Atlanta Falcons miss out on Derrick Morgan – What Now?

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn (94) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Stick It Out

After the signing of two defensive ends, Adrian Clayborn and O’Brien Schofield, the Atlanta Falcons are in a slightly healthier position than they were when free agency opened. Clayborn can hold down the right defensive end position, and has shown glimpses of a solid pass rush during his time in Tampa Bay. Schofield comes in very familiar with Quinn’s defensive schemes, having spent time in Seattle, and provides solid depth to a young unit. That said, the defense still needs that explosive individual playmaker to operate in the LEO position, so it seems unlikely they won’t pursure the position in the draft. However, the young DE corps of Malliciah Goodman, Stansly Maponga and Tyler Starr may have shown something that Quinn sees potential day one starter material in, and he may opt to develop this current group. It seems unlikely Quinn will enter the season in the hope that a combination of Clayborn and Goodman, Maponga and Starr can split the snaps and produce at a starting level, but with the market looking bare that may be a reality we have to face.