Because the Atlanta Falcons begin searching for defensive teaching reinforcements, it’s a really perfect time to assemble the ultimate roundtable of the season. There may be lots to ponder going right into a pivotal yr for the franchise of their extended quest to return to the playoffs. How the offense makes minor alterations to place their promising younger quarterback ready to flourish can be monitored. How a lot of a defensive makeover can be required is most essential this offseason for a unit with few positives and quite a few query marks popping out of 2024.
This roundtable is historically the largest one in the beginning is refreshed going into full low season mode. Cory Woodroof, Dave Choate, Tre’Shon Diaz, Saivion Mixson, and Aaron Freeman be part of me for this prolonged dialogue. When you haven’t learn an end-of-season roundtable earlier than, you’ll be able to view final yr’s roundtable right here.
The place does Michael Penix have to enhance probably the most to grow to be a licensed franchise quarterback in 2025?
Cory Woodroof: Penix confirmed a lot promise in his three rookie begins. You’ll be able to take what he gave you to complete 2024 and win video games in 2025. In the event that they’re going to maximise his potential, serving to him get off to quicker begins and instructing him how one can differ his throws for the correct conditions can be paramount. A few of that may simply include time and expertise. Penix could be a good quarterback as he’s; you’ll be able to stay with missed throws proper now if he’s throwing flaming darts with such confidence and poise.
Nonetheless, Penix could be a fairly nice quarterback if the group finds methods to restrict the errant passes and present him how one can make as many performs out of construction as his mobility will enable. Standing and delivering within the pocket with cheap accuracy can lock you in as an NFL starter for a very long time. Penix can try this at this fee, and the rookie lumps will easy out finally. You’d like to see him add extra nuance to his sport and put extra situational contact on his passes. The good factor about Penix is that almost all of his errors are fixable, and he’s nonetheless very younger in his NFL profession. He’s proven sufficient to get you excited for the long run, however the ceiling can be as much as him and the teaching employees. It’s all doable, which provides you hope the Falcons obtained their man for the lengthy haul.
Dave Choate: Given his spectacular debut, it’s not as in depth an inventory as we would have thought after he was drafted. That’s nice information for the Falcons.
I’d give attention to accuracy, which can hopefully include consolation and time. Penix made some flat-out hoot-and-holler-worthy throws in 2024 in his restricted alternatives, however he additionally missed a handful of throws fairly badly. Settling in early and dealing on footwork and mechanics additional this offseason ought to assist with that. I actually don’t count on perfection a lot as avoiding a number of misses in a row.
In any other case, it’s simply all of the small belongings you desire a rookie quarterback to proceed to work on, like decision-making (with time working out, attempting a dangerous throw wanting the tip zone to Kyle Pitts, for instance) and luxury dealing with conditions the place time is tight and the offense should keep on schedule. The glimpse we obtained from Penix on the finish of this season was tantalizing sufficient that I’m already keen to think about him a franchise man within the making; it’s nearly refining what’s there for me.
Tre’Shon Diaz: The satan is within the particulars. Penix has to do the easy issues persistently and at a excessive stage to the purpose that it turns into second nature. Up to now, he’s proven that he’s a high-volume thrower who begins sluggish and will get scorching with extra makes an attempt. Sure, he could make all of the throws, however that doesn’t matter if he can’t hit them persistently. The missed hitches, comebacks, and fades don’t all boil right down to chemistry; the ball placement and placement on a good variety of these passes weren’t as much as snuff. He additionally must differ his throws extra.
With the ability to throw a laser is grand (and vital), however the perfect quarterbacks can throw the identical go 50 alternative ways. Minor particulars like not dropping the soccer when resetting and one-handing the soccer whereas in a crowded pocket are different locations he could make tangible enhancements that may go a good distance. Extra time along with his receivers will undoubtedly assist with timing, as we noticed in opposition to the Commander. A whole offseason because the group’s beginning quarterback will profit him too. The margins for error are skinny when evaluating franchise quarterbacks, however the constructive is that we’re already at this stage and have handed the primary one.
