Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Breakdown: Tight Ends

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) celebrates a touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

TE2 — Levine Toilolo

Levine Toilolo has struggled to get going in Atlanta in his opening couple of seasons. The 6’8, 265-pounder certainly has the physical tools to become a mismatch for defenders, but he is yet to produce on the field. 

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) signals against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

In two seasons, Toilolo has caught 42 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns. His production increased in 2014 (31 receptions, 238 yards, two touchdowns) from 2013 (11 receptions, 55 yards, two touchdowns), but a lot more work is required to become the starter.

Toilolo earned a horrible minus-23 season grade by Pro Football Focus, grading minus-14.9 is the pass game and minus-11.9 in run blocking.

Tamme’s numbers, in comparison, were far from ideal but much better. Tamme earned a minus-0.8 overall grade, with a minus-2.7 grade in the pass game and minus-0.5 in run blocking.

Toilolo has struggled in blocking and hasn’t added much as a receiver despite his size. The good news is he is still young and has athleticism, so there is potential for him to develop his technique and play a bigger role on offense.

The addition of Tamme should help him, too.

New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan likes to utilize the tight end, and this could open up opportunities for Toilolo in the passing game.

With Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman leading the way in a new-look 1-2 punch at running back, Toilolo will need to step up in his run blocking to have a chance of overtaking Tamme on the depth chart.

Next: Reserves