Dwight Freeney: Value as a Mentor
Dwight Freeney, likely future Hall of Famer and sack artist, was more than just a veteran coming off the edge for the Atlanta Falcons in 2016.
One of the biggest surprises of the NFL this past season was the play of Vic Beasley. His league-best 15.5 sacks were the perfect redemption to his underwhelming rookie campaign. Also, Beasley created turnovers, with six forced fumbles, tied with Bruce Irvin for first in the NFL. Many have attributed Beasley’s break out performance to the mentoring of Dwight Freeney.
Since Beasley was already a monster athlete, he just needed some fundamental guidance. Freeney, a true veteran of the NFL, acted as a mentor and fellow teammate, giving Beasley advice and teaching him how to use his speed most effectively.
In fact, it seemed like Freeney’s advice was contagious to the entire team. Defenders that were previously thought to just be rotational players and minimal contributors were getting sacks and making highlight plays.
While nothing is concrete just yet, it’s starting to look like Freeney will return to the Falcons for the 2017 season.
.@dwightfreeney tells @SiriusXMNFL that he is in communication with @AtlantaFalcons & optimistic about re-signing at some point in future
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) June 2, 2017
A major reason to hope for his return in 2017 is the arrival of Takkarist McKinley. Atlanta’s first round pick and internet sensation is full of athletic potential and confidence, he just needs to apply it properly on an NFL field.
With Freeney giving McKinley advice and teaching him his signature moves, the young edge rusher will be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks.
In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Freeney revealed that he and McKinley have already communicated and expressed his desire work with the young player, saying:
"He was telling me, ‘I used to use you on Madden and grew up watching you as a player.’ He was starting to make me feel real old. But he also said he can’t wait to be a part of that. He sounded like he was passionate. Hopefully, I’ll be there to help."
Freeney is more than just a skilled veteran, he’s essentially a coach, giving the next generation of NFL talent the key to their potential. If he signs with the Falcons for the 2017 NFL season, he may not put up crazy numbers, but the youth around him will greatly benefit.
Next: 2017 NFL Quarterback power ranking: Atlanta Falcons looking solid