Allen Strk: Sustaining accuracy on throws outdoors the numbers and off-platform can be pivotal in his development. As many rookie quarterbacks are inclined to do, they’ll grow to be erratic when compelled off their spot and try tight window passes outdoors the numbers. There have been a number of off-target throws in opposition to the Commanders the place Penix threw passes with an excessive amount of velocity on a line drive. Contemplating it was his first begin on the street in a must-win hostile atmosphere, he was sure to endure some setbacks along with his ability set.
Together with his work ethic and traits, there ought to be loads of optimism that he’ll have the ability to throw the ball with extra precision when compelled out of the pocket and able to placing contact on throws when vital. It takes time for younger quarterbacks to persistently play with correct footwork and composure as they course of protection seems to be and undergo progressions. So long as Penix will get these nuances down, the sky is the restrict along with his arm expertise and ambition.
Saivion Mixson: When the teaching employees lastly determined to present the 24-year-old rookie a shot to begin after the putrid skid from Kirk Cousins, I’ve to say that I used to be nervous. I had a day two grade on Penix, citing his inconsistent mechanics after a prolonged school profession coupled along with his damage historical past as sufficient to have loads of pauses choosing him on day one, not to mention within the high ten. Properly, we will throw that analysis within the rubbish.
Penix has proven that not solely was he a quarterback worthy of top-ten consideration, however he could also be the perfect pure thrower of the soccer within the class. There are nonetheless inconsistencies from right down to down, however I consider a few of these errors could be mitigated by way of extra expertise along with his receivers. Through the sport in opposition to Washington, his misses gave the impression to be attributable to an absence of chemistry, particularly on downfield passes. Penix has proven that he’s a particular expertise with the ball in his palms and an low season the place he doesn’t should give attention to something however constructing chemistry along with his pass-catchers ought to do wonders for him.
Aaron Freeman: Penix’s struggles with accuracy and ball placement had been notably prevalent within the Washington sport. The Commanders performed a number of man protection, a template different groups could comply with to pressure Penix to make tight window throws. As seen throughout his three begins, together with late in opposition to the Commanders, the power to suit these home windows is one thing Penix possesses, however it has been inconsistent to this point.
The Falcons are ready to have the identical offensive line once more for the third consecutive season. Ought to they continue to be dedicated to the identical 5 starters or try and make upgrades?
Cory Woodroof: The offensive line, as constructed, can do what it must succeed. It’s not an elite unit, however it’s a sturdy one. Re-signing Drew Dalman ought to be an enormous precedence for this regime, if solely as a result of the opposite free-agent choices aren’t stellar and the upcoming draft class doesn’t look robust.
Conserving two veteran tackles in place as your younger quarterback develops is a brilliant transfer, even when each Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary have their faults. The group may contemplate including a developmental sort out within the draft to construct for the long run. This isn’t part of the roster that wants an overhaul; simply continued tweaks and alterations to maximise its potential.
Dave Choate: If they’ll, I’d persist with the group, although I’d wish to discover depth upgrades. Matthews continues to be a terrific choice in go safety, Matthew Bergeron seems to be fairly good, Chris Lindstrom is elite, and McGary is an incredible run blocker who held up pretty properly in his three-game stint on Penix’s blindside. The one participant I’d actively contemplate changing in 2025 is Dalman, an integral piece as a run-blocking middle however nonetheless has irritating snap and pass-protection points that make me view him because the weakest hyperlink. Even then, he’s ok that the Falcons ought to preserve him round if they’ll keep away from having him break the financial institution.
