Atlanta Falcons: Linebacker depth chart after release of Spruill

Brooks Reed – Starting OLB

September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks Reed was signed in the offseason by the Falcons and is expect to anchor the Falcons at outside linebacker. Reed has the ability to rush the passer from this position and should give the team a solid run stopper as well. If Reed has a weakness, it would be his pass coverage. Reed isn’t the best at it, but as long as he is playing zone defense rather than man-to-man, Reed should be just fine.

Reed has battled through injury since coming over to the Falcons, but is finally starting to get into the zone with two preseason games left. Reed played in his first preseason game this past Friday against the Jets and is expected to be ready to play for each of the next two games in the coming weeks.