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5 Former Atlanta Falcons to watch closely this season

By Nick Halden

Indianapolis Colts QB, Matt Ryan (2) runs drills during the Indianapolis Colts mandatory mini training camp on Wednesday, May 8, 2022, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts QB, Matt Ryan (2) runs drills during the Indianapolis Colts mandatory mini training camp on Wednesday, May 8, 2022, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. /
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Jan 2, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tries to avoid Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) during a run in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tries to avoid Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Foye Oluokun (54) during a run in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Foyesade Oluokun

There wasn’t any questioning who was the heart of the Atlanta Falcons defense last season. Deion Jones regressed in the new defensive scheme and failed to make the impact he had in seasons past. Stepping up in his lack of production was Oluokun with a huge season establishing himself as a good middle linebacker and one of the few answers the Falcons had on the defensive side of the ball.

Losing Foye was never in the plans for the Falcons this off-season they wanted to keep the linebacker before they were simply outbid by the Jaguars. Jacksonville rewarded Oluokun with a big $45-million dollar three-year deal to have him anchor the Jaguars defense.

As difficult as it might be Atlanta made the right decision letting him walk considering their cap situation and need to open cap flexibility.  Atlanta fans will have no problem continuing to pull for Oluokun considering Atlanta isn’t playing Jacksonville this season and the Jaguars will almost assuredly be underdogs in nearly every game they play this season.

Losing Foye will hurt the Atlanta defense but it is a chance for Deion Jones to rebound or Mykal Walker to step up and prove he is a long-term answer.

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