2021 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock
Pick Analysis. Edge. player. 44. Scouting Report. Texas. Joseph Ossai. 68
Like a lot of teams around the league, Atlanta needs to add more juice to their pass rush off the edge. Ossai may be more of an outside linebacker than a classic defensive end, but there are no questions about the speed he can bring off the perimeter.
He projects as a guy who can help Atlanta as a pass-rusher on obvious passing downs. Ossai plays with a high degree of work rate that allows him to overcome some of his limitations in regards to technique. If the Falcons’ coaching staff can improve his arsenal of moves on the outside, he’s got a chance to become a borderline dominant edge rusher.
The current downside to Ossai as a prospect is that he’s not equipped to contribute much else right away. He frequently looked lost when Texas dropped him into coverage. He’s got the athleticism to learn that skill at the pro level, but it’s going to be a work in progress.
That isn’t enough of a drawback to concern Atlanta in Round 3. At this juncture of the draft, he represents a worthwhile lottery ticket for a defense that desperately needs to add playmakers. The Falcons will face a nervous wait to see whether or not Ossai stays on the board till they go on the clock at No. 68.