Atlanta Falcons: Ranking the 2016 linebacking crew

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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Brooks Reed (56) stretches before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /

5) Brooks Reed – SAM

Pretty much every NFL team strikes out on a free agent signing and it’s appearing as if Brooks Reed is the Atlanta Falcons’ strikeout for the 2015 class. Reed was supposed to come in and be Atlanta’s starter at strong side linebacker, but were we are a year later and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Reed is in no way shape or form good enough for a starting job. And with Vic Beasley set to switch to the strong side spot, you can kiss Reed’s potential starting job goodbye for the 2016 season. Reed will be nothing more than a role player this season. He will come off the bench so to speak and play 20 percent of the snaps. He’s a decent run stopper but that’s about it. Don’t expect much of anything out of Reed, especially if he can’t stay healthy. Harsh, I know. But the truth hurts.

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