Atlanta Falcons 2014 Season Preview and Predictions
By Sam Kweon
Key Off-Season Changes
May 9, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons first round draft pick tackle Jake Matthews (with jersey) shown with his family during a press conference at Falcons Training Facility. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Key Additions:
- Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle
- Ra’Shede Hageman, Defensive Tackle
- Devonta Freeman, Running Back
- Paul Soliai, Defensive Tackle
- Tyson Jackson, Defensive End/Tackle
- Devin Hester, Returner/Wide Receiver
- Jon Asamoah, Guard
- Josh Wilson, Cornerback
Key Losses:
- Tony Gonzalez, Tight End
- Asante Samuel, Cornerback
- Stephen Nicolas, Linebacker
- Thomas DeCloud, Safety
- Garrett Reynolds, Guard
- Jason Snelling, Running Back
- Drew Davis (injury), Wide Receiver
Rookies To Watch:
- Jake Matthews: This kid looks like he was NFL-ready in the preseason. Matthews is mature, tough, works very hard, and has a god-given talent to play offensive tackle.
- Ra’Shede Hageman: When Hageman was picked, fans expected a dominant Ndamukong Suh to cause problems on the offensive line. It hasn’t happened so far, let’s just say that.
- Devonta Freeman: Freeman was arguably the most impressive player in camp and preseason. If he contribute like did the past couple of games, the Falcons have themselves an offensive weapon.