Atlanta Falcons: Full Position Breakdown & Depth-Chart Analysis at Linebacker

In 2014, linebacker could have been considered the weakest part of the Atlanta Falcons defense. They had just one quality linebacker starting while the likes of Joplo Bartu and Prince Shembo saw a bunch of playing time that they shouldn't have been seeing.

In Dan Quinn's scheme, the strong-side linebacker would fall under a role similar to an edge player, so they won't be listed here. The weak-side and middle linebackers line up similar to how 3-4 inside linebackers would and are designed to have simplified roles within Quinn's scheme.

Justin Durant

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Role: Starting Weak-Side Linebacker

Justin Durant was the Falcons' second-biggest free-agent signing of the offseason. He can play weak-side or middle linebacker within the scheme and be effective at either. However, his best fit is at weak-side linebacker, where he can roam and make plays.

Durant looked like he was on his way to a Pro Bowl in Dallas in 2014 before he got injured and was lost for the year. If he can stay healthy in 2015, he could find himself on the way to one again. The Falcons will put him in position to win, and the former Dallas and Jacksonville captain should be effective in Atlanta.

Paul Worrilow

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Role: Starting Middle Linebacker

Paul Worrilow gets a bad wrap among most NFL analysts because he had a down 2014 season after breaking onto the scene in 2013. The Falcons defensive captain has shown that he can be a competent player in the middle of a defense if he has help around him.

The problem in 2014 was that he didn't have any help around him. Joplo Bartu was normally the only other linebacker on the field, and the Falcons didn't run a coherent scheme. With his responsibilities dialed back under Dan Quinn, the undrafted former Delaware Blue Hen should have a bounce-back season in 2015.

Joplo Bartu

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Role: Competing for a Roster Spot

Despite starting in 2014, Joplo Bartu might have to compete for his roster spot in 2015. He was mediocre as a starting linebacker and would be best rotating in and playing special teams for the Falcons. Atlanta doesn't have the need to start him in 2015 with Brooks Reed and Justin Durant on the roster.

He'll have to show improvement on special teams to even have a shot at the roster. Should the Falcons keep Bartu, he will likely be the primary backup for Justin Durant at weak-side linebacker in base sets and as a potential rotational nickel linebacker.

Marquis Spruill

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Role: Competing for a Roster Spot

After getting selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft, Marquis Spruill was looking like a solid depth addition for the Falcons both in the short and long term. Once Sean Weatherspoon went down with an injury, it was thought that Spruill potentially could start.

Unfortunately, Spruill tore his ACL during training camp, so he was never able to truly compete for the spot. In 2015, the new scheme has Spruill competing for a roster spot as a backup behind Paul Worrilow and Justin Durant. He'll have to show value on special teams to earn the spot.

Nate Stupar

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Role: Competing for a Roster Spot

When it comes to bottom-of-the-roster backups who will be active on game day, Nate Stupar might as well be penciled in. His prowess on special teams and competence at middle linebacker makes him a solid fit for the Falcons' depth needs.

Stupar may never be a long-term starter for any team, but he's worthy of a roster spot for a team that needs a true special teams captain. The Falcons have a ton of talent to put on special teams, but Stupar is easily one of their best.

Allen Bradford

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Role: Competing for a Roster Spot

Allen Bradford played running back when he was in college. With the Seahawks, he switched over to linebacker, but he was never able to break into the 46-man active roster during game days. The only time he played regularly was with the Giants in 2013.

The Falcons will likely have him on the camp roster, but it would be shocking to see him make the final 53-man roster over Nate Stupar, Marquis Spruill, Joplo Bartu or either of the starters. Bradford isn't worth the roster spot based on his on-field play and will likely be cut prior to opening day.

Derek Akunne

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Role: Competing for a Roster Spot

Derek Akunne got some buzz right after signing with the Falcons, but he doesn't look like someone who will make the roster in 2015. Ideally, he signs a contract to be part of the Falcons practice squad in 2015 and turns into something worthwhile later on.

Boris Anyama

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Role: Competing for a Roster Spot

Boris Anyama was a solid college player at Louisiana-Lafayette, but he never started on the defense and was only a situational player. In Atlanta, he'd be extraordinarily lucky to make the roster and is even a long shot for the practice squad in 2015.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also the Featured Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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