Atlanta Falcons: How Dan Quinn is building his defense

Linebackers 

If you could point to a unit that possesses the most versatility, it’s the linebacker spot. Early clippings following the draft circled around second-round draft pick Deion Jones auditioning for the role of starting middle linebacker. Last season’s starter, Paul Worrilow, totaled 96 tackles and five tackles for loss but it was clear that his lack of athleticism was an obvious Achilles heel for the Falcons.

Jones brings blazing speed and athleticism to the defense and although he’s undersized, beating out Worrilow is a legit possibility. Quinn also has the option of slotting Brooks Reed into the middle linebacker spot but keep in mind that this scheme requires linebackers who can be fluid in space which gives Jones the nod over Worrilow and Reed.

Fourth round pick De’Vondre Campbell is another option at MLB as well because of his experience as well as attributes. At 6’4 232, Campbell has outstanding size and his length, size, and speed, allows him to be used at all three linebacker spots. For now, the plans seem to be having Campbell at weak-side linebacker.

The selections of jones and Campbell provides DQ the Atlanta version of Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright, who DQ had the pleasure of coaching in Seattle, and both can heal the ugliness that was pass defense at linebacker. Both can cover and be superb in space which is what the scheme calls for from inside linebackers.

Upshaw has the ability to see some time at strong-side linebacker and recent reports have indicated that Beasley will see heavy minutes at SLB also. Upshaw, Campbell, Reed, Beasley, and Tyler Starr all are interchangeable options for DQ at strong-side linebacker and all five are able to stick their hand in the ground on third down and rush the passer. Again, the word for the day is : “Versatility”.

At weakside linebacker, Jones, Phillip Wheeler and the re-signed Sean Weatherspoon adds to the depth and versatility as the three can play the middle and the weak-side. Keeping count, the unit has seven linebackers who can be used in at least two different positions.

Next: Secondary