Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Dontari Poe, Andre Roberts, Hugh Thornton, Soma Vainuku
Departures: Patrick DiMarco, Aldrick Robinson, Paul Worrilow
Offence:
Atlanta had one of the league's best offences last year and expect them to be at the top of that list again with MVP Matt Ryan and Julio Jones returning to the fold. Matt Ryan had the best season of his career last year winning MVP and carrying the team to its second Super Bowl. Don't expect Ryan to have a MVP-calibre season again with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan moving on to San Francisco. The Falcons host a dynamic running back duo in Devonta Freeman, who is among the best running backs, and Tevin Coleman, one of the league's better backups. Julio Jones is the best receiver in the game today and expect another one of his incredible seasons; maybe he will push for 2,000 yards. Joining Jones is Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy and Taylor Gabriel who will all serve as capable pass catchers. Andre Roberts was also added at the wide receiver position to add a reliable depth receiver. At the tight end position Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo form a weaker tight end group. The offensive line looks good again brining back elite center Alex Mack to control the line of scrimmage. Ryan Schraeder, Jake Matthews and Andy Levitre are also all above-average starters with Wes Schweitzer rounding out the offensive line.
Defence:
The defence could dictate exactly how far the defending NFC champions go next year depending on if they improve or collapse after last year's embarrassing exit in the Super Bowl. The defensive line looks much better this year with the addition of nose tackle Dontari Poe, who has stuffed the run in Kansas City since 2012. Grady Jarrett was the Falcons best player in Super Bowl 51 and looked like a lock for the MVP until they collapsed. If that was an indication of how good Jarrett can be, he could be in for a huge breakout campaign. The all star of the defence is Vic Beasley, who led the NFL in sacks last year with 15.5 and entering his third season could improve even more. Rookie first-round pick Takkarist McKinley rounds out the defensive line with backups Brooks Reed, Derrick Shelby and Courtney Upshaw. Deion Jones was great in his rookie season last year anchoring the line backing unit but the outsides could use some work with De'Vondre Campbell and Duke Riley. The leader of the secondary is shutdown corner back Desmond Trufant, who missed the playoffs last year, and will team up with Robert Alford and nickel back Brian Poole. Keanu Neal will look to improve on his solid rookie season at free safety with Ricardo Allen manning strong safety.
Special Teams:
At age 42, Matt Bryant is still one of the few elite kickers left in the league making it to the pro bowl last season. Reliable Matt Bosher will be the punter once again this year meaning they kept the core of this unit intact. Wide receiver Justin Hardy will be given the chance to start the season as the punt and kick returner.
Starters:
Offence
|
Defence
|
Julio Jones
|
Takkarist McKinley
|
Mohamed Sanu
|
Dontari Poe
|
Taylor Gabriel
|
Grady Jarrett
|
Jake Matthews
|
Vic Beasley
|
| Andy Levitre |
De'Vondre Campbell
|
Alex Mack
|
Deion Jones
|
| Wes Schweitzer |
Duke Riley
|
Ryan Schraeder
|
Robert Alford
|
Austin Hooper
|
Ricardo Allen
|
Matt Ryan
|
Keanu Neal
|
Devonta Freeman
|
Desmond Trufant
|
2017 Draft:
26. Takkarist McKinley
75. Duke Riley
136. Sean Harlow
149. Damontae Kazee
156. Brian Hill
174. Eric Saubert
Top 10 Players:
10. Jake Matthews
9. Ryan Schraeder
8. Keanu Neal
7. Deion Jones
6. Desmond Trufant
5. Alex Mack
4. Devonta Freeman
3. Vic Beasley
2. Matt Ryan
1. Julio Jones
Season Prediction: 11-5 (1st in NFC South)
Last Year: 11-5
Photo credit for Dontari Poe goes to https://www.thescore.com/trending. Vic Beasley goes to http://www.espn.com/. Julio Jones and Matt Ryan goes to http://www.foxsports.com/.
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