The fact, although, is that Dalman has handled accidents and each Matthews and McGary are over 30. I’d look to snag a younger sort out to develop as a possible starter down the road; they not less than have Ryan Neuzil as an reasonably priced, succesful backup plan for Dalman.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Atlanta ought to stay dedicated to their present beginning 5. For probably the most half, Neuzil and Dalman carried out equally in go safety, however Dalman exceeded the backup as a run blocker and nonetheless has the sting general. Dalman solely had three penalties in the course of the season, whereas Neuzil had the third most penalties on the road, with seven. The chief in penalties, Bergeron (12), struggled mightily with out the presence of Dalman, as did the run sport. Each improved with the middle’s return. There was a motive the Falcons couldn’t run left for a lot of the season, and it wasn’t all attributable to Cousins’ footwork. McGary is on an inexpensive deal for what he supplies–an underappreciated win for Fontenot.
An improve can be wanted sooner or later, however this offseason doesn’t provide many lifelike choices for upgrading over both McGary or Matthews. The beginning 5 the group got here into the yr with is sweet sufficient for yet another go, and the increase Penix offered them was proof of that. It’s a lot simpler to dam for a pocket navigator than a statue, and having a cohesive unit that’s performed a number of years collectively will help with the event of the group’s (hopeful) quarterback of the long run.
Allen Strk: There’ll at all times be lingering issues about McGary when dealing with top-tier opposition. His brief arms and sluggish toes make him liable to get blown previous off the sting. With Penix being left-handed, his go safety inconsistency raises some alarm bells. Regardless of his shortcomings, he has performed comparatively strong since re-signing in 2023 and stays an enormous asset as a run blocker.
Changing McGary could be contemplated, however it appears extra lifelike to try it in 2026. The identical applies to Matthews, who’s quietly coming off the most effective years of his profession. That leaves all 5 starters collectively once more for the third consecutive season. Dalman’s inconsistency could be irritating, though much like McGary, he makes an enormous distinction within the floor sport along with his quickness and positional intelligence. It’s arduous to see them upgrading on him, particularly with a number of defensive positions needing to be addressed.
Saivion Mixson: The fast reply that involves thoughts is the correct sort out place. There was greater than sufficient discourse about how viable McGary is for years attributable to his go safety woes. Nonetheless, there isn’t a contesting that the mixture of Lindstrom and McGary on the correct aspect of the road has been a web constructive for the run sport. For all runners with 75+ carries on the correct aspect of the road (20 certified runners), Bijan Robinson ranks fifth in yards per try, fourth in touchdowns, and first in first downs.
Whereas the chemistry between the 2019 first-round draft picks for Atlanta is a web constructive, that shouldn’t cease Atlanta from in search of a attainable improve if it turns into obtainable through the draft or in free company. Because of the lack of draft picks and a dire want for defensive expertise, I don’t count on that change to return from the draft. And whereas there are a number of intriguing names that might be hitting free company, I consider that staying put and securing depth behind McGary could also be the perfect plan of action. To not point out that with the shortage of assets this low season, there are extra urgent issues to handle first.
Aaron Freeman: Upgrading any unit is at all times welcome, however contemplating the group’s restricted draft picks and cap area, they’ve way more urgent wants apart from their offensive line. If the Falcons make a change, it’ll most certainly be at middle, the place Dalman is ready to grow to be a free agent.
The Falcons ought to work on diversifying their run scheme this yr, and it’s debatable if Dalman can thrive in a special scheme that isn’t centered round outdoors zone. He may if the Falcons attempt to maximize the unit’s athleticism by incorporating extra run ideas that function blockers on the transfer on to execute pull and entice blocks.
With out realizing what the defensive scheme will primarily be subsequent season, which younger defensive participant can develop right into a difference-maker?
Cory Woodroof: Arnold Ebkietie seems to be like a keeper. The way in which he got here on within the again half of the season reveals that he could have simply been a late bloomer, able to seize a run of productive play within the years to return. That’s nice for Terry Fontenot’s 2022 draft class, and it’s nice for the Falcons’ protection.
