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Atlanta Falcons: 4 Fearless Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction #3: The Falcons will sign defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins 

As mentioned in the previous slide, the Falcons have a few dollars to play with this offseason. The number of needs for the team are not that great in quantity. Yet, at defensive tackle, another vital piece is needed.

Twelve-year veteran Jonathan Babineaux recently called it a career, which leaves one void at the position. There is a growing probability that veteran Tyson Jackson will be a post-June 1 release, which will give the Falcons considerably more cap space.

While I don’t expect Atlanta to reel in the big fish in free agency, although it would be nice, I envision the Falcons make a few low-profile, highly-valued signings and one would be to bring in a younger, more talented chess piece at defensive tackle.

This is where Hankins comes into play. The 24-year-old lineman is coming off a solid 2016 season in which he grabbed 29 tackles and three sacks. Hankins was also on of the best young run defenders in the league, which helped the Giants finish the season in the top five in run defense.

Hankins will command a nice contract. Something in the range of $8-$9 million dollars a season. With their cap space, that is affordable.

Plugging in the 320-pound lineman next to Jarrett, Hageman and others will not only improve the run defense, but it will inject considerable youth on an already youthful defense.

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