Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Who will start at weak side linebacker?

By Colin Hubbard

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Draft analyst Mike Mayock speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Draft analyst Mike Mayock speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

There are several issues surrounding the current makeup of the Atlanta Falcons‘ defense and arguably the biggest is their gaping hole at the weak side linebacker position. The Falcons currently have just one player on the roster who has experience playing the position and as a result, it’s almost a given that they will turn to the 2016 NFL draft for depth.

A lot of people don’t understand what exactly the three linebacker positions are. You have a Strong side linebacker (SAM) a Middle Linebacker (MIC) and a weak side linebacker (WILL). The weak side linebacker is almost always the most athletic of the three. His job is primarily to stop the run and be able to cover a lot of ground. Hence the needed athleticism.

The strong side linebacker in pass coverage is usually tasked with covering the tight end while the weak side linebacker is tasked with manning up with the slot receiver. You need to have a player that is quick and they need to be physical. Having a weak side linebacker who is smart and can hit are two extremely important components.

I hope that helped any questions any of you out there may had about what the role of the linebackers are. With that out of the way, here are a few options that the Falcons could turn to both on their current roster and in the draft to be their starting weak side linebacker.

Next: Spoon

Home/Atlanta Falcons News