The Falcons selected outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone of Western Kentucky with the No. 82 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, which is the pick Indianapolis-based Falcons earned for Matt Ryan.
Statistics: 94 duels | 17.5 TFL | nine sacks | four forced fumbling | defended four passes
Honors: CUSA DPOY (2019, 2021), First-Team All-CUSA (2020 and 2021)
Instant analysis: Malone is the second edge rusher the Falcons chased on Day 2 after drafting Arnold Ebiketie for the 38th pick overall. Malone joins a position group that includes Lorenzo Carter and Ade Ogundeji. Like Carter, Malone is from the Atlanta area. He attended Cedar Grove High School.
The product of Western Kentucky was speed at position personified, especially with its acceleration at the point of attack. He finished his collegiate career No. 1 in school history in sacks and No. 2 in tackles for a loss. Malone could still pack on a few more pounds, but over time he could become a major part of Dean Pee’s plan. – Tori McElhaney
What’s next: Running out of Day 2 picks, the Falcons traded a Day 3 pick (No. 114) for a chance to pick Arnold Ebiketie in the second round. They now have three picks on the final day of the NFL draft, numbered 151, 190, and 213. It’s hard to expect any immediate impact from picks in later rounds outside of special teams, but the Falcons will have a chance to make theirs Depth Strengthen chart with young talent. There are many examples of late-round talent becoming regular Falcons contributors, including Grady Jarrett, Foye Oluokun and Russell Gage. Best available player becomes the primary strategy here, although offensive and defensive lines remain strong draft options. Another possibility comes into play: Would the Falcons call up a punter? – Scott Bair
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