Falcons to Sign Josh Uche? Expert Names Atlanta as 'Best Fit'

Uche, the former second-round pick out of Michigan, has developed into one of the top pass rushers available in free agency this offseason. ESPN ranked him as the No. 47 best player available in their top 50 list and seemingly has linked him to the Falcons. But how exactly would Uche fit in Atlanta?

As revealed in the introductory press conference for new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, the Falcons defense will be a base 3-4 scheme but will be multiple. This likely means they'll utilize the hybrid outside linebackers/edge rushers that have become common in today's league. 

Players like current Falcons' edge rusher Lorenzo Carter or even Uche are examples of these linebacker/edge rushing hybrids, which have even been used in the defenses run by Morris. 

In fact, during Morris's last stint as a defensive coordinator, one of the Los Angeles Rams leaders in sacks for two seasons was Leonard Floyd, who played a similar role to what Uche has in New England. Floyd is listed at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, and Uche is the same weight but just two inches smaller; neither possesses the size of a typical defensive end. 

Yet, both have managed to be effective pass-rushers, with Uche's best year in New England coming in 2023 as he finished only behind the veteran Matthew Judon with 11.5 sacks. 

Knowing Morris's history of utilizing a player like Uche combined with the Falcons' need for help in the pass-rushing department, it is easy to see why ESPN has listed Atlanta as his "best fit."