Atlanta Falcons LB Marquis Spruill to miss 2014 season with torn ACL

When the Atlanta Falcons traded two draft picks to move up in order to select Syracuse linebacker Marquis Spruill in the fifth round, there was some level of expectation that he would seriously compete for a roster spot, and potentially, a rotational job in the linebacking corps. Unfortunately, that potential will not be realized for at least a year, as Spruill has been diagnosed with a torn ACL that will force him to miss the entire 2014 season.

This is a blow to the depth for the Falcons, but in fairness, Spruill was listed as a third-stringer on the initial depth chart prior to the opening preseason game on Friday. The 6-foot, 225-pound Spruill was considered to be “NFL-ready” from a perspective of awareness, but as with most fifth-round picks, his upside is fairly limited given somewhat average physical gifts and explosive tendencies.

Still, Spruill was considered a favorite to make the opening day roster for Atlanta, and he could have certainly contributed on special teams from day one. In his absence, Yawin Smallwood would seemingly be the main beneficiary from an opportunity perspective, but hopefully, Spruill can make a full recovery in time for the 2015 campaign.