Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Thursday, Apr. 11

Hey! It’s Thursday! That means it’s almost Friday, which means it’s almost the weekend. Start off your pseudo Friday with today’s edition of Falcoholinks.

Clayborn Back

We’ve opined around these parts about the value a veteran pass-rusher adds to the growth and progression of Atlanta’s young defensive linemen. The team eased our minds in that regard, electing to bring back defensive end Adrian Clayborn on a one-year deal.

Clayborn, the Atlanta Falcons’ franchise leader with six sacks in a game, adds some much needed veteran savvy and pass-rushing ability to the defensive line. A fan favorite, this was one of the no-brainer moves that was widely applauded and immediately improves the defense.

Welcome back, Clay.

Talkin’ Tackles (Defensive Edition)

The defensive tackle position is one that the Falcons are expected to address early on in the draft (and likely the first round). Pairing a game-wrecking starter with Grady Jarrett on the interior will do worlds for the Falcons’ pass-rush and run-stopping ability, so naturally we’ve been focusing on DT as one of the team’s biggest needs.

Although the draft could be where the Falcons add to the future of their defensive line, they’re also looking to bolster depth through free agency. They recently scheduled a meeting with free agent defensive tackle Tyeler Davison, and even held a workout with former Falcons’ second-rounder Ra’Shede Hageman.

Dan Quinn highlighted defensive tackle as one of the Atlanta Falcons’ top needs, so whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or some combination of both, the team is definitely not done at the position. He also heaped some extensive praise on defensive tackle standout Jack Crawford, which is great, because he’s a real ace bloke.

Preseason Opponents Announced

The preseason is a paradox. You simultaneously crave it yet want it to go away as quickly as possible. You watch because it’s football, but you turn it off because it’s not football. It’s Schrödinger’s football season, and we now have the slate of opponents the Falcons will face in it.

On deck? The Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, and New York Jets. Enjoy it (or don’t).

Julio > AB

Julio Jones dominates on the football field, and he dominates off it as well. He’s not an attention magnet, he’s relatively quiet on social media, and he simply goes about his work.

Contrast this with Antonio Brown, the angsty-Steeler-turned-angsty-Raider and it illuminates just how great Julio Jones really is. Antonio Brown is in the middle of a strange social media spat with former teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster, one where he’s fully embraced his newfound heel-turn.

Julio’s social media activity is primarily pumping his clothing brand and taking pictures with squirrels.