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ESPN: Orakpo Was a "Top Target" For Falcons in 2014

If rumors last season were to be believed, the Falcons struck out on pass rush help left and right, until the season relied upon the small, slow shoulders of Kroy Biermann. Things did not work out well.

By Matthew Chambers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

While the Falcons only 2014 addition to their pass rush was not cutting Osi Umenyiora, they did have plans for some major improvements. Those plans were ruined by the Washington Redskins, according to always plugged-in Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

Washington's Brian Orakpo would have been a top target for the Falcons last offseason had he not been hit with the franchise tag.

The Falcons had some sort of plans to get out of the bottom of the league in sacks for what seems like the last 15 years, but were limited when Orakpo was franchised, the Texans wanted Jadaveon Clowney (thanks!), they could not get Dee Ford, and Dallas traded up for DeMarcus Lawrence.

Orakpo is again a free agent after an ineffective and and injury-filled season in Washington. While the defensive scheme is thankfully changing, the team may say "hello" to Orakpo in free agency.

Typically it is my job to ignore when Dave gets something right, all both times, but it is important to remember with free agency quickly approaching that many have no inkling of the team's top targets.

With Atlanta's prior interest now known, do you think the Falcons should sign Orakpo to play in Dan Quinn's new defense?

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