Linebackers

By: T. Love

Probably one of the strongest units that the Atlanta Falcons will field this season, the linebacker core is coached by first-year man Brian Van Gorder that left Georgia Southern after one season and ran the team into the ground with a 3-8 record. (Could not of happened to a better university in my opinion, Go Apps!!).

The linebackers return all three starters from last season in Keith Brooking, Michael Boley and Demorrio Williams, while releasing the likes of “prized” free-agent Ed Hartwell and Ike Reese.

Keith Brooking (6-2, 245)
A 10-year veteran and the leader of the Falcons defense, Brooking led the way with 136 total tackles (95 solo), 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery a season ago. He started at middle linebacker to start the season while Hartwell nursed all of his ailments. The unit played strong with Brooking in the middle, but he is more comfortable at weakside where he began his career. Unfortunately, general manager Rich McKay did nothing this offseason to address the MLB position so Brooking will hold it down for another season. It is safe to say that he is a bit on the backside of his career, but Brooking will continue to bring tenacity and intelligence to the football field. Look for #56 to lead the defense once again in tackles and he will have to make a lot of those downfield with not much of a defensive line in front of him. On a side note, he is yet to start a fight in training camp and we are about four days in.

Michael Boley (6-3, 236)
In one word, STUD. If they made a replica jersey, I would own it. (Sorry Mike, I’m not shelling out $200 for a jersey). The third-year man out of Southern Miss. finished fourth in tackles last season, while adding three sacks, three fumble recoveries and a pair of picks to his resume. As strong-side linebacker, Boley is big enough to take on tight ends and pulling guards and does not get gobbled up in space. Due to a lack of pass rush last season, Boley was used as a rush end to generate more pressure. With a healthy John Abraham and the addition of rookie Jammal Anderson, the pass rush should fair well and Boley can concentrate on just making plays at linebacker. Can’t wait to see what he does when he has only one job.

Demorrio Williams (6-0, 232)
A fourth-year player out of Nebraska, Demorrio Williams will get the nod at weakside linebacker due to his speed and agility. Williams signed a one-year tender with the team this offseason and could grab a nice payday if he continues to progress this season. In an effort to put on a little more bulk, he tore a pectoral muscle during the offseason and was scheduled to return between Weeks 2-4. He is currently in practice and wearing a protective sleeve. Williams finished third on the team last season with 90 tackles. Hopefully, Atlanta will pony up the cash to keep this guy around or watch him walk for nothing.

Stephen Nicholas (6-3, 235)
Drafted in fourth-round, rookie Stephen Nicholas selection was probably one of the most strategic moves made by the front office in a long time. First, with the injury to Williams, Nicholas serves as a great insurance policy and can contribute to the team immediately. Second, in the event that Williams does walk away with a hefty pay day, Nicholas would have had one season to prepare for the starter role. Nicholas will earn his stripes on special teams for the time being and will find his way onto the field in situational packages.

Jordan Beck (6-2, 233)
Beck has played incredibly well in the preseason and that is it. Beck is a hard hitter and has a nose for where the play is going, but he has been leapfrogged on the depth chart by free-agent Orlando Huff. He will probably see most of his action on special teams once again.

Orlando Huff (6-3, 236)
Huff came to Falcons this offseason after spending the previous two years with the Arizona Cardinals. The Fresno State product can play all three linebacker positions and will be the first player called when one of the starters can’t go.

Marcus Wilkins (6-2, 231)
Will fill the void left by Reese. Special teamer that probably won’t figure too much into the game plans.

John Leake (6-0, 228)
Special teamer

Tony Taylor (6-0, 237)
An undrafted rookie free agent, Taylor has received plenty of praise during training camp. Despite is small stature, Taylor is a beast when it comes to tackling and has excellent recognition skills. He will benefit greatly by knowing Van Gorder’s system from their days in Athens and could find his way onto the 53-man roster.

Analysis
If the three starters stay healthy this season, the linebacking core will be the cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons defense. All three will excel in Zimmer’s system which is more aggressive and utilizes blitzing. Speed is one of the key components of the blitz and this unit has plenty of straight-line and sideline-to-sideline go. Brooking will have to be strong in the middle with a lack of solid line in front, but he seems to be up for challenges every season. Williams will make plays left and right and Boley is on the verge of a pro-bowl season.