Falcons 2016 Defensive Depth Chart Preview

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2016 Defensive Depth Chart Preview​

Falcons fans, it's almost that time. The 2016 season is approaching fast, and we here at The Falcoholic couldn't be more ecstatic. We've already done a preview of the entire offense, so now it's time for the other side of the ball. Sit back and enjoy as we talk about the Falcons' 2016 Defense.

 

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Left End​

1. Adrian Clayborn

Adrian Clayborn enteres his 6th season in the NFL, his 2nd with the Falcons, in prime position to win the starting LE spot. Clayborn has struggled with injuries thorughout his career, but he managed to stay health last year for Atlanta where he played hin all 16 games, recording 3 sacks. Clayborn is probably not the future at this position, but at 28 years old, he's still got some potential to make some noise for Atlanta.

2. Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed comes into his 6th NFL season, his 2nd with the Falcons, coming off of a season where he recorded no sacks for the first time in his career. His performance last year lead Atlanta to bring in 14 year veteran Dwight Freeney to compete for the backup LE spot. Atlanta will most likely only keep 2 LE's, so Reed will have to beat out Freeney for the last spot.

3. Dwight Freeney

Dwight Freeney's resume speaks for itself. 119.5 career sacks, 8 of which came last season for Arizona. 47 career forced fumbled. Freeney is a legend. However, at 36 years old, many question if he can still get it done in this league. He won't be starting for this team, but Dwight Freeney will be given the opportunity in the preseason to show Atlanta's coaches he's still got what it takes. This could likely be his last season in the NFL, we'll see if he spends it with the Falcons.

 

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Right End ​

1. Ra'Shede Hageman

Ra'Shede Hageman returns to the Atlanta Falcons for his 3rd NFL season, having started 12 games for the team last year. He's only recorded 2 sacks in his NFL career thus far, so he has a lot to prove this season. It has yet to be seen if Hageman is going to be a part of the team's future, but for now, he has the starting job.

2. Derrick Shelby

Derrick Shelby is now in his 5th NFL season, having spent the first four with Miami. He has 9 sacks in the past 3 seasons, and will be competing with Ra'Shede Hageman for the starting job. Shelby was great in college, where he appeared in 47 games in his four-year career for the Utes and finished with 169 tackles. After his senior year he was awarded 1st Team All-Pac12.

3. Malliciah Goodman

Malliciah Goodman started 10 games for Atlanta in 2014, but saw little action in Dan Quinn's first year at the helm. He has yet to record a sack in his 3 years in the league, and the little success he's had on the field shows in his Depth Chart position. Goodman will have to have an impressive preseason in order to make this team.