Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Big Board: Pass Rushers
By Sam Kweon
DE Jerry Hughes
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) runs the ball against Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jerry Hughes is the ideal candidate for the Atlanta Falcons and their pass rush needs.
Over the past two years Hughes has averaged 10.0 sacks and 40 quarterback hurries and at 26 years old, he’s just getting started. The Falcons need to start fresh, right? Well why not bring in a player that seems to be part of the next elite group of pass-rushers for years to come.
Big Board Grade:
Upside: A+
Immediate Impact: A-
Age: B+
Influence/Personality: B (had a slight incident in the Marcell Dareous case)
Value Deal: C
Injury Concern?: No
Conclusion: Hughes won’t come cheap. There is no value deal, except for the fact that he would give the Atlanta Falcons the leeway to build other positions through the draft. If the team can lock down Hughes to a long-term deal, then the valued early round draft picks can go towards other positions.