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Atlanta Falcons Free agent targets: Jonathan Cooper or Xavier Su’a-Filo?

By Randy Gurzi

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Kicker Mike Nugent #2 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with offensive guard Jonathan Cooper #64 of the Dallas Cowboys after a field goal against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Kicker Mike Nugent #2 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with offensive guard Jonathan Cooper #64 of the Dallas Cowboys after a field goal against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, 27-years old,

Experience: 4 years, 41 career starts

Here we have another former starter hitting the open market, but he could actually come in cheaper than Cooper. Xavier Su’a-Filo was the first pick in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and was probably most famous for not being Derek Carr.

After the Houston Texans passed on a signal caller in the first round, they then had the chance to select one at the top of Round 2 with Carr being the biggest name. That would be because his older brother, David Carr, was the first pick in team history. They elected not to take that route, and went for the UCLA guard instead.

It took them until 2017 to finally find a quarterback, and Su’a-Filo did little to make the fans forget the pick — or lack thereof. His play was subpar to say the least and this past season he finished with an incredibly low rating of 35.8 according to PFF, which had him all the way down to the No. 77 ranking for guards in the NFL.

So why should the Falcons consider him? Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery. The Falcons could afford the former high-profile prospect a chance to start new. He could possibly fit in better with the guys around him in Atlanta than he did in Houston, which is exactly what happened with the aforementioned Cooper.

Next: Falcons Should Pursue Jimmy Graham In Free Agency

The fact is, Su’a-Filo was talented enough to be considered a first round pick by many scouts. Signing him now as a potential reserve guard and fallback option should the draft get away from them wouldn’t be the worst idea.

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