Atlanta Falcons: Top Five Players Who Must Be Better in 2018

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: Duke Riley #42 of the Atlanta Falcons awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears during the season opening game at Soldier Field on September 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Falcons defeated the Bears 23-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – September 10: Duke Riley #42 of the Atlanta Falcons awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears during the season-opening game at Soldier Field on September 10, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. The Falcons defeated the Bears 23-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. Duke Riley Must Stay Healthy and be More Consistent

Of last season’s draft picks for the Atlanta Falcons I found Duke Riley to be the most disappointing. The problem for Riley was injuries. Riley spent the majority of the 2017 season hurt and when he was healthy had fallen from the rotation.

The Falcon’s defense had a fantastic year! If Riley could find a way to stay healthy he would make a strong unit even better in 2018. In the time he did play Riley showed his speed and ability to cover ground.

He finished the year with a combined 30 tackles. Not a good number for a linebacker who was thought to play a big role in the defense. This season he needs to step it up and prove he has a future in Atlanta.

Riley’s best use could be in blitzing the passer or in pass coverage. He isn’t a prototypical linebacker and lacks the size to plug holes and stop the run.

Regardless, Riley has to be better in 2018 and will be expected to play a bigger role. Much like the next member, we will highlight.

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