Atlanta Falcons will use more 3-4 looks in 2014
By Josh Sanchez
The Atlanta Falcons were hoping to land one of the top pass rushers in the 2014 NFL draft class, but they missed out on both South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack of Buffalo. After missing on a standout defender, the Falcons drafted offensive tackle Jake Matthews, but how will they address their needs on the defensive side of the ball?
It appears that the Falcons will be altering their defensive scheme to fit their current roster of players. That will include more 3-4 looks for the upcoming season.
“Believe that,” ESPN Falcons writer Vaughn McClure wrote. “It was obvious when players started talking about it immediately after last season. Then the Falcons added bulky nose tackle Paul Soliai and defensive end Tyson Jackson up front. Drafting defensive end Ra’Shede Hageman was further confirmation.
“Think of it more as the Falcons building toward a 5-2 alignment, with three linemen and two outside linebackers getting pressure. As long as the Falcons can do so with consistency, they’ll be fine.”
Atlanta’s defensive front should feature Paul Soliai at nose tackle, with free agent acquisition Tyson Jackson holding down one of the defensive end positions and rookie Ra’Shede Hageman serving as the other.
Kroy Biermann, Jonathan Massaquoi, Osi Umenyiora, Stansly Maponga and Prince Shembo will serve as the team’s pass rushers.
If the new defensive scheme plays out in the Falcons favor, it will help cool the sting of missing out on the top defenders that were available in this year’s draft.