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The Atlanta Falcons must target recent L.A. Rams’ cuts

By Nicholas Moody

Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) calls a play during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) calls a play during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Long

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) carries the ball as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) defends during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) carries the ball as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) defends during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Long should be a player the Falcons immediately target. With Atlanta’s leading pass rusher being Vic Beasley, who only had four sacks, the Falcons need any help they can get on the defensive line. Chris Long, who happens to be the son of hall of fame defensive end Howie Long, has struggled the last two seasons with injuries, but still possesses great talent off the ball. At 30 years old, he isn’t a long-term option for the Falcons, but will offer great depth and leadership going into a playoff caliber team.

Long is a speed and finesse pass rusher by trade. Long doesn’t have great size, but his quick agility allows him to maneuver around bigger defensive lineman who have no choice but to commit to a direction. Long is a professional on and off the field, and also has natural leadership qualities. Something the Falcons really need. Long had high points during the 2011 and 2012 season, where he amassed 13 and 11.5 sacks respectively. Chris Long has an extremely high motor, so expect him to be making tackles downfield, something he does often and well. Long was cut due to his high salary cap numbers, but the Falcons should be able to lock him up in the two and a half to four million per year range. Money well spent.

Next: Leadership All Around

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