Atlanta Falcons: Comparing 2014 front seven to current front seven
By Jeremy Riggs
Taking a look at the Atlanta Falcons defense and how much it’s changed just since the 2014 season
As of late, a lot could be said about the Atlanta Falcons defense. Some may say they’re underachievers, some may say they’re underrated. Two things that everyone can agree on though, is that this team is young and fast. Below, we’ll take a look on how the 2014 squad compares to the current front seven in those aspects. Name, followed by height, weight, 40 yard dash, and age.
Defensive Line
First and foremost, there are no defensive linemen currently on the roster who was on the roster in 2014. For linemen, I’ll add in their bench presses at the combine as well.
2014 linemen:
- Kroy Biermann 6’3, 255 (4.75) (29 bench reps) 29 years old.
- Paul Soliai 6’4, 345 (5.02) (didn’t bench) 31 years old.
- Jonathan Babineaux 6’2, 300 (4.87) (21 bench reps) 33 years old.
- Tyson Jackson 6’4, 295 (4.94) (didn’t bench) 29 years old.
Current linemen:
- Takk McKinley 6’2, 250 (4.59) (24 bench reps*) 21 years old.
- Dontari Poe 6’3 330 (4.98) (44 bench reps) 26 years old.
- Grady Jarrett 6’1, 305 (5.06) (30 bench reps) 24 years old.
- Vic Beasley 6’3, 246 (4.53) (35 bench reps) 25 years old.
(* Takk had a shoulder injury )
So looking at the comparisons, the oldest projected starting lineman is 26 years old, whilst in 2014, not a single starting lineman was under the age of 26. The Falcons ran a weird formation in 2014 as you can see with a DE being 295 and Biermann being 255, but that was part of Mike Nolan being schematic trying to hide the lack of talent. Dontari Poe and his bench reps is something to marvel at, and so is the overall speed along the edges of the line with McKinley and Beasley.
Linebackers
Like the linemen, no starter who was on the roster in 2014, are still with the team.
2014 linebackers:
- Joplo Bartu 6’2, 230 (4.85) 25 years old.
- Paul Worrilow 6’0, 230 (4.70) 25 years old.
- Prince Shembo 6’1, 253 (4.71) 23 years old
Current linebackers:
- Duke Riley 6’0, 232 (4.58) 22 years old.
- Deion Jones 6’1, 230* (4.59) 22 years old.
- De’Vondre Campbell 6’4, 235 (4.58) 24 years old.
(* Jones is listed in the 220 area in weight but it has been reported that he’s gaining weight to be in the 230+ range)
The 2014 linebackers were scary young, had average speed as well. But it’s safe to say, this current linebacker core is something almost unimaginable with speed and youth. Whats even more horrifying for opposing offenses, is Deion Jones may be even faster than his 40 yard time, being that he ran a 4.39 at his pro day.
To think that Duke Riley thrown into the mix may be close to Deion Jones in speed is wild to think of. Campbell had his moment last year but the long bodied backer was seen covering tight ends down field and keeping up with them, so this core has a bright future.
Summary
Overall, the team is younger in every front seven position. Size and weight are pretty comparable but the gain of speed is evident. Insanely enough, the only returning starters from 2014 are Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: Damontae Kazee keeps making plays
Add in the youth of Jalen Collins (24) , Brian Poole (24) , Damontae Kazee (24), Ricardo Allen (25), Keanu Neal (22) and others; who is a lot younger than the depth of the 2014 Robert McClain (27), Josh Wilson (30), Thomas DeCoud (30) William Moore (30). It’s just refreshing at the possibilities. Another note, Kemal Ishmael who was a depth safety in 2014, is now a linebacker. At safety he may of been of average speed, at linebacker? Watch out.