Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Atlanta Falcons' Top Free-Agent Targets

The Atlanta Falcons need to fix their defensive and offensive lines and potentially upgrade free safety in free agency. Pros and cons are plentiful with each of their top targets, though. So, Atlanta needs to weigh each when considering each of these guys.

Names like Jairus Byrd and B.J. Raji should definitely be considered, but they also need to look into some of the more unheard of names like Geoff Schwartz and Linval Joseph.

Follow along for the pros and cons of each potential Falcons target.

OT Eugene Monroe, Formerly of the Baltimore Ravens

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Pros: One of the best left tackles in the game

The Falcons allowed 11 sacks and 20 hits from their left tackle position in 2013. It was arguably the worst performance out of any team in the NFL. Between Sam Baker playing just three games and Lamar Holmes being completely out of position, Atlanta needs to solve this situation.

Eugene Monroe is an excellent pass-blocker who allowed just five sacks and seven hits in 2013. Matt Ryan not having to take a shot twice a game from his blind side should make him much happier. And with Monroe protecting the back side, Atlanta will have ideal protection for the franchise QB on that side.

Cons: Price

When looking to upgrade your left tackle situation from one of the worst to one of the best, you have to pay a ton more than what the Falcons currently pay Baker. The biggest issue with that is that Baker is going to be under contract for at least the next two seasons.

If the Falcons did bring in Monroe, they'd have to either move Baker to right tackle for a season or have one of the highest priced backups in the NFL. On the bright side, Monroe would be such an improvement over Baker that it'd be worth the investment.

OG Jon Asamoah, Formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs

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Pros: Connection with Scott Pioli

Jon Asamoah is an excellent guard who would be an instant starter in the Falcons offense at right guard. He'd be an extremely huge improvement over the incompetence that was Peter Konz, Garrett Reynolds and Harland Gunn in 2013.

New Falcons assistant general manager Scott Pioli drafted Asamoah for the Chiefs back when he was the general manager there. Atlanta could use this to their advantage in negotiations, as it'd be an instant in for negotiations with the talented guard.

Cons: Was benched during the season

Despite being a solid player all-around, he was benched for Geoff Schwartz during the season. This is more due to Schwartz having a great season than Asamoah being a poor player. He needs a starting role somewhere, and Kansas City doesn't look to be the place for him to start.

DT Linval Joseph, Formerly of the New York Giants

Michael Perez/Associated Press

Pros: The perfect 1-technique for the Falcons' scheme

Atlanta's defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has seemed to prefer players in the 6'3"-to-6'5", 325-340 pound range to be his 1-technique defensive tackle. Linval Joseph is the perfect build, but more than that, he's the perfect player for Nolan's scheme.

He uses his length exceptionally well as a run defender by shedding blocks well and controlling the A-gap. On top of that, he'd be able to eat double teams so that other Falcons defenders can either get to the quarterback or help stuff the run.

Cons: Pass rush is lacking

Last season, Corey Peters was the 1-tech who ate all of the double teams in pass rush. Linval Joseph could perform in the same role. While he isn't going to be a 10-sack guy ever, he's able to eat double teams and still push the pocket from the inside.

DL Lamarr Houston, Formerly of the Oakland Raiders

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Pros: Versatility on the line

Jonathan Babineaux was a 3- and 5-technique defensive lineman for the Falcons the past two seasons. He was locking down the defensive end role in base packages and defensive tackle in pass rush packages. Atlanta will need to have someone play that role, whether it's Babineaux or Lamarr Houston doing it.

Houston sets the edge extremely well against the run, earning a plus-14.9 grade against the run by Pro Football Focus. On top of that, he had 54 stops against the run last season. He's not just a great run defender; he's an excellent pass rusher as well.

Cons: Oakland will pursue just as hard

Atlanta has just over $26 million in cap space. Oakland, on the other hand, has over $60 million in cap space. Atlanta needs to make sure that Houston is wowed by more than money, otherwise they will be completely out of the running for the versatile defensive tackle and defensive end.

S Jairus Byrd, Formerly of the Buffalo Bills

Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Pros: Atlanta would have two of the best safeties in the NFL

Jairus Byrd is one of the top three safeties in the NFL, with Eric Weddle and Earl Thomas up there. Atlanta's duo of William Moore and Byrd would be arguably the best in the NFL. Byrd is the playmaking talent Atlanta didn't have in 2013 when Thomas DeCoud fell off.

Cons: Paying two safeties top 10 money

With Moore being paid $30 million over five years and Byrd likely earning around $45-50 million over a five-year contract, Atlanta would have around $80 million dedicated to safeties. This would be one of the highest totals in the NFL.

The only way this could work is if they have their second-year cornerbacks step up and play to their potential early. Paying two corners on rookie contracts, while having a pair of top-level safeties, is what the Seahawks did. Look how that turned out.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.

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