Before you fast forward to the 2019 NFL Season, you must fix what you can now. The Atlanta Falcons started that when they made the decision to fire Steve Sarkisian, and Keith Armstrong while simultaneously letting Marquand Manuel walk. Yesterday, the Falcons signed former offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, to the same position and former offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as the tight ends coach. These moves indicate wanting to let Matt Ryan take a lot more control of the offense, and as we have seen in the past, that isn’t a bad idea.
The Falcons finished the 2018 season 7-9 marred by injury, exposing their depth issues. They are slated to have around 40-60 million in cap depending on the cuts and restructures that may occur. The following are my projections for who the Falcons cut, restructure, and let walk.
CUT
RT Ryan Schraeder
CB Robert Alford
DE Brooks Reed
K Matt Bryant
OG Brandon Fusco
Restructure/Extension
WR Julio Jones
DE Vic Beasley
Let Walk
OG Andy Levitre
OG Ben Garland
DE Derrick Shelby
DT Terrell McClain
LS Jon Condo
TE Logan Paulsen
LB Kemal Ishmael
SS Jordan Richards
LB Bruce Carter
OG Zane Beadles
RB Tevin Coleman
WR Justin Hardy
WR Marvin Hall
S Sharrod Neasman
QB Matt Schaub
Re-sign
DT Grady Jarrett
DE Bruce Irvin
DE Steven Means
CB Brian Poole
CB Justin Bethel
OT Ty Sambrailo
CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson
RB Brian Hill
Making these moves would leave the Falcons with 39 players under contract. Having significant cap room and more than the full allotment of draft picks will lead to a quick turnaround for the Dirtybirds. Next comes free agency, where Atlanta has never been a major player, but according to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, this will be an extremely active offseason. The following is my projection for the decisions in free agency.
FREE AGENCY
DT Jonathan Hankins
DE Brandon Graham
OG Billy Turner
OT Ja’Wuan James
C/G Mitch Morse
This is only the beginning for the Falcons in which these five players replace incumbent signings from years prior. Jonathan Hankins showed why he is one of the best run defenders in the NFL as a member of the Oakland Raiders. Coupling him with Brandon Graham would significantly improve the Falcons run defense which was often horrendous during the season.
Offensively, Billy Turner serves as great depth should he not win the competition for a starting position at guard. Ja’Wuan James started 62 games at right tackle over the last five seasons, proving to be a stellar offensive lineman throughout his career. Poaching James from the reeling Dolphins is the perfect way to replace the declining Ryan Schraeder.
Mitch Morse is the starting center for Kansas City Chiefs but could move on to greener pastures should the Chiefs elect not to re-sign him. Signing Morse and moving him to guard would stabilize this Falcons offensive front with premier talent. Focusing on the offensive line in free agency also allows the front office to zero-in on defense during the draft. The following is my mock draft for the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.
2019 NFL Draft
1. DT Jeffery Simmons
2. OG Chris Lindstrom
3. EDGE Oshane Ximines
4. WR Chase Claypool
4C. TE Zach Gentry
5. LB Khalil Hodge
5C. S/LB Chase Hansen
6. CB Jamal Peters
7. S Jalen Young
Each of these picks gives the Falcons young and hungry guys that can live up to Dan Quinn’s standards. Fast and physical will yet again be something the Falcons strive for in 2019. With these guys in the fold, Dan Quinn should be able to get the maximum potential out of this team next season.