Atlanta Falcons: All-Time Team

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of the Georgia Dome prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Right Tackle: Bob Whitfield (1992-2003)

The Atlanta Falcons selected Bob Whitfield eighth overall out of Stanford University in the 1992 NFL Draft as the heir apparent to Mike Kenn at left tackle. While Whitfield predominantly was a blind side protector in his 15-year NFL career, he did start out as a right tackle while Kenn was still on the team.

Whitfield played on three playoff teams in Atlanta including the 1998 NFC Championship season, the one year Whitfield earned Pro Bowl recognition in his 12 years with the Atlanta Falcons. Whitfield played in 178 games, starting 167 while playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

Bob Whitfield, like Mike Kenn, is well-remembered for playing on the offensive line through many generations of teams. He played during the June Jones years, the Dan Reeves era, and the beginning of Michael Vick under center.

I’d love to see Bob Whitfield play in a swing tackle role, but preferably on the right side with Kenn at left tackle on this All-Time Atlanta Falcons Team. Pairing him on the right side next to Bill Fralic, who only spent one season together in Atlanta, would make for a right side probably more formidable than Kenn and Blalock on the left side. The All-Time starting five on the offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons makes me realize that the team has had great protection at times over the years. Matt Ryan wouldn’t get touched behind this offensive line.

Next: Cornerback