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Notes
- Atlanta have the makings of a solid, if unspectacular offensive line, particularly if Chris Chester replaced the struggling Peter Konz at left guard. The big concern is how second-year left tackle Jake Matthews can progress. His rookie struggles were well documented, and when all was said and done, he finished the year as our lowest-graded offensive tackle.
- With Steven Jackson and Jaquizz Rodgers no longer in the backfield, there's a lot of unknown waiting to compete for snaps. Second-year back Devonta Freeman figures to get a long look after showing flashes as a receiver out of the backfield as a rookie. Antone was a big play machine, with three touchdown receptions of 40 or more yards on just 13 receptions. Freeman's main competition to be the team's starter however, is rookie Tevin Coleman. A talented runner at Indiana, he'll push Freeman for opportunities in his debut season.
- New head coach Dan Quinn will want to mould the defense in his own way, and that starts up front. First-round draft pick Vic Beasley will compete with Kroy Biermann for one starting spot at defensive end, and it's a competition he has more than enough skill to win based on what we saw from him at Clemson. There are question marks across the line, though, and it will be interesting to see how Tyson Jackson performs in the ‘Red Bryant' role.
- Desmond Trufant is on the verge of joining the elite group of cornerbacks, but outside of him there are question marks at the position. Robert Alford hasn't come close to the success that Trufant has, with both entering the league in the same draft, while rookie Jalen Collins looks poised to gain a starting role in his debut season. He was one of the better players in a weak cornerback class, and the Falcons will need him to hit the ground running in 2015.
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