Blogging Dirty
FanSided

3 Veterans the Atlanta could sign after the draft

By Nick Halden

Sep 19, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) celebrates with Washington Football Team offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (79) after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) celebrates with Washington Football Team offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (79) after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ereck Flowers

It would be shocking to see the Atlanta Falcons go into the season with Jalen Mayfield as their starting guard. Mayfield was an abject disaster in his rookie season directing defensive traffic straight to Matt Ryan.  Mayfield was so terrible it was hard to evaluate the center because the middle of the line was always imploding often directly because Mayfield missed his block or was incapable of holding it.

Flowers isn’t a great pass blocker but he is a clear upgrade over Mayfield and would at least give Mariota a chance in the pocket. Whether it is a free agent signing or in the draft Atlanta is going to add another guard before the season kicks off.

While they can’t afford to give up on Mayfield one season after selecting the offensive lineman it is clear he was a miss. Improvement and growth can happen in this league but at that position you cannot afford to have him continue to learn on the job. If they make that mistake it is going to result in an injury and more frustration for an offense that already is going to have a hard time finding consistency. Flower may not be a long term answer but he is an answer to the problem that is Jalen Mayfield.

Next. 3 Former Falcons the team will miss most. dark

Home/Falcons Free Agency