Atlanta Falcons: Meet your 2015 defensive starters

Vic Beasley Jr, DE

Ra’shede Hageman, DT

Paul Soliai, NT

Tyson Jackson, DE

Justin Durant, OLB

Paul Worrilow, MLB

O’brien Schofield, OLB

Desmond Trufant, CB

Robert Alford, CB

William Moore, SS

Ricardo Allen, FS

This unit has a much different look than that of 2014. The Atlanta Falcons are sporting five new starts, three of which have never started a game in the NFL. Those three would be Beasley, Hageman and Allen. The other two new starters on the Falcons’ defense are linebackers Durant and Schofield. Schofield is taking the place of Brooks Reed who is on short-term IR after hip surgery.

The longest starter on the Falcons is Moore who will anchor a very young secondary. Trufant is Falcons’ best defensive player and get plenty recognition in 2015 for his outstanding first two years in the NFL. The Falcons’ defensive line is also very young and is sporting two first time starters.

Beasley was brought into help lead a depleted and ineffective pass rush along with Hageman who has a very high ceiling at defensive tackle. Both players should serve a very important role in 2015 for the Falcons.

The Falcons’ linebacking crew has two new starters in Durant and Schofield who are both very good in their own rights. Durant has spent time with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys while Schofield spent his last time with the Seattle Seahawks.

What is important to point out is the Falcons’ depth in 2015. Not only do the Falcons have a group of starters who are much improved from a season ago, the Falcons’ reserves will get a lot of playing time as well. The likes of Adrian Clayborn, Kroy Biermann, Joplo Bartu and Phillip Adams will have a big role for the team as well.

Atlanta is still in rebuild mode, but the defense is headed in the right direction and will surprise a lot of people in 2015. Only but good things will come heading forward.