g-dawg Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 The DW Mario Williams (DE) At 31 years old, Williams may not be one of the top pass rushers in the league anymore, but - as Denver showed with DeMarcus Ware - veteran pass rushers are still highly valuable, even if the stats don't light up the scoreboards like they used to. Super Mario has posted double-digit sacks in 5 of his 10 seasons in the NFL and has an impressive 96 total sacks over his career. At 6'6" and around 290 pounds, he's a beast of a man who can be a factor against the run as well. Just two years ago, Williams recorded 14.5 sacks with the Bills, so it's not as if he's completely washed up either. The bigger issue may be the money he'll be looking for, despite being over 30. The thought of him lining up opposite Beasley conjures images of a pass rush few Falcons fans would dare dream of. If the Bills do cut him, I pray that the Falcons are the first to pick up the phone. Kendall Jackson Danny Trevathan (LB) The Falcons desperately need an upgrade at middle linebacker, and Danny Trevathan fits the bill perfectly. He can play the run and he can cover, so he's not coming off the field in passing situations. Trevathan will be just 26 by the time the season rolls around and he's going to land himself a nice contract with a team looking for a young stalwart in the middle of a defense. Bring him home, Falcons. Dave Choate Mario Williams (DE) He's not technically a free agent yet, but it seems so inevitable that I'm going to go ahead and salivate over the possibility. Williams is on the wrong side of 30, but he's still one of the league's better pass rushers, his utter misuse in Rex Ryan's scheme in 2015 may have damaged his market value just enough that the Falcons would consider him, and he'd immediately become the team's best pass rusher and the ideal player to have oppositeVic Beasley on the defensive line. You may only get 2-3 quality years out of Williams at this point, but given how hard up for a pass rush Atlanta is, I have to think he'd be worth signing. Caleb Rutherford Von Miller (Hey, he hasn't signed anywhere yet) ...but seriously, Danny Trevathan (LB) In an ideal world of free agency, you want players that are two things: 1) young and 2) good. The majority of the time, you either get a player that is one or the other, but Trevathan is not only both young AND good, it's highly likely he'll be leaving the team due to the amount of money Denver has to pay Von Miller and a quarterback. While Paul Worrilow is a fan favorite, it's clear he's not the answer at linebacker for the Falcons, and if they want to take the next step on defense, they need a guy who can come in and enforce the middle of the field. Trevathan should be able to do that. Charles McDonald Kelechi Osemele (G) The interior of the Falcons offensive line is a mess right now. Bringing in Kelechi Osemele from Baltimore would shore up one of the guard spots. Osemele is a perfect fit for the Falcons current offensive personnel; he's athletic enough to run the outside zone concepts, but powerful enough to run the gap plays that better suit Tevin Coleman. He'll turn 27 in the summer so if the Falcons decide to throw big money his way, the contract will be justifiable. The Falcons need to get bigger, meaner, stronger, and more athletic up front. Osemele is the perfect man for the job. Scott Carasik Stefan Wisniewski (C) The Falcons season in 2015 fell apart not because of the defense or because of the passing game dying, but because the offensive line fell apart with Mike Person failing to snap the ball consistently or block effectively at center. Ideally, the Falcons bring in someone to replace Person as the starting center, and Stefan Wisniewski has both experience in a zone blocking scheme and talent to succeed in it. He's not as quick as Person, but his experience at center and his ability as a blocker would make the offensive line as a whole improve. Person isn't a complete lost cause as he was a solid blocker at times and could be an answer as a stopgap at either left or right guard in 2016 for the Falcons. Allen Strk Danny Trevathan (LB) When looking at most top-tier defenses, one element usually stands out. Explosive edge rushers used to be the main priority for every defense to emerge into an outstanding uint. It remains as a key component, but not a total necessity. Look no further than theCarolina Panthers, who had aging pass rushers in Jared Allen and Charles Johnsonplaying significant snaps. Stout linebacker play has become essential in today's game. With teams depending on underneath throws to move the chains more often, three-down linebackers will become more coveted. Successful defenses will usually feature two versatile linebackers. Luke Kuechly andThomas Davis is a phenomenal duo. Bobby Wagner and K.J Wright have been excellent for years. The Super Bowl champions benefitted greatly from Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan flying around the field. Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower has emerged as one of the better duos. When people look at the emergence of Minnesota's defense, the speed of Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks immediately stands out. All five teams have drafted extremely well in the linebacker department. Meanwhile in Atlanta, they've started overmatched undrafted free agents and injury prone veterans. With Justin Durant recently released, two linebacker holes need to be filled. The market for edge rushers isn't very appealing. Trevathan is entering his prime as one of the most complete linebackers in the league. He can cover, tackle in space, win at the point of attack, and play all three downs. There will be plenty of competition to sign him, which could scare Atlanta away. If they want to make a true statement though, this is the player that will help them do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted February 20, 2016 Author Share Posted February 20, 2016 I gotta go Trevathan. This plugs a major hole in the defense - we don't have ANY good linebackers right now. While I love SuperMario, I'm just burnt out on over 30yr old passrushers and Falcons always have bad luck with them. We get Trevathan at the peak of his career an Mario is on the back-9 of his career. Then we get a passrusher in the 1st round - take your pick: Noah Spence Emmanuel Ogbah Kevin Dodd Shaq Lawson We don't have to worry about paying a passrusher for 2-3 more years. Not sure if we could afford both Trevathan and Osemele but would love to have him as well. Definitely need a Center - Ben Jones, Wisneski, Bergestrom, etc. - Mack too expensive. Draft a Center as well in 4th round - like a Max Tuerk or Jack Allen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaRdH3ad Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Trevathan and Noah spence or shaq Lawson would be a dream. Also I would Alex Mack if he opts out you have to at least consider an all pro center Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Realistically it's Trevathan or Osemele for me even though these guys will get paid I just see getting a good pass rusher starts at 10 mill + per I think the only way we secure pass rush realistically is through the draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHEC Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Bruce Irvin imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby.Digital Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 (edited) Mario Williams or Malik Jackson for me. We need another guy on the dline who can get constant pressure on the QB. Edited February 20, 2016 by Bobby.Digital Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etherdome Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 In free agency, take care of the interior OL first and second. After that, add a helpful LB, or Safety. The draft should offer us some good choices for the DE position. Dodd, Lawson and even Spence should fall into our laps in the first round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krammmit Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Any 2 of these would dramatically change this team. Get a linemen, particularly a center, and we get drastically better in scoring. Get a DE/LB and we get a few more of those third down stops that Quinn keeps preaching about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDog90 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I don't think ATL needs to go after a "big" FA. They just need to build through the draft. Get a MLB like Ragland, he got potential to be what Brookling was for ATL. It's been a while since ATL had an enforcer in the middle. DL is pretty deep this draft, continue to build the DL through the draft. Beasley/Hageman/Jackson/rookie would be solid and cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quotemokc Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I would chase Trevathan because a big LB contract is like a mediocore pass rusher contract Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Bruce Irvin and Mario Williams would be nice. Then draft Jaylon Smith @17. Instant defensive upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiscoFalcon Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 FYI,,, We need the Center and Guard 100 times more than anything else.. As I've stated many times. IT's better to get OL with experience and Draft the D# ,and WR in the draft., Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiscoFalcon Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 2 minutes ago, Draftnut57 said: FYI,,, We need the Center and Guard 100 times more than anything else.. As I've stated many times. IT's better to get OL with experience and Draft the D# ,and WR in the draft., Love your quote man. God bless you buddy. Jesus SAVES! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 1 minute ago, WiscoFalcon said: Love your quote man. God bless you buddy. Jesus SAVES! Thank you,, It's amazing your the first one that has said anything about it in like...?? Wow,, years. But when I first put it up there were a few people that PMed and said they got a lot out of it.. Im an Evangelist,, So that is natural for me.. I need to go into that now and correct the dates..... My heart is for people who need Jesus. Thankful the Lord has allowed me to lead many to Him. That is my treasure for eternity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiscoFalcon Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 2 minutes ago, Draftnut57 said: Thank you,, It's amazing your the first one that has said anything about it in like...?? Wow,, years. But when I first put it up there were a few people that PMed and said they got a lot out of it.. Im an Evangelist,, So that is natural for me.. I need to go into that now and correct the dates..... My heart is for people who need Jesus. Thankful the Lord has allowed me to lead many to Him. That is my treasure for eternity. Wow man, that is wonderful. I am thankful for God's gift that he gave you of evangelization. Let ALL know that God is supreme, alpha and omega. Keep doing the Lord's work brother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconsfan11 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 #1 on my board would be Oliver Vernon if we can't get home then Bruce Irvin. I like Zach Brown a lot and think we would benefit coming here rather in Tennessee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 15 hours ago, Bobby.Digital said: Mario Williams or Malik Jackson for me. We need another guy on the dline who can get constant pressure on the QB. Beat me to it. Especially on Mario. I think he has been misused for years and could come in and give us 8-12 sacks first year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam25 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Mario Williams for me, but Danny Trevathan is a close second. With the Falcons cutting Soliai and making him a June first cut we gain around 5 + million to go with our already 27 million, with other cuts coming the Falcons could make a couple of big splashes since Blank said he wants to spend to the cap as well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 19 minutes ago, Adam25 said: Mario Williams for me, but Danny Trevathan is a close second. With the Falcons cutting Soliai and making him a June first cut we gain around 5 + million to go with our already 27 million, with other cuts coming the Falcons could make a couple of big splashes since Blank said he wants to spend to the cap as well... I think Danny is okay with the right group around him, but I also think he is vastly overrated on this board... Just because of his coverage skills...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam25 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 1 minute ago, Knight of God said: I think Danny is okay with the right group around him, but I also think he is vastly overrated on this board... Just because of his coverage skills...lol He definitely could be and it's hard to tell with such a talented defense around him but the DT's in Denver are far superior to ours so he could be a wash of a FA signing, that's why if we landed Mario I'd be all over getting Darron Lee with our first pick and signing a guy like Bruce Irvin or George Iloka instead of getting Mario and Danny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 12 hours ago, SpongeDad said: Bruce Irvin and Mario Williams would be nice. Then draft Jaylon Smith @17. Instant defensive upgrade. I'm right there with you sponge. The only imminent concern I would have is center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 30 minutes ago, Knight of God said: I think Danny is okay with the right group around him, but I also think he is vastly overrated on this board... Just because of his coverage skills...lol Exactly, and then combine that with the salary that he's going to require if he even does hit the market and you have a potential regrettable situation on your hands. I'd rather go get both Zach Brown and D Davis and hope at least one pans out, while drafting a young guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Even Bleed Red Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 What do you guys think about switching Beasely to OLB then going after bigger DEs? This will also allow him to use his quickness more when rushing the passer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hashbrown3 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Some great choices there. One or two of that group would be terrific. Add Malik to the list too please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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