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Atlanta Falcons free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By William Schneiderhan

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 09: Outside linebacker K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a turnover on downs against in the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seattle Seahawks won 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 09: Outside linebacker K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a turnover on downs against in the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seattle Seahawks won 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Melvin Gordon III (28) is wrapped up by Oakland Raiders Defensive Tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Oakland Raiders on November 11, 2018 at Oakland Alameda Coliseum in Oakland, CA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Melvin Gordon III (28) is wrapped up by Oakland Raiders Defensive Tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Oakland Raiders on November 11, 2018 at Oakland Alameda Coliseum in Oakland, CA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Johnathan Hankins DT, Oakland Raiders

As mentioned before, the Falcons run defense was very poor in 2018. Not only were they the 25th ranked defense in this category, they also surrendered the eighth-most rushing yards (1,999), the eleventh-highest number of rushing scores (16), and they allowed the fourth-most yards-per carry (4.9).

That’s is a ton of rushing success that the team allowed. Again, that is also due to the other injuries the defense was dealt but getting some help up the middle is key.

Not only do the Falcons need to pursue a defensive tackle like Johnathan Hankins to stop the run, but their star tackle Grady Jarrett is eligible for unrestricted free agency.

The Falcons may toy with the idea of franchise tagging Jarrett, but other than that is seems unlikely he will return. Spotrac.com has his current market value set at just over $15.5 million a year, which would translate to a potential contract in the neighborhood of about $93 million over six years.

Hankins is an experienced player, and he is also substantially cheaper than Jarrett. He was a mainstay on the New York Giants defensive line from 2013-2016, before bouncing around between the Indianapolis Colts and the Oakland Raiders the past two season.

The 26-year old may not be the pass rusher he once was, like in 2014 when he played on a loaded defense and had seven sacks, but he can still stuff the run up the middle.

Last season, Hankins had 36 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in 15 games with the Raiders. A new scheme and some stability can possibly get Hankins back into his dominant form.

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