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Atlanta Falcons Five Players Who Will Breakout in 2018

By Kit Anderson

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 03: Ito Smith #25 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. Southern Mississippi defeated Kentucky 44-35. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 03: Ito Smith #25 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. Southern Mississippi defeated Kentucky 44-35. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts to their 10-15 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Takk McKinley Emerges as an Elite Pass Rusher

Takk McKinley showed flashes last season of just how good he can be. He is a high motored player who pairs power with surprising speed and athleticism for a pass rusher his size. With a year under his belt, the best is still to come for McKinley.

If Takk stays healthy double-digit sacks should be a foregone conclusion. Similar to Beasley with Clayborn and Poe now gone McKinley will have far more reps and more expectations to go along with them.

Takk is going to be a key for the Falcon’s defense this year if he is unable to rush consistently the team could be in trouble.

Outside of Takk and Beasley, there are no consistent pass rush threats on the roster. Having Takk and Beasley coming after quarterbacks constantly will make the Falcons one of the best teams in the Leauge.

Without them, the Falcons are going to be in trouble and will have to win shootouts unable to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks consistently.

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