The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly looking to add outside linebacker, Brian Orakpo to their roster this off season
The Redskins are still trying to work out a deal with Brian Orakpo, but there is a chance he might land somewhere else. According to some reports, Atlanta might be the most likely place for the outside linebacker to end up.
Two seasons ago, Brian Orakpo was a premiere pass rusher for the Washington Redskins. He added 10 sacks in 2013 to his career total of 40. After battling injuries for most of this past year, Orakpo is looking to bounce back in 2015. Atlanta might make the most sense for Orakpo. But the Redskins better do all they can to keep him around. Without Orakpo, they would be missing a key component to their defense.
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In the 3-4 defense run in Washington, the outside linebacker is a key role by putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Orakpo did this just about as well as anyone could in the league. His speed off the edge gave him an advantage against slower offensive tackles. While his strength let him bull-rush tight ends to suck up that pocket.
When Jay Gruden became head coach last year, he fully committed to the 3-4, something that Mike Shanahan wanted to get away from during his time as head coach. If Orakpo could stay healthy, this would definitely be in his best interests as it highlights his skills more than a 4-3 would or a 4-2-5.
If Orakpo ended up signing with the Falcons, it would also be an almost ideal situation for him to fall into. The Falcons’ defensive coordinator Richard Smith specializes in coaching up linebackers. During his last three stints with the Broncos, Panthers, and Texans, Smith produced at least one pro-bowl linebacker a season.
A talent like Orakpo also makes a whole bunch sense for the Falcons as they attempt to build from a rough 2014-15 season going 6-10. The transition to a 4-2-5 would be a challenge for the outside linebacker, but the Falcons are in need of someone who could put pressure on the quarterback. And this is something that is all to familiar to Brian Orakpo.
If Orakpo can stay healthy, he would be a huge asset wherever he lands. The Atlanta Falcons may end up winning the lottery in this one. And for Orakpo, this might make the most sense coming off an injury and looking to sign a big contract out of free agency.
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