Every year, the Atlanta Falcons have one need they refuse to address: Edge rusher. They’ve tried the roundabout way of addressing it, sinking second and third-round picks into it over the past few years, but they have yet to churn out the premium pass-rusher that Atlanta can build around. ESPN’s Matt Miller filled out his first 2025 NFL mock draft, and at pick 22, Miller had the Falcons finally address edge rusher with Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau out of Ohio State.
The Falcons finished 32nd in the league in pass rush win rate last season (30.9%) and then didn't make any additions at outside linebacker until the third round of the draft. Tuimoloau, who displays some special footwork, is poised for a big season as a senior after posting five sacks last year. If he can string together more consistent performances in 2024, the 270-pound rusher could soar up the board.
Tuimoloau is a gifted pass-rusher whose game-wrecking ability from the outside with his power as a pass rusher and instincts to create big plays and turnovers (especially against Penn State). If Tuimoloau can become more consistent in his pursuit of the quarterback, he may not be available for the Falcons this late in the draft. For now, let’s sit back and think about how amazing that 44 would look on the other side of Arnold Ebiketie.
Olu Fashanu and JT Tuimoloau faced off 1v1 on only 10 dropbacks.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 22, 2023
Fashanu won most of those reps, but these two plays help illustrate Tuimoloau's heavy hands and natural rush power. pic.twitter.com/YLXGm9ywS7
