Host Kevin Knight is joined by Eric Robinson (ESPN) to discuss the biggest free agency targets for the Atlanta #falcons in the front seven of the defense, including edge rushers, defensive linemen, and linebackers. We’ll break down options ranging from ludicrously expensive (since the team finally has cap space) to potential bargains, and make time for plenty of viewer questions throughout the show.
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6 Comments
Video starts at 6:45. Thanks Kevin and Eric.
Deion Jones is a cowboy for sure 🤣
we have not had a good edge rusher since John Abrahams
I don't pay much attention to whom the Falcons draft anymore because I know they'll always suck anyway.
So a couple of things as it relates to the D-Line and especially edge:
1.) Can we drop the references to 3-4 or 4-3. You can even drop odd or even fronts. It's such an antiquated way of looking at things. The players available and the TECHNIQUES they can play determine the fronts. So we should be talking about techniques the players can play first and foremost, and then, list the fronts they can contribute to. Under, Over, Bear, Okie, Overload, Penny, etc, etc, fronts. No defensive coordinator is looking at his playbook and calling a "3-4" or "4-3" front. They're calling the ones previously mentioned. And the more guys you have that can play multiple techniques, the more accessible that playbook is.
2.) Lets not overrate production, ESPECIALLY sack numbers. Not all sacks are created equal. Our own Dante Fowler once raced in the backfield to get a hand on the QB while someone else was tackling him to get attributed half a sack. That also goes for TFLs and pressures. You have to watch the tape, and with context. Pass rush opportunities start with game situation. If the lineman doesn't face a lot of opposing "must pass" situations, those numbers will suffer. And based on the assignment the lineman is given on any play, he may not be put in a situation where he is tasked with being one-on-one or the looper in a stunt. Sometimes, guys are stuck doing the dirty work, and yes, that includes at edge.
3.) To the point why someone like Yannick doesn't have a long term contract somewhere, it relates to point number 2. Relying on production exclusively without watching the tape will lead to misconceptions. How he is getting the production is just as important as to the fact it exists. And the reason why he moves around the league is similar to Clowney. Because you can't be an edge defender and get paid big time without being a complete player or below average in areas. Even if you're great in one particular area like pass rushing for Yannick and run defending for Clowney. You have to be a 3 to 4 down player who can contribute in multiple ways: rush the passer, defend the run, bat down passes, operate at 2 point or 3 point stance, do well in stunts, etc. Offenses are too good these days that they can neutralize limited edge guys schematically. Go watch what the Eagles did to Bosa in the NFC championship game, and how they hardly ever actually blocked him.
On other points, I wouldn't dismiss the importance of the off-ball LB. The reason why the position isn't as coveted anymore is because there aren't many who contribute from a pre-snap and playcalling standpoint. Bobby Wagner is probably the last of a line of LBs who actually made adjustments pre-snap. But you still need good off-ball LBs to contribute to the run fits at the very least, and with good technique. Those guys aren't a dime a dozen.
And I would absolutely pay Daron Payne 20 mill. First of all the average annual cap hit doesn't matter to me. What matters is the total guarantees, how they structure it, and the timing of the big cap hits relative to when other players on the team with big cap hits will be around. To the last point for example, Grady can be cut in 2 years for dead money of only 4 mill, right around the time when Payne's cap hit would start to get high. You can still sign him and add quality depth, even if they're on short term deals.
But for 2 years at least, you'd have a great combo in the middle. And having that, or just Payne in general, has a reverberating effect on your defense at all levels. Having that kind of talent that can move anywhere from the 0-4 technique, opens up what your LBs can do, what coverages you can run comfortably, and it takes things off the table that the opposing offense can do unless they are exceptional at it. Just like on offense, you need guys on defense that forces opposing offenses to change what they like do. Someone they have to account for schematically that can take them out of their comfort zone. Who is that on this roster currently? Grady, maybe AJ. That's it.
Also, once you have cap space, it's not a matter of looking at the money as money you can finally spend on expensive positions that were previously out of reach. It's about being able to comfortably set the market and get the best talent at positions that are underpaid. This is what smarter front offices in the past have done to great effect. That way you are getting top tier talent while also letting your cap breath for years to come. Don't be surprised if the Falcons spend big at DT, LB, or TE, i.e., positions that are towards the bottom in average pay. Azeez Al-Shaair and Evan Engram could be coming to the Falcons.
Kevin made a great point regarding this silly starvation this fanbase has for an elite edge player. You have to be extremely lucky to find that guy that's the caliber of a Bosa, Watt, Garrett, even Burns, on the open market. It's practically impossible. The only way you're getting them is if you make a ridiculous trade, or draft the guy. That's it. So what's the alternative? Pay attention to what the Eagles and Bills (to a degree) have done. They followed the model of one of the great DCs in league history in Jim Johnson. Build for quality depth and have a great rotation so that the pressure from the D-Line is constant. If they can get a host of "B" level guys like an Arden Key or Davenport, add some from the draft, and have good talent at the starter and depth level, things can be just as effective as having the star edge player. And that's the path they undoubtedly will take. They showed in the off-season that's what they wanted to do, but between Goldman retiring, Taylor getting injured, losing Graham in the season, and some guys not working out like Bell and Rush, it didn't come to fruition. But the framework was there.
that was a good show, shout out the Eric, always great to have him on the show.