The Atlanta Falcons need to revamp their linebacking corps this offseason. Here are four free agent linebackers to consider signing for the 2016 Falcons.
The 2015 Atlanta Falcons came a long way in becoming a better defensive team. The secondary had the defense’s only Pro Bowler in shutdown cornerbackDesmond Trufant. Trufant, cornerbackRobert Alford, free safetyRicardo Allen, and strong safetyKemal Ishmaelplayed cohesively down the stretch in the Atlanta defensive backfield.
Atlanta’s defensive line did a fine job stuffing the run with players like defensive tacklePaul Soliai, defensive endTyson Jackson, and defensive linemanJonathan Babineaux. However, the pass rush again was nearly non-existent in the first year of head coach Dan Quinn’s 4-3 Under scheme. Atlanta will need to vastly upgrade that position group heading into 2016.
While the Atlanta Falcons largely overachieved defensively because of the coach-ability of its linebacking corps, that position group remains the Falcons’ weakest part of their team entering 2016. General manager Thomas Dimitroff already cut outside linebackerJustin Durantafter one season.
Outside linebackerO’Brien Schofieldis coming off surgery. Outside linebackerBrooks Reed‘s 2015 with the Atlanta Falcons was massively disappointing, as he never got healthy after preseason groin surgery. Middle linebackerPaul Worrilowand outside linebacker/defensive endKroy Biermannare two of the many players entering free agency that were on the 2015 Atlanta Falcons.
With many linebacker spots up in the air for the 2016 Atlanta Falcons, here are four players that the Falcons could target to put inJeff Ulbrich‘s position group and onRichard Smith‘s defense in 2016.
Next: Bruce Irvin
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