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Five Atlanta Falcons who could see expanded roles in 2016

By Colin Hubbard

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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4) Grady Jarrett – DT

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) reacts after a sack against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Ravens defeated the Falcons 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) reacts after a sack against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Ravens defeated the Falcons 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Arguably the biggest steal of the 2016 draft in the fifth round was defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Some draft experts were rather speechless to think that this man wasn’t taken in the third round at the very least but there he was in the fifth and the Atlanta Falcons didn’t hesitate in drafting him.

Jarrett was on the field around 35 percent of the time and finished with 24 tackles, two quarterback hits, one sack and two tackles for a loss. That’s pretty impressive for a player that could never really establish a rhythm while on the field.

Jarrett should have a much more expanded role in 2016. The Falcons cut Paul Soliai who was their 1-tech and Jonathan Babineaux is getting up there in age. Jarrett played both the 1-tech and 3-tech for the Falcons in 2016 and with Soliai out of the way, you could see him lined up in that spot more often.

Jarrett will be setting himself up nicely for a full-time starting job in 2017 if he plays his cards right and has a productive 2016 season with more playing time. This is a guy that Quinn believes in wholeheartedly so expect big things from the son of Falcons’ legend Jesse Tuggle.

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