Ranking the Atlanta Falcons' Offseason Moves

Last season, the Atlanta Falcons finished an NFC-best 13-3 record. After a disappointing loss in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Green Bay Packers, the Falcons looked to free agency to add a big time player and re-sign some proven Falcon veterans. Here are the grades of each of those moves.

5. Re-Signing Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas

Both of these players are going to be fighting for the third spot, behind Curtis Lofton and Sean Witherspoon. Peterson is definitely getting up there in age, but he's shown flashes of the player he was in Jacksonville. Nicholas is the younger of the two and has also proven to be a solid option as the third linebacker.

Neither player will become a big time linebacker for the Falcons, but they add some much-needed depth to one of the most injury prone positions on the field.

Grade: B-

4. Re-Signing Tyson Clabo and Justin Blalock

The Falcons offensive line has been much improved over these past couple of years, largely due to the strength of the left side of the line. LT Tyson Clabo and LG Harvey Dahl have anchored that side of the line for Matt Ryan and company over the past couple seasons.

The Falcons could not re-sign Pro Bowler Dahl and need Blalock to step into that left guard position.

Grade: B

3. Re-Signing Brent Grimes

Grimes really came into his own last year, recording five interceptions and 87 tackles. At only 5’10” 180 pounds, he lacks ideal size, but makes up more than enough with his 40-inch vertical leap and tenacity out on the field. 

The Falcons secondary still had some issues last year even after the addition of Dunta Robinson. Falcons fans hope Grimes can keep on improving and become a solid option at the No. 2 cornerback spot.

Grade: B+

2. Re-Signing Jason Snelling

In recent seasons when Michael Turner has gone down with an injury, Jason Snelling has stepped up and filled the hole quite nicely.  Back in 2009, Snelling rushed for over 600 yards on 142 carries.

He may not be the flashiest player, but he has proven that he can get the job done.  This was a must-sign for the Falcons, who added depth to one of the most important positions on the field.

Grade: A-

1. Signing Ray Edwards

Ray Edwards is a mountain of a man, standing 6’5” tall and weighing in at 270 pounds. The past two seasons in Minnesota were two of Ray’s best as he recorded 16.5 sacks combined.

The Falcons were in dire need of a pass rush, since Jamaal Anderson never performed and John Abraham is aging. Many expect Ray to explode onto the national scene this year for the Falcons.

Grade: A+