After stunning the NFL world with the first-round selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the draft, the Atlanta Falcons still have a big need at the edge-rusher position. However, signing former Miami Dolphins standout, Emmanuel Ogbah, might temper the angst running amok in Falcons' country and become the perfect move to fill out the roster before the 2024 training camp begins.
Currently manning the Falcons' edge spots are Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter. Neither player throws the shade of fear into opposing quarterbacks, and the lack of such presence could be a major hindrance for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.
However, the Falcons didn't play the part of Super Bowl seriousness when the drafted Penix Jr. While it's true Penix Jr. could becomd a star, the Falcons spend $180 million on Captain Kirk (Cousins) to guide their starship. The combination of lathering Cousins with that much money, and failing to address a huge need in the first round of the draft is the kind of imbalance that often leaves a team lacking when postseason play arrives.
So what can the Falcons do to rectify the situation? It may take creative work from the accounting department, but a check made out to Ogbah is the best thing moving forward.
Why hasn't former Dolphins DE Ogbah landed somewhere?
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Ogbah doesn't carry NFL star credentials. Rather he's the guy who is effective enough to fill a need. And this is exactly what the Falcons need.
Ogbah was released by the Dolphins earlier this year, and figured to be scooped up early in the free-agent circus. According to phinphanatic.com, Ogbah has been forced into the waiting game. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, recently said there has been interest in his client from multiple teams. He also added the pace of that interest has increased.
The sticking point seems to be the amount of money Ogbah wants to land. That's important for the Falcons. If Ogbah can't get the big-money deal he's seeking, he may be willing to take less and play for the cash-strapped Falcons.
Another signing problem may center on Ogbah's production. The Dolphins gave him a big-time deal, but his performance didn't match the dollars. Word on the street says Ogbah wants more than the veteran minimum, but that simply may not happen.
Based on his lack of a starting role with the Dolphins in 2023, one such instance in 15 games, Ogbah profiles as a helper as opposed to a leader. However, he showed life with 5.5 sacks, tying for the third-highest total of his career. Ogbah manufactured nine sacks in 2020 and 2021.
Is Ogbah worth it for the Falcons?
The short answer is yes. Atlanta can't afford to become a team that relies on the offense producing 30 points a game. The defense has to find ways to be effective.
Yes, Cousins should make a huge difference. Combined with a better offensive approach under new head coach Raheem Morris — could it be any worse than last year — the Falcons are a major player when it comes to the playoff picture.
But winning a game when the postseason arrives will have a lot more to do with the defense. There are too many quality offensive teams in the NFC that can match or exceed the Falcons. That's why adding Ogbah, even if he becomes a situational piece, is an important roster step for 2024.
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