How Bralen Trice fits with the Atlanta Falcons

Saivion Mixson

•
How Bralen Trice fits with the Atlanta Falcons image

The Atlanta Falcons fans have been starved of a consistent pass rush since 2013. It's one of the longest-running jokes in the NFL and other than a brief glimmer of hope from Vic Beasley, it has been ongoing. With the 74th pick in the 2024 draft, the Falcons decided to make another attempt at finding an answer to their pass-rushing problems by drafting Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice.

Coming out of Washington, Trice had the most pressures of any edge player since 2021. That kind of production will put you on everybody's draft board, but what put him over the edge for Atlanta? We look at some of the positives in his game, what Trice can improve on and his overall fit in a Raheem Morris/Jimmy Lake defensive scheme.

Positives

High Motor

The first thing that pops out on Trice's tape is the fact that Trice simply does not stop. There are numerous examples in both the run and pass game where he makes the play simply off of the effort he brings every snap. Every time Trice lines up it's clear he's firing off the ball with everything he has.

Physicality

Another thing that Trice brings when he fires off as he does is a physicality and violence that will always be coveted in the NFL. Trice's violent nature can take a toll on offensive linemen throughout a game, especially when you couple it with his effort.

Floor

It can not be stressed enough how feeble this pass rush has been over the past decade-plus. The Falcons have taken chances on adding to the outside pass rush, including bringing in Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone in 2022. What Trice gives you with the above traits is a floor that feels higher than most third-round rookies. It's tough to see a world where Trice doesn't at least be a solid piece in the NFL, whether that's for the Falcons or elsewhere based on his college production and effort level.

Negatives

Stiffness

There isn't much bend to Trice's game. Let me clarify, it's fine. He has enough to where he could still be effective in the pass rush department, but if there is a limitation, it will be the stiffness in his hips and his overall lack of athleticism.

Conclusion

How Bralen Trice fell to the Falcons at 74 baffles me. He doesn't have the most upside of the edges in this class, but his proven ability to get to the quarterback should have put him in the mid-second round range at the latest. The Falcons have a chance to have a true day-two steal in Trice as Morris and Lake line him up on the outside, having him drop into coverage (yes, he can do that) and get after the quarterback for years in red and black.

Saivion Mixson

Saivion Mixson Photo

Saivion Mixson is a graduate of the University of North Florida’s Sports Management program. He was previously a staff writer/content creator for LastWordonSports, Around The Block Network, Fansided’s Blogging Dirty and USA Today’s Vikings Wire. Mixson resides in the Charlotte Metro area and is an avid Atlanta Falcons fan. You can find him on Twitter/X @MixsonS_NFL.