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Phillip Wheeler and De’Vondre Campbell are the two to beat for the Atlanta Falcons’ starting WOLB spot

By Colin Hubbard

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons’ defense is starting to take shape, but there are still a few positions that will be worked out over the next few weeks.

One of those positions is weak side linebacker where Philip Wheeler, Sean Weatherspoon and rookie De’Vondre Campbell plan to battle it out of the starting role.

This is by far one of the most intriguing positions heading into training camp. Everyone sees the weak side linebacker starter playing out a little bit different, so expect a very exciting training camp.

Right now, many believe that Wheeler has the nod over both Campbell and Weatherspoon. Wheeler played a lot of strong side linebacker in 2015, but with Vic Beasley sliding into that role and Brooks Reed still in the mix, Wheeler has seen some playing time at weak side linebacker in practice.

The odds of Atlanta starting a rookie linebacker in 2016 are pretty high. But that likely won’t go to Campbell. That job will go to middle linebacker Deion Jones who will all but likely beat out Paul Worrilow.

Starting one linebacker is going to be scary enough, so it doesn’t seem like the Falcons are wanting to start two right off the bat. This points towards Wheeler winning the job even more.

But what about Weatherspoon you may ask?

Weatherspoon will definitely be in the mix, but it’s going to come down to whether or not he’s injury free. And even if he is injury free, does he still have the motor that the Falcons are looking for from that weak side linebacking spot?

Those are two very important questions that the Falcons’ coaching staff will need to answer once training camp rolls around.

“He’s the kind of guy that helps build championship’s.”

– Chuck Smith on De’Vondre Campbell

Campbell is a guy that everyone is loving thus far. Nobody knew who this cat was when Atlanta took him in the fifth round but he’s quickly making a name for himself. The Falcons love his speed and athleticism and his ability to keep up with slot receivers and tight ends is definitely helping his cause. But he just might not be ready to take on a full-time role in his first year in the league.

Even if Wheeler wins the starting job, that doesn’t mean we will see him out on the field the entire game. Both Campbell and Weatherspoon will get some reps, but Wheeler would be the main guy.

Wheeler really resurrected his career last season in Atlanta. After stumbling in Miami, Wheeler recorded 29 tackles and finished with a sack in half a seasons’ work. Atlanta liked what they saw and brought him back for a reason.

Atlanta might not have a ton of talent at the linebacking position in 2016, but what they do have is a solid amount of depth. Everyone will get reps, but only the best will come out on top.

Next: Who takes the biggest step in year two for the Falcons?

Look for Wheeler to be right in the mix to win the weak side linebacking job.

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