Atlanta Falcons

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons to get pass rush help in 1st round?

Could the Atlanta Falcons get pass rushing help in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft?

By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Mar 4, 2013, 12:44pm EST

The Atlanta Falcons have been one of those teams bordering on the elite in recent seasons. They made the jump last season due to a very strong offense, but their one weakness remains on the defensive side of the ball.

More accurately, the Falcons sorely need a pass rusher. In fact, they've been looking for a guy to rush the passer for the past several years. They haven't really been bringing in pass rushers and have mostly stuck with the guys they have. But John Abraham can only do so much, and most feel they need to make a change this offseason.

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The upcoming 2013 NFL Draft isn't top-heavy with pass rushing talent, but there's solid depth at the position. Matthew Fairburn and Dan Kadar of SB Nation collaborated on their latest mock draft on Monday and they have the Falcons getting someone who should help: Tank Carradine, the defensive end out of Florida State.

Tank Carradine said he will be able to run through a full workout for NFL teams prior to April's draft. If that happens and all goes well, Carradine will be a first round pick. Without concerns over the torn ACL he suffered in April, Carradine is the best pass rusher in this class. Atlanta will be in the market for a defensive end this offseason.

Carradine was considered one of the top pass rushing talents in this draft but he does have injury concerns. The torn ACL is a particularly debilitating injury and if he doesn't look like he has his burst back, it could be disastrous for his draft stock.

But if teams aren't overly concerned, then Carradine going at No. 31 to the Falcons could be considered a steal by some. He would likely be able to come in and start right away on Atlanta's defensive line and would bolster their pass rush immediately.