Atlanta Falcons: Three reasons why signing Derrick Shelby was a good move
By Adnan Ikic
3) Depth in Dan Quinn’s Defense
This is now the second year in which Dan Quinn is allowed to pick out some of his own groceries over the course of free agency and the draft. He inherited a lot of Mike Smith’s players last season. Now in year two, the defense is starting to come together in Quinn’s image.
Defensive line depth is one of the most important factors in Quinn’s system. The Falcons’ head coach loves to rotate the players on his defensive line into and out of the game, keeping everyone relatively fresh.
Derrick Shelby is yet another piece on that defensive line, and he’s someone who is versatile enough to slide over to defensive tackle for a few plays here and there, because of his proficiency against the run. His versatility also allows him to play either defensive end spot.
With Adrian Clayborn re-signing, and the possibility of adding another defensive lineman either in free agency or the draft, Atlanta should be able to turn that revolving door on the D-Line into a lethal asset against opposing offenses.
Last season it wasn’t really the scheme that was at fault for the Falcons’ inability to get to the opposing QB, as much as it was the lack of talent. With another offseason to replenish the defensive line, that talent level will start to increase. It already has increased with the addition of Derrick Shelby.
Next: Why signing Alex Mack was a smart move
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