The Atlanta Falcons Are Looking For A Couple Of Former First Rounders To Step Up, In 2019, On Their Defensive Line.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this one taking a look the Atlanta Falcons. Each team will be broken down into three articles, defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. In each article i'll be identifying a couple of players that I would consider adding or trading for ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire each of these players.
Vic Beasley, Defensive End:
When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Vic Beasley, with the eighth pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft, they were hoping to get someone who is quick off of the edge and could get to the quarterback. At the time, Beasley was regarded as the best pass rusher in the draft, but so far, in his career, he's failed to live up to that. Beasley has flashed that first round talent at times during his career, but 2018 was his worst season as a pro, having played in 16 games but only recording 16 tackles and 5 sacks.
At the end of the 2018 season, Atlanta Falcons head coach, Dan Quinn, fired defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel. Quinn said, he will serve as the teams defensive coordinator, which I think is great news for Vic Beasley's 2019 outlook. I'm confident that Quinn will put Vic in better situations to use his skill set and be that first round talent they were hoping for when they drafted him.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Before the 2015 NFL draft Vic Beasley said he would love to play for the Atlanta Falcons and 2019 could be the year he finally makes a name for himself. He might be available on your wavier wire, but if he's not then I would look to acquire him for a late round pick.
Takkarist McKinley, Defensive End:
McKinley was drafted with the 26th pick, of the first round, in the 2017 draft. Atlanta had visions of Beasley and McKinley being a one-two punch for getting to opposing quarterbacks, but that hasn't come to be. McKinley, 23, has been very consistent since coming into the league, having recorded 15 tackles in each of his two seasons and six and seven sacks over that same time span. However, McKinley underwent a mental evaluation at the recommendation of a concerned friend, earlier this off season, but nothing was apparently wrong.
Now with that behind him, I am expecting another solid season out of McKinley. Much like I expect Dan Quinn to do with Beasley, McKinley should also see some added benefit to the defensive coordinator change. To me, McKinley has lots of untapped potential and I am looking forward to seeing how his play changes and it wouldn't shock me to see him have a career season in 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Takk McKinley is someone that really excites me going into next season and he's someone i'll be looking to add to my teams. If you can get him on your wavier wire then do so, but if you have to trade for him then i'd look to get him for a late round pick.
Conclusion
During Dan Quinn's time as the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks his defenses were very solid and it started with the defensive lines. Beasley and McKinley will be pieces that the Falcons can build around for the upcoming season and make the teams defense even better then last years 28th place finish in total defense. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for part two of this three part series on the Atlanta Falcons.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
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