Subsequent season is his contract yr. The group may prolong him mid-season if he retains taking part in like he has. Ruke Orhorhoro additionally flashed sufficient to make you’re feeling first rate about his future. Zach Harrison seems to be prepared to interrupt out in his third season after impressing as a rotational participant in 2024. The younger guys stepping up can be huge for this protection within the fall.
Dave Choate: I believe it’s Orhorhoro. We simply didn’t see sufficient of the 2024 second-round decide this yr owing to damage and coaches’ selections, however there have been flashes of super power and savvy alongside the way in which in a quiet, restricted yr. With a greater defensive position coach, extra familiarity and expertise, and a bigger alternative to return, Orhorhoro ought to have the ability to showcase the power the Falcons so clearly covet in 2025. I’ll riot if he doesn’t get that shot, and I doubt I’ll be alone.
Additionally, search for Bralen Trice to make an affect and DeMarcco Hellams, by now a forgotten man after damage worn out his whole 2024 season, to indicate up as not less than an especially helpful go rusher and third security, respectively.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Harrison will flip 24 in August going into his third yr. He has been a piece in progress since his arrival. The group at all times deliberate to make the participant acquire weight, and the brand new employees agreed with that strategy. There have been studying curves, akin to understanding how one can deal with down blocks from the inside, splitting doubles, sustaining hole integrity, and many others, from a number of alignments from 1T-5T.
Harrison’s snap distribution was felony as he ended the season with 71 fewer snaps than his rookie yr (adios Jay Rodgers and Jimmy Lake). Nonetheless, the defensive lineman ought to have extra alternatives with a retooled room and new employees in 2025. With a yr of play in his new position and one other offseason to get stronger, Harrison is in a main place to have the breakout season many had hoped for in 2024.
Allen Strk: Selecting Troy Andersen isn’t sensical given his profession has been largely derailed by accidents. That leaves Harrison as probably the most intriguing rising participant on a protection that desperately must get youthful. His positional versatility and play power have flashed throughout his first two years within the league. Sadly, these flashes haven’t translated into consistency. The earlier teaching employees misused him, as they by no means appeared dedicated to a plan along with his utilization.
A brand new defensive coordinator with recent concepts and a greater construction will work wonders for him. There’s little question he could be a robust contributor and even probably above-average starter along with his capabilities. It’s a matter of really using him to maximise his attributes. Harrison does should develop extra as a go rusher, however the indicators are there for him to be one of many group’s most reliable run defenders. Whether or not he may shift again to being a strongside edge defender or be extra inserted on the inside, it wouldn’t be stunning to see a basic third-year breakout season occur.
Saivion Mixson: Orhorhoro had solely 198 snaps in his eight video games this season attributable to being inactive and an ankle damage that put him on injured reserve. However he utilized these snaps to indicate some spectacular flashes.
In keeping with PFF, Orhorhoro made a defensive cease (a sort out that constitutes as a “failure” for the offense) on three of his 43 run protection snaps, which comes out to a 7.5% cease proportion, good for ninth amongst rookies with 40+ snaps. He additionally has a median depth of sort out of -0.7 yards, the one rookie with a damaging depth of sort out. Whatever the defensive coordinator, Orhorhoro has accomplished sufficient to warrant an opportunity to be a difference-maker subsequent season.
Aaron Freeman: Andersen has been struck by the damage bug the previous two years, stopping him from exhibiting the event hoped for in the course of their protection. Nonetheless, Andersen has the bodily device set to thrive in varied schemes. If Andersen can lastly keep wholesome, present improved instincts, and be extra constant as a tacker, he could be a actual difference-maker for this protection.
However given his restricted availability, it is usually attainable that the Falcons look to improve their linebacker place with one other participant of comparable ability, and that would depart Andersen by the wayside.
As a lot as a defensive overhaul is required, some gamers can be re-signed. Which upcoming free agent ought to the entrance workplace prioritize to maintain on protection?
