Continuing to build the Atlanta Falcons’ all-time roster with the defense
We are continuing to build the full 53-man roster filled with the greatest players in Atlanta Falcons’ history. Today, we are focusing on the defensive side of the ball and will finish up with the special teams soon.
If you missed the offensive side of the ball then you need to check it out by clicking the link right below.
Must Read: Building the Atlanta Falcons’ all-time roster, starting with the offense.
The Atlanta Falcons have never been known for their defense—outside of their 1977 “Grits Blitz” defense—but, despite that, they have had some outstanding individual players on that side of the ball. A few of them, particularly at one certain position, are some of the most underrated players in league history who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The issue came with trying to find the best players to back up the starters. The Falcons don’t have the history that some other teams do but we managed to figure it out. There will be some controversy.
Let’s get right into it and see what an all-time defense looks like for the Atlanta Falcons franchise.
Defensive coordinator:
- Jerry Glanville
Defensive tackle (4):
- DT1: Grady Jarrett
- DT2: Jonathan Babineaux
- DT3: Travis Hall
- DT4: Don Smith
The all-time defensive coordinator spot for the Atlanta Falcons goes to Jerry Glanville who helped run the “Grits Blitz” defense that still holds the NFL record for the fewest points allowed in a season. Just go look at the numbers because they are numbers we may never see again.
For the defensive tackle position, we have Grady Jarrett who is already the best interior defensive lineman in Falcons’ history. He has played on some of the worst defensive lines in NFL history but managed to produce. Pretty crazy considering he was a fifth-round pick in 2015.
Then the “USS Babineaux” who played a ton of games for the Falcons and remained a consistent player.
And finally, we have Travis Hall and Don Smith, two players that are not household names but provide depth.
Defensive end (5):
- DE1: Claude Humphrey
- DE2: John Abraham
- DE3: Patrick Kerney
- DE4: Chuck Smith
- DE5: John Zook
The Atlanta Falcons could use some of these guys in the worst way right now as they have not had a good pass rusher since John Abraham was cut.
Claude Humphrey, the Hall of Famer, is the best pass rusher—when considering longevity—in the team’s history. While John Abraham may be their most explosive pass rusher ever. Maybe this team could actually get some pressure.
Patrick Kerney is a favorite among a lot of people, and then Chuck Smith—known now for his training of current players—was a great player. Rounding out the defensive line is John Zook. They make for a solid 4-3 defense.
It is easy to forget about the pass rushers this team has had due to their recent faults.
Inside linebacker (5):
- ILB1: Tommy Nobis
- ILB2: Jessie Tuggle
- ILB3: Keith Brooking
- ILB4: Deion Jones
- ILB5: Greg Brezina
This is an incredible group for the Atlanta Falcons and most of these guys should be in the Hall of Fame already, especially Tommy Nobis.
The man known as “Mr. Falcon” is one of their best players ever. He was their first-ever draft pick but suffered from playing on an expansion team that was really bad. Many people never saw him play but we all have heard just how great he was.
We have a father-son duo on the team with Jessie Tuggle and Grady Jarrett. Tuggle was known as “The Hammer” for a reason, he could hit like a battering ram. Keith Brooking wasn’t so bad himself.
Yes, Deion Jones is included on this list. He is their all-time leader in defensive touchdowns and was always making plays. Prior to the past few years, he was one of the best in the league.
Cornerback (6):
- CB1: Deion Sanders
- CB2: Rolland Lawrence
- CB3: Brent Grimes
- CB4: DeAngelo Hall
- CB5: Bobby Butler
- CB6: Ray Buchanon
This team sports the greatest cornerback to ever play football with Deion Sanders. If you want playmakers in the secondary then these former Atlanta Falcons are here for you. Sanders could take anything to the house, and Rolland Lawrence has the most interceptions in franchise history.
Brent Grimes was straight-up dominant during his prime with the Falcons and Dolphins. You may remember his ridiculous one-handed interception with the Dolphins.
DeAngelo Hall was great during his short tenure in Atlanta, and, once again, was a playmaker. Finally, we have Bobby Butler and Ray Buchanon to close out the position. You could also throw Desmond Trufant into the mix as well.
Strong safety (3):
- SS1: Ray Brown
- SS2: William Moore
- SS3: Keanu Neal
Free safety (2):
- FS1: Scott Case
- FS2: Tom Pridemore
The backend of the Atlanta Falcons all-time defense, as well as defensive tackle, are the weak links of the defense.
However, Scott Case was a great player who could do anything. He is the best safety to ever play for the Falcons. He was with the Falcons for ten years and then the Cowboys for one year and managed to haul in 30 interceptions.
Tom Pridemore is his backup and he was an eight-year starter for the team known as one of the scariest safeties in the league during his time.
At strong safety, the Falcons have Ray Brown who was another interception machine and had a ton of return yards on his picks. William Moore could be put in for when they need that hard hitter to scare receivers.
And speaking of scaring receivers, I elected to add Keanu Neal because Moore and he would split the opposition in half. It is also nice to have the ability to use him as an extra linebacker.