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Atlanta Falcons: Depth Chart Observations

By Sunny Minhas

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Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) carries the football as Green Bay Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) defends during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Depth Chart Observations

The Atlanta Falcons recently released their preseason depth chart with their game against the Tennessee Titans looming. A new coaching staff promises a fresh look at the roster and that has been fulfilled with some key changes.

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The following is the offensive depth chart released:

 FIRSTSECONDTHIRDOTHER
WR Julio JonesLeonard HankersonMarquez ClarkCarlton Mitchell
LT Jake MatthewsTyler PolumbusMatt HufferEric Lefeld
Lamar Holmes
LG Mike PersonPeter KonzAdam Replogle
C Joe HawleyJames StoneValerian Ume-Ezeoke
RG Chris ChesterJon AsamoahJared Smith
RT Ryan SchraederJake RodgersDeMarcus LovePierce Burton
TE Jacob TammeTony MoeakiLevine ToiloloMickey Shuler
DJ Tialavea
WR Roddy WhiteDevin HesterJustin HardyEric Weems
Nick Williams
Bernard Reedy
QB Matt RyanT.J. YatesSean Renfree
RB Devonta FreemanTevin ColemanAntone SmithTerron Ward
Jerome Smith
Michael Ford
FB Patrick DiMarcoCollin Mooney
  • The biggest takeaway here is Jon Asamoah not a projected starter. He was quite comfortably the Falcons’ best offensive lineman last year but injury might have set him back a bit.

    • The team likes what they see in

    Mike Person

    that they have him listed as a starter. Or rather, he’s the best of a bad bunch. He’s also seen

    many reps at center

    , signalling

    Joe Hawley

    might not be ready.

    James Stone

    has been the left guard in such situations.

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  • Lamar Holmes has really fallen dramatically. Once viewed as the future starting offensive tackle, he is now struggling for a place on the bench.

    • The depth along the offensive line looks very poor. There are some NCAA starting offensive lines which wouldn’t have room for some of the backups.

  • Roddy White stills holds onto the starting spot but Leonard Hankerson will push him if training camp reports are to be believed.
  • Justin Hardy looks like he’ll be the 5th WR. He can spend time learning the nuances of the game as his sub-standard measurables alone won’t help him impact.
  • Bernard Reedy lit up training camp last season and had some exciting moments in preseason which earned him a spot on the practice squad. He will have an even tougher task trying to make the roster this year.
  • Levine Toilolo has fallen to 3rd choice at tight end but he’s been having an exceptional camp. With Kyle Shanahan’s adage of using the right men for the right moments, Toilolo will have opportunities to impact such as in the redzone where he can use his 6’8″ 265 lbs frame.
  • The running backs ahead of Antone Smith and Terron Ward are nursing injuries, so look for them to try stir things up in their absence and give the coaches a headache.
  • T.J. Yates is still ahead of Sean Renfree but that might not be final. Yates’ advantage in previous years was his experience and mental aptitude but Renfree now has 2 years under his belt and combined with his superior physical tools, should push Yates.

    • Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) and cornerback Robert Alford (23) talk against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

    Defensive Depth Chart Observation

    A new scheme is also incorporated on the defensive side of the ball which can be best described as a hybrid 4-3 and 3-4. It features 4-down lineman including a 3-tech but aside from that,  it is essentially a 3-4.

    The following is the defensive depth chart released:

    FIRSTSECONDTHIRDOTHER
    DE Vic Beasley Jr.Kroy BiermannMalliciah GoodmanStansly Maponga
    DT Ra’Shede HagemanJonathan BabineauxGrady JarrettWarren Herring
    DT Paul SoliaiJoey MbuRicky Havili-HeimuliDerrick Hopkins
    DE Tyson JacksonAdrian ClaybornCliff MatthewsSam Meredith
    LB Justin DurantJoplo BartuMarquis SpruillDerek Akunne
    LB Paul WorrilowNate StuparAllen Bradford
    LB Brooks ReedO’Brien SchofieldTyler StarrBoris Anyama
    CB Robert AlfordJalen CollinsKevin WhiteJonathon Mincy
    CB Desmond TrufantPhillip AdamsDezmen SouthwardAkeem King
    S Ricardo AllenSean BakerRobenson TherezieTerell Floyd
    S William MooreKemal IshmaelCharles GodfreyDamian Parms
    • Vic Beasley will play LEO. It was a question whether he had the body type to be an every-down defensive end but the coaches have loved what he’s shown so far.
    • Ra’Shede Hageman nicks the starting spot from long-time starter Jonathan Babineaux and will play 3-tech where he gets to show off his extreme athleticism.
    • Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson are back to the positions they made their name and hopefully return to the level they played at before.
    • Adrian Clayborn will alternate between defensive end and defensive tackle just like Michael Bennett did in Seattle under Dan Quinn. He will go in over Jackson when the team feels they need a boost to the pass rush.
    • Rookie Grady Jarrett is 3rd string but defensive line coach Bryan Cox mentioned Jarrett has started to come into his own. He has the ability to play either of the defensive tackle spots.
    • Brooks Reed has been injured but still retains a starting role as the SAM. He will be asked to do a bit of everything.
    • The linebacker corps is weak overall. They need Justin Durant back to his best and hope Paul Worrilow continues to make strides.
    • Allen Bradford has received some praise from William Moore and could be a surprise candidate to make the 53-man roster depending on how he plays over these next 4 weeks.
    • Ricardo Allen has seized the free safety position and well-deserved at that. He’s been working hard after spending the majority of last season on the practice squad despite being a 5th round pick.

    A fresh new perspective on the roster can open the door for young talents like Ricardo Allen or Ra’Shede Hageman to put a stamp on the NFL or help breathe new life into veterans like Paul Soliai and Adrian Clayborn. Dan Quinn has the players he needs for his system and now it’s up to them to respond.

    Next: Atlanta Falcons: Training Camp Surprises

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