Atlanta Falcons: All-Time Team

Outside Linebacker/LEO: John Abraham (2006-12)

Since this All-Time Team will take on a 3-4 Base Defense, I’ve taken some liberties and put a 4-3 defensive end at 3-4 outside linebacker role with Atlanta Falcons’ all-time sack leader John Abraham. I feel that Abraham would play well both up on the line of scrimmage or on the edge as a terrific pass rusher in a 3-4/4-3 Under Base scheme.

In seven years with the Atlanta Falcons, John Abraham had more quarterback sacks than any player in franchise history with 68.5. He ended up with 133.5 in his 15-year NFL career with the New York Jets, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Arizona Cardinals.

Abraham was one of the most ferocious pass rushers during his playing days, earning five trips to the Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections. His only year with either recognition in Atlanta came in 2010. John Abraham three times had double-digit sacks while with the Atlanta Falcons (2007-08, 2010).

Since John Abraham did briefly play outside linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals and did make a Pro Bowl at that position in 2013, if given the right system, he could thrive in hybrid defense as an outside linebacker. Regardless of position, I would want the franchise’s greatest sack artist on the field as often as I could.

Next: Inside Linebacker