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Atlanta Falcons linebackers: more versatile than skillful

By Colin Hubbard

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (51) looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons’ 2016 linebacking crew is going to be a lot more versatile than skillful.

If Atlanta has a weakness it’s probably their front seven. Neither their defensive line nor linebacking corps are loaded with talent, but what they are is versatile. Especially the linebacking corps.

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Outside of Paul Worrilow, pretty much every other linebacker can play multiple positions.  That is something that Dan Quinn and the Falcons are definitely going to take advantage of. Both of the rookie linebackers can play both weakside and inside linebacker.

Deion Jones is expected to play at inside backer and De’Vondre Campbell is expected to play a lot of weak side backer but both can intertwine if need be. Brooks Reed was brought to Atlanta to be their starting strong side linebacker, but with his recent weight loss, some feel that he could play some inside backer as well.

And last but not least, Phillip Wheeler is a guy that can play pretty much anywhere you want him too. Wheeler has seen reps at both strong side and weak side backer in their recent OTA’s. While none of those players jump off as superstars, having the ability to move them around is huge for a defensive coordinator.

And we aren’t even including Vic Beasley and Courtney Upshaw who both can play LEO defensive end and strong side linebacker. It’s rather remarkable to have so many versatile players on one defense and the Falcons are hoping that it pays dividends with the season rolls around.

Next: 5 things the Falcons need to do to make it into the 2016 playoffs

Like explained before, there isn’t one player that you can look to take over a game so it’s going to be a collective group of players for at least the next season or two. The hopes are to have guys like Beasley and Jones to be the future studs and fill in that last spot or two with someone just as good if not better.

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