Notes
• Steven Jackson might be on the downside of his career, but he's still a serviceable running back in the league. He's not going to wow anyone, but there are plenty of teams around the league who wouldn't mind having him on there roster.
• Jake Matthews was a rookie last season, so there is still plenty of time for him to improve, and tackles do sometimes take their time to get used to the NFL. He was poor in 2014 though, and the Falcons will want to see a big improvement in his second year.
• Paul Worrilow fits more as a two down linebacker, with his work in coverage not good enough for a full time role.
• Desmond Trufant had another impressive year, but he falls slightly short of the Elite at cornerback. Another strong season, especially if he can improve again, would make it tough to keep him out of that bracket next year though.
Team Needs
Tight End: Losing Tony Gonzalez was always going to hurt Atlanta, but his replacement Levine Toilolo really struggled as a full time starter, finishing the year with just 238 receiving yards. Drops were a problem for him too, with his Drop Rate of 16.22 the third worst amongst the 39 tight ends with enough targets to qualify. Finding a replacement who could be more of a threat, particularly in the red zone, would be big for the Falcons offense.
Cornerback: On one hand the Falcons appear set at one cornerback spot, with Desmond Trufant having an impressive first two seasons in the league. Outside of him though, there are plenty of questions. Robert Alford has shown flashes in his first two years, but hasn't been consistent enough that you can put your faith in him as a starter, while anyone else who saw time at the position in 2014 is a free agent. In the very least a third corner is needed, but probably someone to push Alford too.
Linebacker: An undrafted free agent in 2013, Paul Worrilow has flashed potential at points, but doesn't look like a three down linebacker at this point in his career. Our third lowest graded linebacker in coverage last season, the Falcons could find an upgrade in free agency without spending too much, with several solid linebackers likely to be available this spring.
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