Falcons draft Ohio State EDGE Zach Harrison in third round

The Atlanta Falcons have finally addressed their defense, selecting Ohio State edge rusher Zach Harrison in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Harrison is a lengthy defensive end (6-foot-5, 275 pounds), who should provide value as a situational pass-rusher for the Falcons this season. In 2022, he racked up 24 hurries, three QB hits and six sacks for the Buckeyes.

The Ohio State standout finished his third consecutive season with a Pro Football Focus grade over 80 (86.1 in 2022). Harrison is ranked No. 116 on PFF’s big board:

Harrison is a long, explosive defensive end who is still trying to figure out how to tap into his immense physical gifts. While he earned an 85.2 pass-rushing grade this past season, it’s worrisome that his grades have plateaued since his 2020 season.

O-H!

A-T-L!

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 29, 2023

Atlanta passed on defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore, linebacker Trent Simpson and cornerback Kelee Ringo to take Harrison with pick No. 75 overall.

The Falcons have no more picks on Day 2, unless they trade back up into the third round. Otherwise, the team’s next selection is No. 113, followed by pick Nos. 224 and 225.