The Atlanta Falcons are expected to sign the former Texas Longhorns defensive end again.
The Atlanta Falcons have a storied history of integrating talent from the University of Texas into their defensive lineup. One notable example is defensive end Ta’Quon Graham, who has been with the Falcons since being drafted in 2021. Graham’s journey from the Texas Longhorns to the NFL highlights his growth and resilience.
Early Life and College Career
Born on December 1, 1998, in Killeen, Texas, Ta’Quon Graham attended Temple High School in Temple, Texas. Recognized for his athletic prowess, he committed to the University of Texas in 2017, where he played for the Longhorns from 2017 to 2020. Throughout his college career, Graham accumulated 108 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, and recorded 4.5 sacks. His performance earned him a reputation as a versatile and reliable defensive player.
Transition to the NFL
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Graham’s potential was recognized when the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the fifth round as the 148th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Falcons on June 15, 2021.
Professional Career with the Atlanta Falcons
2021 Season: Graham’s rookie year saw him participate in 13 games, starting in five. He recorded 15 tackles, including two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits, while playing approximately one-third of the defensive snaps.
2022 Season: Elevated to a more prominent role, Graham played in 11 games, starting nine. He achieved career-high numbers with 34 tackles, added eight quarterback hits, and forced a fumble, which he recovered for a 19-yard return. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on November 21 due to a knee injury.
2023 Season: Graham returned to action, participating in 15 games with two starts. He recorded 23 tackles, including a sack—the first of his career—and forced his first fumble. He also added a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.
2024 Season: The season was marred by a pectoral muscle injury that limited Graham to 10 games without any starts. Prior to his injury, he had tallied 12 tackles and a quarterback hit.
Significance of Re-Signing Graham
Re-signing Ta’Quon Graham is a strategic move for the Falcons, reflecting the team’s commitment to retaining homegrown talent who understands the organization’s culture and expectations. Graham’s familiarity with the Falcons’ defensive schemes and his experience, despite the injury setbacks, position him as a valuable asset for the team’s future defensive strategies.
Historical Context: Texas Longhorns and Atlanta Falcons
The connection between the Texas Longhorns and the Atlanta Falcons is not a new phenomenon. Historically, the Falcons have benefited from the talents of former Longhorns, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength.
Shane Dronett: A prominent example is Shane Dronett, who played for the Falcons from 1997 to 2001. Dronett’s career highlights include being named a First-Team All-American in 1991 during his time at Texas. He played a pivotal role in the Falcons’ defense, contributing to their appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII. Tragically, Dronett’s post-retirement life was marred by health issues linked to his football career, culminating in his untimely death in 2009.
The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to re-sign Ta’Quon Graham underscores the team’s strategy of nurturing talent familiar with their systems and culture. Graham’s progression from a promising college athlete to a professional facing and overcoming challenges exemplifies resilience and dedication. As he continues his career with the Falcons, both he and the team aim to build on past experiences to achieve greater success in the seasons to come.