An Ideal offseason for the Atlanta Falcons in 2019

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Before you fast forward to the 2019 NFL Season, you must fix what you can now. The Atlanta Falcons started that when they made the decision to fire Steve Sarkisian, and Keith Armstrong while simultaneously letting Marquand Manuel walk. Yesterday, the Falcons signed former offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, to the same position and former offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as the tight ends coach. These moves indicate wanting to let Matt Ryan take a lot more control of the offense, and as we have seen in the past, that isn’t a bad idea.

The Falcons finished the 2018 season 7-9 marred by injury, exposing their depth issues. They are slated to have around 40-60 million in cap depending on the cuts and restructures that may occur.  The following are my projections for who the Falcons cut, restructure, and let walk.

CUT

RT Ryan Schraeder

CB Robert Alford

DE Brooks Reed

K Matt Bryant

OG Brandon Fusco

Restructure/Extension

WR Julio Jones

DE Vic Beasley

Let Walk

OG Andy Levitre

OG Ben Garland

DE Derrick Shelby

DT Terrell McClain

LS Jon Condo

TE Logan Paulsen

LB Kemal Ishmael

SS Jordan Richards

LB Bruce Carter

OG Zane Beadles

RB Tevin Coleman

WR Justin Hardy

WR Marvin Hall

S Sharrod Neasman

QB Matt Schaub

Re-sign

DT Grady Jarrett

DE Bruce Irvin

DE Steven Means

CB Brian Poole

CB Justin Bethel

OT Ty Sambrailo

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

RB Brian Hill

 

Making these moves would leave the Falcons with 39 players under contract. Having significant cap room and more than the full allotment of draft picks will lead to a quick turnaround for the Dirtybirds. Next comes free agency, where Atlanta has never been a major player, but according to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, this will be an extremely active offseason. The following is my projection for the decisions in free agency.

FREE AGENCY

DT Jonathan Hankins

DE Brandon Graham

OG Billy Turner

OT Ja’Wuan James

C/G Mitch Morse

 

This is only the beginning for the Falcons in which these five players replace incumbent signings from years prior. Jonathan Hankins showed why he is one of the best run defenders in the NFL as a member of the Oakland Raiders. Coupling him with Brandon Graham would significantly improve the Falcons run defense which was often horrendous during the season.

Offensively, Billy Turner serves as great depth should he not win the competition for a starting position at guard. Ja’Wuan James started 62 games at right tackle over the last five seasons, proving to be a stellar offensive lineman throughout his career. Poaching James from the reeling Dolphins is the perfect way to replace the declining Ryan Schraeder.

Mitch Morse is the starting center for Kansas City Chiefs but could move on to greener pastures should the Chiefs elect not to re-sign him. Signing Morse and moving him to guard would stabilize this Falcons offensive front with premier talent. Focusing on the offensive line in free agency also allows the front office to zero-in on defense during the draft. The following is my mock draft for the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.

2019 NFL Draft

1. DT Jeffery Simmons

2. OG Chris Lindstrom

3. EDGE Oshane Ximines

4. WR Chase Claypool

4C. TE Zach Gentry

5. LB Khalil Hodge

5C. S/LB Chase Hansen

6. CB Jamal Peters

7. S Jalen Young

 

Each of these picks gives the Falcons young and hungry guys that can live up to Dan Quinn’s standards. Fast and physical will yet again be something the Falcons strive for in 2019. With these guys in the fold, Dan Quinn should be able to get the maximum potential out of this team next season.

 

 

 

 

 

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