Former Texas Longhorns DL Expected to Re-Sign With Atlanta Falcons

As the NFL offseason heats up, one of the most talked-about potential moves is the expected re-signing of former Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons, looking to bolster their defense and continue their resurgence, appear ready to bring back a player who has shown promise in his early NFL career and could be a key contributor moving forward. This move could signal a significant step in Atlanta’s efforts to improve on defense and build a more competitive squad for the 2025 season.

In this article, we will break down Ta’Quon Graham’s journey from the Texas Longhorns to the NFL, examine his role with the Atlanta Falcons, and explore what his re-signing means for both the player and the team moving forward. Additionally, we will look at what this means for the Longhorns football program, as Graham’s continued success at the professional level highlights the growing importance of Texas in producing NFL-caliber talent.

Ta’Quon Graham’s Journey From Texas Longhorns to the NFL

Ta’Quon Graham was a standout defensive lineman for the Texas Longhorns during his collegiate career, having been a key figure on the team’s defense. Originally from Killeen, Texas, Graham attended Shoemaker High School, where he first began to gain attention from college scouts due to his size, speed, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 300 pounds, Graham possessed the physical tools that NFL teams covet in defensive linemen.

Graham committed to the University of Texas, where he spent four years refining his craft and showcasing his potential as a future professional. Over his time with the Longhorns, Graham became known for his versatility along the defensive line, playing both defensive tackle and defensive end during his tenure in Austin. His ability to shift between positions helped showcase his adaptability and cemented his reputation as a valuable piece to the Texas defense.

During his time at Texas, Graham had a notable career. He totaled 144 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks over four seasons. His best season came in 2020, when he posted career highs in tackles and tackles for loss. Graham’s ability to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him one of the more coveted defensive prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft.

After declaring for the draft, Graham was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. While being a late-round selection, he came to the Falcons with high expectations due to his raw talent, physicality, and versatility.

Ta’Quon Graham’s Role with the Atlanta Falcons

Since joining the Atlanta Falcons, Ta’Quon Graham has had a solid start to his NFL career, contributing on a young and rebuilding defensive unit. While not an immediate starter, Graham showed potential in his first two seasons with the team. In his rookie year, he played in all 17 games and made an impact with his ability to clog up running lanes and apply pressure on the quarterback. While he didn’t put up huge sack numbers, his presence in the interior defensive line was felt, and he helped the Falcons improve against the run.

In 2022, Graham’s role with the Falcons continued to expand. He started in multiple games and showcased his versatility by playing both defensive tackle positions and occasionally shifting to defensive end in passing situations. One of the defining aspects of Graham’s game has been his ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage. While he may not have consistently been a sack machine, his knack for getting into the backfield, deflecting passes, and engaging blockers to open up opportunities for teammates made him an invaluable part of the Falcons’ defensive scheme.

As the Falcons began to show signs of improvement on defense in the latter part of the 2022 season, Graham’s growth as a player became more apparent. His ability to hold the point of attack in the run game and his hustle to chase down ball carriers allowed the Falcons to make key stops in pivotal moments. These attributes were something the team relied on to build their defense and continue their upward trajectory. While there were still some kinks to iron out in his pass-rushing ability, Graham was a key contributor to the Falcons’ evolving defense.

Given his steady development and role in the team’s defense, it’s clear why the Atlanta Falcons would want to re-sign Ta’Quon Graham for the future. His continued growth could be an essential factor in the Falcons’ pursuit of a top-tier defense, and his youth provides them with the opportunity to build around him for years to come. With defensive coach Dean Pees overseeing the defensive scheme and bringing a wealth of experience to the table, there’s optimism that Graham can develop into a key part of a more dynamic defensive front.

Why the Falcons Are Likely to Re-Sign Ta’Quon Graham

There are several reasons why the Atlanta Falcons are expected to re-sign Ta’Quon Graham ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The Falcons are building a team that is balanced and competitive, and Graham fits into their defensive plans for the future. Here’s why it makes sense for Atlanta to bring him back:

1. Defensive Line Depth and Versatility

The NFL is a passing league, and one of the most important areas of focus for any team is the defensive line. The Falcons have made strides in improving their pass rush and run defense, and having players like Graham who can line up in multiple spots on the defensive line is a key asset.
Graham’s ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end allows the Falcons to deploy him in various formations and schemes. His versatility provides flexibility, allowing the defense to adjust to different opponents and offensive schemes.
Depth along the defensive line is critical for maintaining fresh legs throughout the season, and Graham’s presence adds depth, which is crucial for long-term success.

2. Youth and Development Potential

At just 25 years old, Graham is still early in his career and has significant room to grow. The Falcons have made an effort to rebuild their team around younger players, and Graham fits that profile perfectly. With a few more seasons of development, it’s possible that he could become one of the anchors of the Falcons’ defense.
Having already shown flashes of his potential, the Falcons are likely keen on continuing to develop Graham’s skill set, especially in terms of his pass rush and overall impact on the game. Under the right coaching and with more experience, Graham could become a standout player on Atlanta’s defense.

3. Fit in Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees’ Scheme

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has a reputation for getting the most out of his players, particularly on the defensive line. His schemes are designed to take advantage of the strengths of his players, and Graham’s ability to clog the middle of the line and disrupt plays makes him a valuable asset in that system.
Graham’s quickness and ability to create pressure from the interior of the line fit perfectly into Pees’ overall defensive philosophy, which often requires his linemen to be disruptive and able to generate pressure on the quarterback.

4. Improvement in Run Defense

One of Graham’s primary strengths is his ability to stop the run. In 2022, the Falcons made significant strides in their run defense, and Graham was a crucial part of that improvement. His ability to hold the line of scrimmage and shed blockers made it difficult for opposing offenses to establish a running game.
With NFL offenses becoming more balanced and diverse, having a strong run-stopping presence is incredibly valuable. Graham’s ability to provide this in the middle of the defensive line makes him a key player for the Falcons moving forward.

5. Market Value and Cost

As a former fifth-round pick, Graham is not expected to command a high salary in free agency. This is a benefit for the Falcons, as they can retain his services at a reasonable cost compared to other marquee players in the league. This allows them to allocate resources to other areas of need while still maintaining a solid defensive core with Graham in the fold.

What Ta’Quon Graham’s Re-Signing Means for the Atlanta Falcons

Re-signing Ta’Quon Graham would signify several important things for the Atlanta Falcons as they move forward. Most notably, it shows that the Falcons are committed to developing a balanced and formidable defense that can compete with the best in the NFC. Graham’s re-signing solidifies the team’s defensive line for the foreseeable future and gives them a young player who can evolve into a centerpiece of their defense.

In addition, it signals to fans that the Falcons are taking a proactive approach in rebuilding their defense. Under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons are focused on building a team that can contend in the NFC South and beyond. Graham’s re-signing would give them more stability in the trenches, an area that has been crucial in winning games and controlling the tempo of contests.

What This Means for Texas Longhorns Football

For Texas Longhorns fans, the continued success of Ta’Quon Graham at the NFL level is a point of pride. Graham’s development and success with the Atlanta Falcons showcase the talent that the Longhorns continue to produce year after year. Texas has long been known as one of the premier programs in college football, and Graham’s presence in the NFL further solidifies the university’s reputation for developing professional-caliber players.

As NFL teams continue to recruit players from Texas, Graham’s success will likely serve as a model for future Longhorns players who hope to follow in his footsteps. His journey from a talented high school recruit to a key contributor in the NFL demonstrates the type of pathway Texas provides for aspiring professional athletes.