Cory Woodroof: Maybe that is simply the unhappy state of affairs for the protection, however they don’t essentially want to re-sign any of their pending free brokers. Conserving Mike Hughes might be the perfect transfer to make out of the upcoming group, even when he’s struggled with accidents. Hughes performed admirably when wholesome, and seeing him battle in opposition to the Vikings coming off his neck damage shouldn’t have been an enormous shock.
Justin Simmons is a helpful veteran starter on the proper worth, even when he’s misplaced a step. Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams present strong veteran depth on the defensive position that you could possibly rationalize retaining.
Dave Choate: I might make an actual case for Hughes, which isn’t one thing I ever thought I’d hear myself say forward of the 2024 season. He was justifiably maligned for a handful of dangerous performs on protection and his excruciating work as a returner throughout that season, however Hughes has a quietly strong yr on steadiness at nook in 2023 and constructed on that to grow to be a strong starter in 2024.
His missed sort out fee was decrease than some other Falcons cornerback. He allowed fewer touchdowns than some other beginning Falcons defensive again. His protection work was actually fairly good outdoors of a few dangerous video games alongside the way in which. The Falcons have struggled to discover a succesful starter reverse A.J. Terrell for a bit now; until they’re satisfied Clark Phillips is able to make the leap, I’d need Hughes again on a short-term deal to begin till Phillips and/or an inevitable 2025 draft decide are able to step up.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Hughes is the one defender they should prioritize bringing again. I used to be main the cost to maneuver on from the nook after his first yr in Atlanta, however the concern was he obtained put within the slot the place he’s by no means been profitable, and the group ran a special protection scheme. The transfer outdoors completely and a heavy zone protection paid off huge for the cornerback. He was the superior choice, reverse Terrell, for the whole season.
The accidents are a little bit of a priority, and the Falcons ought to nonetheless attempt to improve the place. Nonetheless, having a nook with Hughes’ capabilities within the room would give this secondary professional depth. When you had been to inform me the Falcons had been going to a man-heavy protection scheme, I might contemplate altering my reply to Smith-Williams when it comes to who to give attention to, however Hughes nonetheless seems like the correct name no matter scheme.
Allen Strk: It’s important to have cornerback depth given how a lot groups like to make use of dime packages and play quarter coverages. It permits defenses to grow to be extra diversified with disguises and deploy inventive delayed blitzes. Look no additional than what the Rams did in opposition to the Vikings. Hughes is the clear decide based mostly on his consistency, consciousness, and open-field tackling. Though his play dipped by the tip of the season, he was one of many few defensive gamers who exceeded expectations and proved to be a succesful starter.
His excellent consciousness is a priceless trait to have taking part in primarily zone protection. There have been moments the place he set the tone with ferocious tackling. Each good secondary wants a veteran or two to solidify the unit. Hughes deserves to be rewarded for his regular performances.
Saivion Mixson: Trying on the listing of defensive free brokers for the Falcons this low season is a tough process in and of itself. If I had to decide on one to prioritize, it must be Hughes. Shifting Hughes again outdoors appeared to assist him really feel extra comfy, racking up his second-best reception allowed proportion of his profession (61.9%), solely trailing behind his lone season with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in 2021. Hughes mustn’t come again as a definitive starter, appropriately a draft decide with Terrell. Hughes as a depth piece might be intriguing.
Aaron Freeman: Hughes could be the free agent I’d prioritize bringing again. Hopefully, the Falcons will make investments a premium draft decide right into a extra long-term answer at outdoors cornerback reverse Terrell, the place there was a revolving door since 2020. However Hughes is a pleasant insurance coverage coverage if that transfer doesn’t occur or that younger rookie cornerback isn’t prepared to begin come opening day.
Hughes is a dependable tackler, first rate in protection, and has the flexibility to play each inside and outdoors, making him, at worst, a priceless depth piece and, at finest, an honest stopgap starter, as he confirmed all through the 2024 season.
