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The Atlanta Falcons may be pushing to have the best offensive line in all of football. With the aging Chris Chester heading to free agency, the team plans to aggressively upgrade the guard position.
#NFL teams that will make a run at one of the top 3-4 guards in free agency: #Falcons, #Broncos, #Vikings, #Lions, #Colts and #Jaguars.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 2, 2017
Wow. This will get a little expensive, but should keep the offense performing like it did in 2016. The run game could be even more dangerous if they can upgrade over Chester.
Who are the top guards? Kevin Zeitler of the Cincinnati Bengals may be one of the best right guards in all of football and is only 26. T.J. Lang is about to hit 30, but would be a big upgrade run blocking. Ronald Leary got pushed out of Dallas by La'El Collins, and he should be on the cheaper side despite being 27.
After that, the best options get a little muddy. Larry Warford is really good when he’s healthy. And he’s rarely healthy. Could Nick Mangold play guard? Andrew Whitworth is ancient but he can play both guard and tackle.
I could not guess who is that fourth guard Charles Robinson is discussing, but his reporting is usually pretty accurate and we expect lots of great news with the football world converging in Indianapolis.
If true, the Falcons look to be bigger on drafting and coaching up defensive players, while signing offensive free agents. Adjust your draft boards accordingly.