Heading into the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have many holes at key positions they need to fill. This season it was apparent that the Falcons need to rework the interior of the offensive line. Starting left guard Andy Levitre was often seen being outworked by the opposition. Center Mike Person botched many snaps and should be relegated to backup guard when everything is set and done. Starting right guard Chris Chester is 32 and isn’t getting any younger, forcing the team to find another guard in free agency.
Another problem the Falcons had was the lack of talent at the linebacker position. The tandem of Brooks Reed, Paul Worrilow, and Justin Durant should not be on the field together next season. This group missed many tackles and were also horrible in pass coverage. The following are underrated signings the Falcons should make to ensure success next season.
DE/OLB Nick Perry, Green Bay Packers
The former first round pick out of USC is a very good athlete and overall player. Perry is most likely going to hit free agency based on the fact that he has been incapable of beating second round pick Mike Neal for his spot. Perry is a very versatile player that Dan Quinn could have fun with moving all over his defense. Nick Perry finished the season with 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
OLB Nigel Bradham, Buffalo Bills
Bradham was very raw when he came out of Florida State but has progressed very nicely. Signing him would give the Falcons some nice depth along the linebacker corps. Bradham finished the season with 59 tackles and one sack.
TE Niles Paul, Washington Redskins
Niles Paul is another good athlete who looked good filling in for Redskins starting tight end Jordan Reed. Paul is familiar with the scheme as Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan came from Washington teaching his West Coast scheme. The only way the West Coast scheme can work is if you have two athletic pass-catching tight ends, and with the signing of Niles Paul the Falcons will have what they desperately need.
LB Tahir Whitehead, Detroit Lions
Whitehead is a versatile linebacker that believes his best position is middle linebacker. He filled in nicely when Stephen Tulloch went down due to injury. Tahir Whitehead finished the season with 50 tackles and two sacks.
DE Derrick Shelby, Miami Dolphins
Derrick Shelby is a decent pass rusher but was overshadowed by the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon. Shelby finished the season with 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
G Jeff Allen, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen has been fantastic for the Chiefs this year and has started every game at guard. This signing would solidify the Falcons offensive line for years to come.
SS Tyvon Branch, Kansas City Chiefs
Branch was showing signs of being one of the better strong safeties in the NFL during his time with the Oakland Raiders a few years back. Injuries cost him most of two seasons and he was cut because of it. Branch is an instinctive player that is superb in run support. He also has the coverage skills to fill in at either safety or cornerback.