Atlanta Falcons Revamped and Remade Linebacking Corps Evaluated

With Curtis Lofton finally working out a deal with the New Orleans Saints, it is time to take a look at the linebacking roster and decide what the Atlanta Falcons have going forward into the 2012 season.

It is interesting to note that the Falcons had a good chance of getting Lofton back at the price of a two-down player until the scandal with New Orleans made his stock artificially high.

Stephen Nicholas is the smallest starting linebacker on the team. He has good speed and seems to be getting stronger every year. He still seems to be this group's weakest link however.

Sean Weatherspoon is a star. He came on strong last season and will only get better. He is as fast as any linebacker on the team. He is exceptional in backside pursuit and solid in coverage. This guy is a force to reckoned with and a difference maker. Sean Weatherspoon is the corps' new leader.

Akeem Dent and Lofa Tatupu will likely be splitting snaps during the season. Dent is a young inexperienced player that the coaching staff apparently likes a ton. He is 6'1" and 239 pounds. He will strength train and bulk up to aid his run-stopping ability.

Lofa Tatupu has been out of football for a year, and the AJC.com reports that his pre-signing workout was impressive. He is tough, and if he can avoid concussions he will be a bargain pickup for the team. He is a veteran presence and this will help the group in attitude and positioning.

It remains to be seen if Akeem Dent or Lofa Tatupu will end up getting more reps. I think it will start out with Dent on first and second down, and Tatupu on third downs.

Some of the other players, like Robert James, could step up. He is a fast linebacker but the smallest of this group.

My opinion is that this group could work great together. I think the main objective is to improved third-down defense, and I believe this will happen.

It took some real trust to think that Curtis Lofton was expendable, but now I think he won't be missed. With the NFL turning into a pass-heavy league, it was good thinking to make a move towards players who are better in coverage.