Atlanta Falcons: All-Time Team
By John Buhler
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; A general view of the stadium during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Outside Linebacker: Keith Brooking (1998-2008)
Though he spent most of his career as a 4-3 middle linebacker while with the Atlanta Falcons, I’d like to see Keith Brooking as a strong side outside linebacker in a 3-4 with John Abraham, Tommy Nobis, and Jessie Tuggle.
Brooking was my favorite defensive player growing up. He made five straight Pro Bowls (2001-05) and at that time was one of the very best linebackers in football with Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, and Derrick Brooks.
Keith Brooking was a local product playing collegiately at Georgia Tech before the Falcons took him 12th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played in two of the Atlanta Falcons’ three NFC Championship Games to date and was in the middle of everything while with the Atlanta Falcons.
He had 882 tackles, 246 assists, 17.0 quarterback sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, and eight forced fumbles in 11 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. His versatility to rush the passer and drop back into coverage would make Keith Brooking a great linebacking commodity on this All-Time Team, even if he did have to play outside linebacker to get playing time.
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