FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons added their first defensive player in the NFL draft with the fifth-round selection of Troy pass rusher Jonathan Massaquoi on Saturday.
Massaquoi, a cousin of Cleveland Browns receiver and former Georgia standout Mohamed Massaquoi, left school after his junior year. In three seasons with Troy, he started 25 games, finishing his career with 19.5 sacks.
The Falcons, who will work under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan this season, upgraded their secondary Wednesday by trading for cornerback Asante Samuel.
When Atlanta begins its mandatory, three-day mini-camp June 19, Massaquoi will work behind starting ends John Abraham and Ray Edwards and compete for snaps with Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury.
The only starter not returning from last year’s defense is middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, who signed with New Orleans.
