Allgemeines » The Falcons have prioritized defensive key positions

and largely left the offensive line and safety alone."As our pre-draft coverage rolls on Cheap Riley Ridley Jersey , it’s time once again to look at Falcons draft tendencies with Dan Quinn as the head coach of the team. Today, I want to look at the positional preferences this team has shown with Quinn calling the shots, because they may help us suss out where the Falcons are going in the draft ahead. WR 4CB 4LB 4RB 3DT 2DE 2G 2TE 2S 1OT 1Unlike with schools, where the Falcons have a clear LSU bias and not much else, this team absolutely has positional needs and preferences under Dan Quinn. They’ve drafted four linebackers, four cornerbacks, and four wide receivers over his four years in charge, which reflects Quinn’s strong desire to stack his team with quality corners and linebackers Youth Akiem Hicks Jerseys , and the team’s desire to add speed and talent to the bottom (and with Calvin Ridley, the top) of their corps. Those positions are followed closely by running back, where the Falcons have nailed their Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith picks and added useful depth in Brian Hill, and then defensive tackle (Grady Jarrett and Deadrin Senat), guard (Wes Schweitzer and Sean Harlow, hardly huge investments), tight end (Austin Hooper and Eric Saubert), and defensive end (Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley Akiem Hicks Jerseys Stitched , or the only position where Quinn has invested two first rounders). They’ve never drafted a QB (obviously), true center, kicker or punter under Quinn, but every other position is covered here in some capacity. What does this mean? The Falcons have been pouring enough resources into linebacker that they now have a position group that is pretty strong at the top and genuinely deep. To a lesser extent, the same is true at cornerback, though they hurt their depth by cutting two players this offseason. They’ve also stacked up receiver and running back pretty well, mostly with their draft selections, and shouldn’t need to add to either group unless they find great value late. What that means White Marcus Cooper Jerseys , where the Falcons have nine draft selections and no pressing holes at positions they’ve traditionally prioritized spending draft capital on, is that we’re likely to see them dive into positions they’ve typically neglected. That’s especially true at tackle and center, where the team invested a seventh round pick (OT Jake Rodgers) and zero selections respectively, but currently “enjoy” a situation where they have no obvious long-term starter at right tackle and no young player to groom at center behind Alex Mack. They’re likely to remedy both of those situations come late April.They’ll also finally break out of their habits along the defensive line, one suspects. The Falcons have only made two major investments in DE, choosing to fill the rotation with useful veterans beyond them, but are about to either wash their hands of Vic Beasley after 2019 or potentially lose him as he chases a big contract after a big year. Whether it’s a first rounder or a late rounder, the team needs a developmental end to step in next year when Beasley Marcus Cooper Jerseys 2019 , Clayborn, and Means’ contracts are all up. Ditto defensive tackle, where Jack Crawford is a free agent after next season and the team could use young help. The team may not do both—Dan Quinn has said he wants a group of eight or nine players on the defensive front, and the team has seven players who would seem to be locked in—but one is a virtual lock.Finally, there’s safety, and it’s a position that looks strong on paper but could turn into a quagmire if even one thing goes wrong. Damontae Kazee is expected to get more run at cornerback, Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen are both returning from major injuries, and the team’s “we need depth at strong safety” comments seem to suggest they’re not in love with the very solid Sharrod Neasman White Prince Amukamara Jerseys , who isn’t on a long term deal in the first place. They’ll definitely draft one, even with a strong free agent group.Let’s hear your takeaways on this positional breakdown. The Jets asked Vikings assistant General Manager George Paton to interview for their G.M. vacancy in 2013 and again in 2015, but Paton turned down the opportunity each time.Paton’s answer reportedly hasn’t changed in 2019. The Jets are looking for a G.M. after firing Mike Maccagnan and Paton’s name again made their list of candidates. TheAthletic.com reports that Paton has passed on the chance for the third time, however.Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer is set to start the interview process for the Jets with Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas and Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly also scheduled to speak to the team. Saints director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot has also been mentioned as a candidate, but there’s been no word that an interview has been set.The Jets will be looking for a long run from whoever winds up in the job. If that’s not how things play out, it might save some time to just leave Paton off the list for the next search.