Atlanta Falcons 2016 Scouting Report: DL Jonathan Bullard

By Eric Robinson | Jan 24, 2016

Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The first season of Dan Quinn’s indoctrination of the 4-3 “Under” scheme was a success overall. The sacks totals were still difficult to ignore but for a defense that ended the 2014 season either ranked last or 31st in major defensive categories saw a respectable turnaround to 14th in scoring defense & 15th in total defense.

Important decisions are to be made this offseason with Adrian Clayborn & Kroy Biermann facing free agency, Paul Soliai & Tyson Jackson potentially becoming cap casualties, as well as the slight possibility of retirement for Jonathan Babineaux. So let’s explore a potential acquisition of a talented defensive lineman by way of the 2016 NFL Draft.

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DL Jonathan Bullard, Florida

Height: 6’3

Weight: 280 lbs

Strengths: Bullard’s snap anticipation is outstanding. When watching his film, you can try all you want to disregard his burst off the snap, but he does it consistently. His explosive first step allows him to attack the chest of offensive linemen.

When lining up at the 3-technique, Bullard is disruptive in the running game as well as collapsing the pocket. Bullard has displayed versatility throughout his four years in Gainesville as he has lined up at all four defensive line positions.

Bullard has a powerful frame and already possessing NFL-type size. Bullard also shows tendencies of recognizing blocking intentions of the o-line and beats linemen to the punch. Bullard also is a solid tackler and his long arms allow him to stack & shed easily, slow down ball carriers while being blocked, and disrupt passing lanes.

Weaknesses: Although he has the experience of playing strong-side defensive end, Bullard doesn’t have the fluidity or flexibility to rush regularly on the edge. Bullard also tends to show a bad habit of firing off the ball but standing upright at times. Some will see his height at 6’3 and deem him to be too short for SDE. Bullard still has room to grow when it comes to using his hands effectively.

Bottom line: Bullard has the tools to fit in this defense. He’s versatile, disruptive and a sound tackler. At this height & weight, Bullard already possesses a similar size to Adrian Clayborn. At this point, Bullard has the potential to be a tool for Quinn as a SDE and a disruptive 3-tech rotating with Grady Jarrett & Ra’Shede Hageman.

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Granted, the sack totals won’t be addressed entirely with the presence of Bullard. However, in the scenario that the Atlanta Falcons are looking to bring in some added pieces to the line, especially with the potential of the cap casualties/free agency agendas mentioned earlier, Bullard can be another weapon in the Quinn’s arsenal.