Falcons roster review: Adrian Clayborn, versatile man

The Falcons made a few one-year gambles in 2015, and while some of those didn't work out (Leonard Hankerson), others gave the Falcons a small but important boost. Adrian Clayborn was one of those players, and we'll look at him in today's edition of the roster review.

Quietly effective

Clayborn wasn't a stellar player by any stretch of the imagination, but he did a nice job both as an end and a tackle against the run, and he put up three sacks and quality pressure over the course of the season. For a cheap, one year deal, that was well worth the cost, especially because Clayborn played more than half of the team's defensive snaps for the season.

Contract Status

Clayborn will be an unrestricted free agent in 2016. The Falcons will probably have some interest in re-signing him, considering he played reasonably well and can slot in at defensive tackle or defensive end.

2016 Outlook

If Clayborn returns, it will be to a defense with a second-year Vic Beasley, a likely draft pick added to the mix, and potentially some veterans signed, so he's not guaranteed to have a major role. As a useful rotational piece who can rush the passer, however, he'll have legitimate value, and I hope he returns.