved to the interior, instead of being a more edge defender as he had been to that point in his career. I didn't mind the plan and vision at first, because I did agree that he had the body type and play style that could 1) take on more mass, and 2) play well in the interior. The problem is that I didn't think we saw enough of him in this role for whatever reason. You're right in that he didn't have as many snaps last year as he did the year before. Which to me, was interesting considering I thought he was more impactful last year even without the added reps.
Harrison's role evolves a bit more in 2025, marrying together the last two years of work, as Terrin Waack reported back at the beginning of May. Defensive line coach Nate Ollie described Harrison's role as being a "big end" for the defensive front. The plan is to still keep him at the more robust weight that he was in 2024, but infuse more opportunities to come off the edge like he did in 2023. This is a role the Falcons envision for Brandon Dorlus, too.
I have always really liked what I have seen from Harrison since the Falcons drafted him. So, I — like you, Stephen — am curious to see how this role Harrison is in now translates into what we see on the field this fall.
Adam S. from Salinas, California
What are your thought in Nick Nash, the wide receiver from San José State? He lead the NCAA in receptions, touchdowns and yards. I think he could be a great asset to the Falcons.
I thought picking up Nick Nash as a UDFA after the draft was a big plus for this roster. As you made mention to, he put up eye-popping numbers in college. Having the chance to see him work this past spring at rookie minicamp and OTAs, I liked what I saw. I thought he was so smooth, tracked the ball well through the air and had solid touch. He high-pointed a ball down the sideline in practice one day that was *chef's kiss*
Still, I worry about his chances at making the 53-man roster. The Falcons are in a pretty solid spot in regards to their receiver room. You have Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Jamal Agnew, Chris Blair, Casey Washington ... just to name a few.
You will be hard pressed to get more than five or six spots on the 53-man roster for receivers. And you already know you have to pencil in the first four names on the above list plus Agnew, who very well could be the Falcons return man. That's five spots right there. Perhaps you sneak Washington in the mix, too, if you don't carry as many defensive backs, but I think that is pushing it already.
Now, does this mean Nash won't continue to play a role in Atlanta? Definitely not. If he clears through waivers without being picked up after roster cuts, there absolutely could be a practice squad spot for him. That's kind of where I stand with him right now. But hey... crazier things have happened so I am not counting out any possibility right now.
