If you were a Patriots fan or a Golden State Warriors fan, yesterday's game probably felt pretty good. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they choked so hard it impressed Darth Vader. While this loss will be in the back of the Falcon's minds for awhile, it is time for the front office to look towards the offseason.
Cap Space: $14,896,770 (According to Fanspeak Ultimate GM)
Notable Free Agents: TE Jacob Tamme, FB Patrick DeMarco, OG Chris Chester, DL Jonathan Babineaux, QB Matt Schaub, QB Matt Ryan*
Tight end Jacob Tamme was the team's starting tight end, but with the emergence of Austin Hooper and a deep tight end class in the draft, the Falcons may be wise to let him walk. Patrick DeMarco is one of the top five fullbacks in the league, but whether he is a Falcon next year depends on whether or not the new offensive coordinator will incorporate a fullback. Chris Chester, Jonathan Babineux, and Matt Schaub are also players that will likely be shown the door, as each in on the wrong side of thirty. While Matt Ryan is not a free agent, he reportedly does want an extension, so look for the Falcons to lock up the reigning MVP.
On the Market Prospects: TE Vernon Davis, S Bradley McDougald, DL Tyson Alualu
A limited amount of cap space will prevent the falcons from making any splash signings, but they can find some value on the market. Vernon Davis is an older player, but he still has the ability to block and catch and may come cheap to play for a super bowl contender. Bradley McDougald was not a great safety for the Buccaneers, but he has youth and flashed potential during the 2016 season. He would fit in nicely next to Keanu Neal. The final player is Tyson Alualu from the Jaguars. The Falcons need depth up front and a younger veteran (in this case 29) who will not command much money would make a good fix.
The Draft:
Early Round Prospects (Rounds 1 and 2):
The Falcons were very fortunate to have Vic Beasley explode and lead the NFL in sacks this year, but they could use a running mate at the other edge position. Charles Harris from Missouri seems like the logical choice. He, like many of the Falcons defenders, is built for speed rather than power. He will be a welcome addition to a very hot/cold Atlanta pass defense. The Falcons could also look at UCLA's Takkarist McKinely or Wisconsin's TJ Watt as smaller, quicker EDGE rushers.
The Falcons also need to fill up Chris Chester's vacant spot on the offensive line. Dan Feeney has been consistently been the highest rated guard in this year's draft class, but he is a top 50 lock. The Falcons have a better shot at drafting a guy like Dion Dawkins from Temple, who has the advantage of also being able to play tackle.
Alternatively, the Falcons could draft another defensive back to play alongside either Desmond Trufant or Keanu Neal. Budda Baker is an excellent free safety option out of Washington and could back up Neal, creating an Earl Thomas/Kam Chancellor type duo. There are good options at corner as well. Marlon Humphrey has the length Dan Quinn loves at the corner spot and he could fall to the Falcons due to a vast amount of cornerback talent.
Late Round Prospects (Rounds 3-7):
Joe Mathis from Washington dominated PAC-12 defenses with his pass rush and could be a sleeper EDGE pick. Channing Stribling is a long corner from Michigan with excellent ball skills. Michael Roberts is a tight end from Toledo with huge hands and a complete skill set. Stanford has been putting in several starting offensive guards in recent years, so investing in Johnny Caspers makes some sense. Alek Torgerson is a deep sleeper at quarterback from Penn and could replace Matt Schaub as the backup. Chad Hansen is a sure-handed wide receiver from Cal with size and could replace some receiver depth that may be lost come free agency. Jalen Reeves-Maybin from Tennessee is undersized as a linebacker, but he is fast and mean, just as the Falcons like them. Tedric Tompson has been a ballhawk at free safety for the Colorado Buffaloes and is a dark horse to start for whatever team drafts him.
The move nobody may see coming:
What if the Falcons trade a running back? They have two studs at the position, but maybe they can get a solid player in exchange for one of the two backs. Maybe they could pick up a solid offensive lineman to replace Chris Chester or an EDGE rusher to pair with Vic Beasley. They could pick up any number of players if they are willing to let go of one of the backs.
What I would do:
- Extend Matt Ryan, resign Patrick DiMarco
- Sign Tyson Alaulu
- Draft: Round 1- Charles Harris, Round 2- Dion Dawkins, Round 3- Tedric Tompson, Round 4- Michael Roberts, Round 5- Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Round 6- Channing Stribling, Round 7- Chad Hansen, Undrafted Free Agent- Alek Torgerson
Data provided by Fanspeak GM service
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