The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up with a promising lineup on the defensive end, boasting talent that can wreak havoc off the edge and a couple of reliable linebackers and defensive tackles. However, there's a glaring gap in their interior defensive line rotation. Outside of standout Brandon Dorlus, the depth chart looks a bit thin.
During the offseason, the Falcons made a strategic move by trading Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Maason Smith. Yet, neither player made a significant impact in 2025, leaving Atlanta still searching for that game-changing presence in the middle of their defensive front.
Enter Oklahoma's David Stone, a defensive tackle who could be the answer to Atlanta's interior woes. In a recent 2027 NFL mock draft by Pro Football Sports Network, the Falcons are projected to snag Stone with the sixth overall pick.
This pick could be pivotal for Atlanta, as Stone is known for his brute strength and versatility on the line. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 310 pounds, he's a force who can play multiple positions along the defensive front, from 0-tech to 4i.
Stone's journey with the Oklahoma Sooners saw him initially on the sidelines, but he soon made his mark in 2025, stepping into the starting lineup and showcasing his potential. Over the course of 13 games, Stone recorded 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a total of 42 tackles, proving he's more than ready for the next level.
While the Falcons are making strides on defense, the offensive side of the ball could use a boost as well. With wide receivers like Drake London and Zachariah Branch leading the charge, Atlanta might also consider using their first-round pick to add more firepower to their receiving corps. But if they choose to fortify their defense, David Stone could be the cornerstone they need to build a formidable line for the future.
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Against that backdrop, any new quarterback speculation is going to land with a thud, especially if it points toward a midseason reset. Bleacher Reports Moe Moton floated another possibility for Atlanta if the team is hovering around .500 near the trade deadline, but even that framing came with a strong warning that it would not be the best move for the Falcons. [Read more 🡒]
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For the Falcons, the appeal goes beyond the draft slot. Their defense took a real step forward in 2025 under Jeff Ulbrich, with AJ Terrell and Jessie Bates helping set the tone, and adding another fast, flexible piece to the middle of the field makes sense for a unit trying to keep climbing. Perkins is still in the prove-it stage, but Tuggle's interest is a reminder of why Atlanta took the swing in the first place, and why the next layer of the linebacker rotation is worth watching closely. [Read more 🡒]