Weekly Falcons’ Experts Roundtable
By Ben Sullivan
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
What Should Atlanta Do To Address The Tight End Position This Offseason?
Robert Stephens: The combine has a less than impressive cast of tight ends so far. I’m not convinced there are many top-notch guys past the first couple. It would be smartest to resign Coffman knowing he is capable of contributing and putting faith in Levine Toilolo. His size might make him a reliable threat in the red-zone.
Jake Bennett: Losing Tony Gonzalez could very well be a blessing in disguise. Unless we pick up someone up in free agency like Dennis Pitta, I think the Falcons should go into 2014 with Levine Toilolo as the starting TE. Without Gonzalez, Dirk Koetter can implement more 4WR sets, and potentially open up the offense to new heights.
Ben Sullivan: Dennis Pitta is the best realistic option for the Falcons at tight end next season. There are only a couple of good ones in the draft, and both of them will be gone by the time Atlanta is willing to use a pick on the position. Bring in Pitta, or maybe Branden Pettigrew, for a few years to solidify the spot and at some point draft a long-term fix.
Ben Grazebrook: The Falcons need to add a tight end this off season, either through free agency or the draft. If they want to add a tight end through the draft then it will have to be a mid to late round pick and for this reason I would prefer for the Falcons to look to free agency. Jimmy Graham is the obvious jewel in the free agency class and if he does happen to reach the open market then the Falcons should do everything they can to sign him. With this being unlikely players such as Dennis Pitta, Scott Chandler and Jermichael Finley could potentially hit the open market and the Falcons should seriously consider signing one of these players if they are available.