Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Defenses (21-26)

Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is hit from behind by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow (55) resulting in an incomplete pass during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons 4-12
Last Season’s Rankings: #27 Overall Defense (379.4 total yards per game allowed) #21 Passing Defense (243.6 passing yards per game allowed) #31 Rushing Defense (135.8 rushing yards per game allowed)

After going 13-3 and getting a chance to play in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers, the Falcons experienced a fall from grace nobody was able to see coming. What was tragic about the Falcon’s 5-11 2013 season was the downfall of not only their running abilities on offense, but their ability (or lack thereof) to stop the run on defense. Their rush defense was also one of the worst in the league, allowing 135.8 yards per game to opposing running backs, second worst in the league. I think one of the main reasons that the Falcons were so bad on the run was because of their ill-preparedness. Ranking 2nd-worst in rushing yards allowed (135.8 yards per game allowed) was a result from a bad draft and not enough depth at certain positions. In turn the Falcons allowed a 6th-worst 27.7 points per game in 2013. This off-season the key for the Falcons is not working on the offense but making sure that their defense is in good and working order. Their defense ranked 27th in total yardage allowed (379.4 total yards per game allowed) and consequently 27th in total points per game allowed.

Some may wonder how on Earth are the Atlanta Falcons going to rebound from such a horrendous season defending the run and the simple answer lies in their draft selections. Both Minnesota DT Ra’Shede Hageman and LB Yawin Smallwood are looking to be difference makers on this Falcons’ squad.

Out of the University of Minnesota, Ra’Shede Hageman has been one of the most talked about (and biggest) defensive lineman in this draft. As a red shirt senior, Hageman has the experience and technique that many lineman just don’t have in this draft. What Hageman’s career as a Golden Gopher has showed us is that he has truly developed as a defensive presence. In his first three seasons at Minnesota, Hageman recorded 53 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Although Minnesota was never really considered a top contender for the BCS National Championship, Hageman still proved to us that he had what it took to play against premiere talent such as the Big 10. This concept was none more evident than in his senior season at U of M as the 6’6″, 318-pound Hageman recorded 13.0 tackles for loss, 38 total tackles and two punt blocks. This past season for the Gophers, Hageman showed the nation that he can combine size and strength into a universal defensive prowess. He is a big man at 6’6″ and can definitely punish interior lineman of the NFL with his brute force and ability to drive back offensive tackles. Although many may say that Hageman isn’t as fast as NFL Scouts would like, I believe that with his raw size and pass-rushing technique, he is as valuable as any defensive tackle in this draft. At the Senior Bowl, the college and NFL world took notice of Hageman and his ability to drive back defenders into the backfield and his capacity to play not only in a 4- 3 defense, but also in a 3-4 defensive scheme. While Hageman wasn’t as flashy and lightning quick as DE Aaron Donald, he still was able to impress with his size and length over offensive lineman. Hageman would fit perfectly into the Falcons defense if given the chance.

Although Smallwood may be small potatoes in comparison with other names from big time schools, his play at the University of Connecticut has been anything but small. Born on Christmas Day in 1991, Smallwood’s story to the NFL is a weird, but justified one. Out of Worcester High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, Smallwood was the ultimate high school athlete. Throughout his career at Worcester, Smallwood played both quarterback and linebacker. At the quarterback position, Smallwood wasn’t as talented, however he was still able to throw for 705 yards and six touchdowns and rush for 646 yards and four touchdowns in his junior year and rush for an unbelievable 769 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns as a senior. On the defensive side of the ball, Smallwood was even mre dominant, tackling opposing ball carriers an average of 80 times per season along with an average of four sacks and four tackles for loss. After committing to UConn for football, Smallwood would end up being red-shirted and then put in as starting middle linebacker the very next season. In his first season at UConn, Smallwood played extremely well, recording 94 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two passes defended as he returned a fumble and an interception back for a touchdown against Vanderbilt and Buffalo, respectively. The next season for the Massachusett’s linebacker would immediately give him national recognition as a stout and dependable linebacker. As a sophomore, Smallwood registered a spectacular 120 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and even two fumbles forced. In all but three games in Smallwood’s sophomore season, the inside linebacker was able to tackle opposing ball carriers nine times (in his three other games Smallwood recorded at least six tackles or more). At the end of the season, Smallwood was eventually named a first team All-BIG EAST selection (according to the University of Connecticut). As well after an outstanding performance against Maryland where he registered 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, Smallwood was also named the Football Writers Association of America/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Week from the Maxwell Football Club and the ECAC Defensive Player of the Week. In the long run though, it will be Smallwood’s junior season which will define him in this year’s draft. In 2013, Smallwood was able to throw down 118 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. However, where Smallwood really impressed in 2013 was in his ability not only to rush the QB and stop the run, but also his ability to drop back into coverage and prevent the pass. As a junior, Smallwood defended 9 total passes as well as intercepting a pass and returning it 59 yards for a touchdown against Temple. In the end though, Smallwood ended up being named to the All-American Athletic Conference First Team, ECAC FBS All-Star Team and a Butkus Award Semifinalist. Where Smallwood lined up so well as a pick in the draft is in his athletic ability, but also his overall skills at the linebacker position. As evidenced throughout his career at UConn, Smallwood has the ability to rush the quarterback and make things happen in the backfield. As well, because he does have great vision and explosiveness, he can either stay back in coverage and attack the ball, or he can go up the middle and rush the passer. His nine passes defended are another indicator of how Smallwood is so different from other linebackers in this draft. Because he has the ability to tackle and defend the pass, he is incredibly valuable to the Falcons.

Other rookies include Notre Dame OLB Prince Shembo (46 tackles and five sacks in 2013), Syracuse OLB Marquis Spruill (58 tackles and 4.5 sacks) and South Dakota’s Tyler Starr (71 tackles, nine sacks, 15 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles). With those players comes former Chief DE Tyson Jackson (34 tackles and four sacks), former Dolphin DT Paul Soliai (34 tackles, four tackles for loss and five passes defended), DE Jonathan Babineaux (42 tackles and seven tackles for loss), OLB Kroy Biermann (39 tackles, 3.3 sacks and 2.2 tackles for loss from 2008-2012 with the Falcons), ILB Paul Worrilow (127 tackles and four tackles for loss), ILB Sean Weatherspoon (38 tackles) and OLB Osi Umenyiora (47 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three passes defended). I think that with this group of new additions and old-time talent, the Falcons could possibly improve their awful 2013 run defense and give Matty Ice some time to operate.

The secondary saw the loss of Asante Samuel, a pretty experienced DB. Fortunately though, the Falcons do have some backups to replace Asante. CB Robert Alford (40 tackles and eight passes defended), SS William Moore (86 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions), FS Dwight Lawrie (64 tackles and 16 passes defended during rookie season with the New York Jets) and CB Desmond Trufant (70 tackles and 17 passes defended). The Falcons do need some work over last season’s 21st place showing at the NFL grounds. They’ve added safety Dez Southward and CB Ricardo Allen to the mix of DBs. Allen actually intercepted six passes last season at Purdue and should see some playing time in the NFL. I think that with a little luck, they will definitely see some improvement.