Position Needs for the Rest of the Offseason

Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jon Asamoah (73) during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line:

The Falcons brought back Joe Hawley to be the starter at center and signed Jon Asamoah to start at right guard.  This should vastly improve the offensive line by itself.

Dimitroff and Smith also don’t want to part ways with Sam Baker.  He is constantly injured and has only played well two of the six seasons he’s been here.  I predict he’ll be the starter once again, but not to worry; depth has increased tenfold since the end of the 2013 season.

All that remains is a solid starter at right tackle.  Atlanta could fill this in many different ways. They could draft a left tackle in the first or second round like Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, Taylor Lewan, Antonio Richardson, or Morgan Moses.  All of these guys could easily be starters on the right side of the line and make a transition to left tackle if Baker continues to underperform.

If Atlanta is short on money and want to maximize being able to draft talent, they could just rely on in-house talent.  Mike Johnson has unrealized potential since he was injured before the start of the season.  Lamar Holmes did not have a good season but he is much better on the right side.  With the additions of Gabe Carimi, competition should be very high and nothing beefs up the aggressiveness in linemen like good-old-fashioned competition.  Going this rout may also give Atlanta the ability to trade up in the draft.