Atlanta Falcons: Pro Football Focus grades for 2016 additions

Let’s take a closer look at the Atlanta Falcons’ free agent signings.

Let’s take a look through all of the Atlanta Falcons’ notable free agent signings, and compare their Pro Football Focus grades from the 2015 season. PFF doesn’t tell the full story and can’t be relied on solely to determine how good a player is, but it’s a useful tool nonetheless and gives some insight to how a player performed amongst their peers.

They look solely at the individual’s performance, not necessarily how it affects the team. For example, if a quarterback throws a good ball but it is dropped by the receiver, PFF still gives the passer a good grade for the through and puts the blame onto the pass catcher.

Let’s work our way through each Falcons free agent signing.

Derrick Shelby: 82.9 grade, 23rd of 110 edge defenders

Derrick Shelby received a very positive grade while in Miami last season. His 82.9 was good for 23rd among 110 ranked edge defenders. His strongest area was in run defense, earning an 83.5 grade. He was given a 79.0 in pass rush but a disappointing 61.0 in coverage. Shelby will likely be penciled in as a starter from Week 1.

Mohamed Sanu: 53.5 grade, 101st of 121 wide receivers

It’s not pleasant reading for Mohamed Sanu. He ranked behind some uninspiring players such as Mike Wallace, Josh Huff and even the man he’s replacing, Roddy White. Sanu will be expected to play above this grade in 2016 when he complements Julio Jones in Atlanta.

Alex Mack: 75.5 grade, 13th of 39 centers

Alex Mack got paid like the best center in football, but the reality is he didn’t deserve that honor in 2015. His Pro Football Focus grade backs it up, ranking him 13th among 39 graded centers with a 75.5 grade. Mack is still a talented player, there’s no doubt, but for the price the Falcons are paying, they will need him to play better in 2016.

Sean Weatherspoon: 51.3 grade, unranked

Spoon is back, but Pro Football Focus wasn’t too kind to him in 2015. He earned an overall grade of 51.3, with his highest rating coming 56.0 in coverage.

Courtney Upshaw: 54.7 grade, 84th of 110 edge defenders

Courtney Upshaw isn’t a flashy player who will light up the stat sheets, but he does a lot of the dirty work which benefits those around him. This was a nice pickup by the Falcons, even if his grade isn’t particularly exciting. He ranked 84th of 110 graded edge defenders, although he doesn’t need to be a top pass rusher in Atlanta.

Upshaw earned a much healthier 83.7 grade for run defense but a 57.5 in coverage.

Next: What will be Vic Beasley's ceiling in 2016?

Matt Schaub: 50.7 grade, unranked

Matt Schaub was unranked, as you can imagine. He offers backup to Matt Ryan, although the Falcons will be in trouble if he’s asked to take over the reigns for any great length of time. The Falcons’ success hinges on whether Ryan is healthy.