Atlanta Falcons: Depth added at OT with Austin Pasztor signing

The Atlanta Falcons addressed a big need with the signing of offensive tackle Austin Pasztor, most recently of the Cleveland Browns

Heading into the 2017 NFL season the Atlanta Falcons were considered to have one of the most talented and complete rosters. There was one spot that needed addressing though as the defending NFC South Champions were thin — to put it nicely — behind starting offensive tackles Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder.

Atlanta had some untested players in  D.J. Tialavea, Kevin Graf, Daniel Brunskill, and Andreas Knappe fighting for the swing tackle job, with Tialavea being the most promising despite recently converting from tight end.

After Friday, they can continue to work on the skill Tialavea has displayed without having to bump him to swing tackle prematurely. That would be because the team came to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns starting tackle, Austin Pasztor.

Vitals

Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 308 Pounds
Age: 26
Career Games: 58
Career Starts: 43

The Canadian-born Pasztor was the fourth overall pick in the CFL draft in 2012, but instead decided to give the NFL a try. The Virginia product got his start with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent, but after failing to make the final roster he ended up in Jacksonville.

He spent time at guard and tackle for Jags before being cut in 2015, after which the Browns claimed him. He spent two seasons in the Dawg Pound and is now the most experienced backup for the entire offensive line. His ability to fill in at multiple spots on the line is huge too as Pasztor essentially could back up four positions for the Falcons.

Pasztor was a capable starter and really was a great signing this late in the game. Hats off to general manager Thomas Dimitroff for not staying put with their roster and finding a way to add quality depth to such an important position.