One thing the Atlanta Falcons cannot afford is injuries. Depth was an issue last year and they are trying to avoid the same fate in 2015. That same rules apply for suspensions which are already highlighting the team's OTAs. The Falcons made a point to load up on depth during free agency and it is a good thing since previous starter Prince Shembo is no longer on the team.
The Atlanta Falcons announced the release of Shembo following an arrest for animal cruelty. The second-year defender was an was a fourth-round draft pick in 2014 who found himself rotating in as a starter for Mike Smith. That was not expected to change with Dan Quinn as the head coach as he could rotate in as an outside linebacker in a pass-rushing role. Now with Shembo gone, the Falcons are looking at the depth chart to fill the role.
According to TheFalcoholic.com, Stansly Maponga could be the favorite to win the role as he is continuing to develop under Quinn. He has shown a knack for pass rushing and if he can find consistency on the field he might turn out to be rather productive. Joplo Bartu and Tyler Starr could rotate in as they are both promising young talent who simply just need to be refined. Brooks Reed and Justin Durant are the other expected starters and now the Falcons simply need to fill the other role.
The defense is hoping to get a lot of production out of younger names. Ra'Shede Hageman is hoping to be a breakout star in 2015. The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that the young defensive tackle has been one of the standouts in OTAs as he reported to camp much slimmer than last year. He must prove he can handle Quinn's defensive system in order to remain in favor. He is now joining what has become a very deep defensive front for the Falcons with newly drafted Vic Beasley who is guaranteed a starting job. Hageman will battle with Jonathan Babineaux while Adrian Clayborn and Kroy Biermann will compete for the strong side spot.
The Falcons are hoping their defense is much improved as position battle continue to highlight OTAs. Once healthy, Jalen Collins and Robert Alford will be competing for a role on the team along with Kemal Ishmael and Charles Godfrey. Quinn is encouraging competition in practice in hopes that it produces better results in the coming season.