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Atlanta Falcons: 4 offseason needs in 2019

By Jon Dove

TAMPA, FL - DEC 30: Matt Ryan (2) of the Falcons throws the ball upfield during the regular season game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 30, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DEC 30: Matt Ryan (2) of the Falcons throws the ball upfield during the regular season game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 30, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons won 34-32. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Grady Jarrett #97 of the Atlanta Falcons in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons won 34-32. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

The Atlanta Falcons potentially have two huge holes at the defensive tackle spot. Both Grady Jarrett and Terrell McClain are pending free agents. Jarrett is a big part of Atlanta’s defense and the Falcons will work hard to get him signed to a long-term deal.

The Falcons have some depth behind their two free agents with Jack Crawford and Deadrin Senat. They are basically depth pieces, but Senat has some upside.

Atlanta could target a more stout defensive tackle like Bennie Logan. He’s someone who has shown the ability to stuff the run. Logan will have suitors, but can likely be had with a reasonable contract.

The Falcons don’t have a lot of salary cap space so they will have a tough time targeting big name free agents like Ndamukong Suh and Sheldon Richardson. There best bet would try and get Jarrett back in the mix.

However, Jarrett is one of those rare free agents who has both a proven track record and the youth to continue to develop. He will have a big market which is why there’s a chance the Falcons use the franchise tag in his case.

The strength of this draft class is the defensive line and especially the defensive tackle spot. Someone like Clemson’s Christian Wilkins and Jerry Tillery would be nice fits with the Falcons.

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