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The zone blocking scheme was a revelation for Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder. They're very good athletes for the offensive tackle position in a scheme that asks the offensive tackles to make plays on the move and in open space.
Schraeder was a big factor in the resurgence of the Falcons' running game with Devonta Freeman. Let's take a closer look at how he played this season and his future outlook.
A Productive Season
Schraeder was named to Pro Football Focus' All Pro team giving up two sacks and two hits the entire season. He finished as the 7th rated tackle overall and the 2nd ranked right tackle behind Cleveland's Mitchell Schwartz.
Besides some struggles against Texans All-World defensive lineman J.J. Watt (which is expected) Schraeder was consistently solid week in and week out. Like Matthews, he still struggled with power rushers and heavier defensive ends, but he more than makes up for it with his athletic ability on reach blocks and ability to make plays in the open field.
Ryan Schraeder is a perfect piece along the offensive line in Kyle Shanahan's offense, hopefully the Falcons keep him paired with Matthews for the foreseeable future.
Contract
Schraeder is a restricted free agent. Hopefully the Falcons slap a second round tender on him and bring him back for 2016 season. With the receiver corps and interior offensive line due for a shakeup, some continuity with the tackle positions would be ideal going into 2016.
2016 Outlook
Ryan Schraeder is only 27 years old, he's still in the prime of his career. Assuming he's brought back (which I expect) he'll slide right back in at the right tackle position.
If ain't broke, don't fix it. Schraeder should pick up right where he left off in 2016.