FALCONS DRAFT RECAP

Did the Atlanta Falcons get better or just a little younger?  That’s the question every fan is asking after this last draft.  The Falcons came into the draft feeling a little “aged” in some significant positions, most notably Offensive Line, Linebacker, Wide Receiver and Cornerback.  Well there’s good news and there’s bad news.  The Falcons managed to shore up some youth in those positions, however there are still questions at Wide Receiver and Cornerback.  Here is a quick look at the newest members of the Atlanta Falcons:

The first pick in the Atlanta Falcons draft came in the way of Outside Linebacker Graham LaCasse.  This bruiser from Oregon State led his team in tackles his junior and senior year.  He has solid speed and accelerates through the gaps well, but where he really excels is his strength and tackling.  During the combine he posted 30 repetitions on the bench press and his college highlights are a testament to his tackling skills.  When he gets his arms around you it’s time to close up shop.

 http://daddyleagues.com/genesis/player/28128691/attributes

The Falcons looked to replace an aging offensive lineman with their second pick selecting Guard Robert Latimer out of Michigan.  Latimer is solid man weighing in at 338lbs and posting some very good scores in the combine.  His tape at Michigan shows a balanced player with great strength and solid fundamentals in the run and pass.  He will look to compete with Levitre or Fusco for a starting position this preseason. 

http://daddyleagues.com/genesis/player/28128693/attributes

With a clear need at Outside Linebacker the Falcons went back to defense in the 3^rd round.  Selecting Outside Linebacker Martinez Worsley with the 28^th pick the Falcons are hoping to solidify their Linebacking Corps.  Worsley a Conference USA All-American led his team in sacks last year and shows some real bursts of speed off the edge.  He has some raw talent at the position and shows signs of Vic Beasley type pursuit.  He will look to unseat long time veteran Brooks Reed from his starting position.

http://daddyleagues.com/genesis/player/28128694/attributes

Without a 4^th round pick the Falcons stood idly by as many of their top prospects came off the board.  In the 5^th round they finally got a shot and selected Colorado native Tackle Mack McClure.  At 6’6 306lbs he is a dominating force on the outside edge.  He showed some real skill in the passing game not allowing a sack in 10 consecutive games.  While still a prospect he looks like the heir to a starting position when Schraeder departs.

http://daddyleagues.com/genesis/player/28128696/attributes

The 6^th round pick came out of need as the Atlanta Falcons looked to find a bruising Fullback to lead their running game into the end zone.  What the found was Stanford graduate Heath Feagles.  He is a strong young man with an excellent mind for the game.  He will be a solid addition to the run game if he continues to grow during training camp and preseason.

http://daddyleagues.com/genesis/player/28128699/attributes

When most people are changing the station, the Atlanta Falcons were hot on their draft board looking for that last gem in the 7^th round.  They would like to think they found it in a Tackle out of Maryland Troy McClellan.  While not the strongest of the bunch McClellan seems to be a student of the game showing off high scores in the Wonderlic.  At Maryland he moved from Right to Left tackle seamlessly often being the only lineman to not give up a sack.  The Falcons front office said they were shocked to have a shot at McClellan, stating he would be a starter on 30 of the 32 teams in the NFL. 

http://daddyleagues.com/genesis/player/28128703/attributes

TEAM OF THE AGED

While the Atlanta Falcons had a lot of success last year, they cannot be expected to replicate this under new management.  Even the best of teams have had difficulty transitioning to a new coach or front office.  This is compounded by the fact that many of the talent around Atlanta is beginning to grow long in the tooth. With that in mind I set out to assess where the Atlanta Falcons of 2019 should look to improve or reverse time with younger players.  

The average age for the Falcons offensive line is 30 and they aren’t getting any younger.  The “General” Alex Mack 33 years old and 3 years left on contract has been the staple of the Falcons Line.  His interior partner Andy Levitre is also working on 33 and has failed to fulfill expectations.  With little to no depth behind their veteran line, look for the Falcons to get younger through the draft or free agency this off-season.   

Arguably one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league in recent memory may have their best years behind them.  Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu will be crossing that all important precipice of age 30 years old this year.  Historically, there is a gradual decline in athleticism and productivity between 29-34 years old, so we may need to start looking at adding depth.  The emergence of Calvin Ridley should help during the transition but the Falcons can’t make the same mistake they did with Julio Jones, refusing to sign a WR2 during his peak years.  Look for the Falcons to pick up another WR in the mid rounds to groom into something great.

Another aging Tandem in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford with the latter being more on the backside of the hill.  Desmond Trufant was signed to a long term contract and will likely retire a Falcon one day.  Robert Alford on the other hand has 3 years left on a very expensive contract and will likely decline in production relatively soon.  The Falcons won’t be able to unload his contract but will need to look for depth soon.  Look for Isaiah Oliver to get an increased role in the secondary in order to assess his skill level and potential for growth in his 2^nd year.

Honorable Mention: 

The Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Corps has 1 standout among mediocre role players.  With the trade of De’Vondre Campbell the Falcon Linebacker Corps has been left with only one player worth mentioning.  Deion Jones needs some support and the Falcons should look to pick up a strong right or left outside linebacker to assist.