Offseason Moves and Draft Needs: NFC South

Apr 19, 2019

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This is part seven in an eight-part series detailing the biggest offseason moves and where teams still need to fill holes via the NFL Draft. Here, I will focus on the NFC South with a slant toward the impact on dynasty leagues.

Atlanta Falcons

What Changed

Tevin Coleman has been reunited with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco and the Falcons released Ryan Schraeder. Although this has been an outside zone running game at its foundation, Atlanta signed two heavy-footed guards in James Carpenter and Jamon Brown. It's possible that new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter look to change up the style of blocking in Atlanta’s offense.

The Impact

Unless you are a huge believer in Carpenter and Brown (and why would you be), the Falcons offensive line is somewhat in shambles right now. Alex Mack—who turns 33-years-old during the season—and Jake Matthews are the only two legitimate starters in Atlanta’s front five. Devonta Freeman’s return from injury is certainly noteworthy, but his production coming off of a major injury is a question mark

What To Expect

The Falcons addressed the guard position in free agency, but they may not have done a good enough job in this capacity, especially if they still want mobile zone-blocking offensive linemen. Right tackle is also really questionable right now. Maybe the Falcons add a bruiser at the running back position in the mid rounds and they could consider a quarterback to groom behind Ryan or even a mid-round tight end. Their defensive line needs work for sure, so it is unlikely that whatever transpires in the draft has negative effects on the dynasty value of these current offensive players. This is an offense that you want to own stock in. That is if they get their offensive line issues in order.