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Atlanta Falcons: 5 free agents that Atlanta should re-sign

By John Buhler

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Ryan Schraeder (73) puts on his helmet before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Ryan Schraeder (73) puts on his helmet before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /

44. . Right Tackle. Valdosta State. Ryan Schraeder. 73. player

Ryan Schraeder went from an undrafted free agent to arguably one of the best right tackles in the NFL in a matter of years. Though he didn’t make it to Hawaii, Schraeder played at a Pro Bowl level at right tackle in 2015, as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line experienced a meteoric rise in 2015.

Though Schraeder will certainly command more money than he is making now, the Atlanta Falcons may want to look at signing him to a long-term deal so that the club can have its two pillars at tackle for the next several seasons. Pairing Schraeder with left tackle Jake Matthews for the foreseeable future gives the Falcons a chance to have a great offensive line for years to come.

The best thing the Atlanta Falcons can do to help surround quarterback Matt Ryan with a Super Bowl caliber roster is to invest in the trenches. Atlanta still has a way to go in getting the defensive front seven right, but might already have some special players on its offensive line in Matthews and Schraeder.

While the Atlanta Falcons will need to address the interior of the offensive line for sure, especially if right guard Chris Chester doesn’t return, should the team lock up Ryan Schraeder in the long-term for a reasonable contract, Atlanta is one step closer to building a winner for Matt Ryan to navigate to hopefully a Super Bowl.

Next: Nate Stupar

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