2023 mock NFL Draft: 49ers watch NFC get significantly stronger
. EDGE. Fighting Irish . Isaiah Foskey. 8. player. 819
On the clock: Pick No. 8: Atlanta Falcons – Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
There’s no team that’s worse in the NFL at getting to the quarterback than the Atlanta Falcons. Upgrading the defensive line is the top priority for them, and they won’t be able to get back to the playoffs without improvements.
Isaiah Foskey carries some risk, but he has the ability to be a producer at the next level. There’s some question about whether or not the Falcons run a 3-4 or a 4-3 next season, but Foskey could fit in both schemes.
Foskey has made a collegiate career out of getting to the quarterback, with 11 sacks apiece in his previous two seasons at Notre Dame. He has great power and some underrated burst that allows him to surprise defensive linemen at the point of attack with his leverage.
There are some limitations on Foskey, however, for the NFL. He’s not especially quick or agile, which means he’ll be someone limited to beating blockers with power and then teeing up on the quarterback. This isn’t a severe problem, but it could limit his sack total in the NFL to slightly less than expected for a top-10 pick.
On the plus side, the strength serves him well in run defense since he rarely gets pushed back and he can disrupt running lanes.
Foskey isn’t a home-run hit by any stretch, but he’s someone who can carve out a satisfactory career in the pros.