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Atlanta Falcons: 2017 Training Camp Burning Predictions

By Raekwon Gilbert

Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (left) talks with team president Rich McKay on the field during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff (left) talks with team president Rich McKay on the field during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Ben Garland (63) reacts after the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Ben Garland (63) reacts after the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

What Are We Doing At Right Guard?

It was a little strange for some fans to watch the 2017 NFL draft  after the Falcons decided to take on pass-rusher Takkarist McKinley from UCLA. Not to say that the pick was despised and unwanted but it was assumed that the Falcons would try to take advantage of the weak offensive line class and grab guard Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky, who was considered the best interior offensive lineman in the draft.

Still we support the decision but again left in awe when the team drafted linebacker Duke Riley from LSU in the third round. The Falcons didn’t decide to address the guard position until the fourth round with the acquisition of Sean Harlow leaving many to wonder how much did Dan Quinn have faith in either Ben Garland or Wes Schweitzer to step in and fill the void at right guard.

We know that four-veteran Ben Garland has been a walking example for Dan Quinn’s emphasis on versatility by being able to contribute on both sides of the ball at guard and defensive tackle. Garland never made a starting appearance in the 2016 season but saw action on both sides of the ball and even recorded a sack/safety against the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. The questions still remain if Garland could emerge among the rest as a true contender to start through the 2017 season even with very limited snaps in the past?

Second-year guard Wes Schweitzer may be the forgotten man within the Falcons offensive line but he has been repeatedly complimented by Dan Quinn has someone who has taken that necessary step to grow from his rookie season. We’ve seen in the past late-round draft picks turn into serviceable players like Ricardo Allen, Kemal Ishmael, and Devonta Freeman so maybe Schweitzer may be ready to show his worth in his second year.

Prediction:

It’ll be tough to sort of true starter within the Falcons roster right now at right guard but it seems like Ben Garland’s job to lose.

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