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More coaching hires, some free agency talk and more in today’s edition of Falcoholinks. Read on for the latest news, notes, and narratives about the Atlanta Falcons.
Hellos
Last week the Falcons welcomed a few more new coaches into the fold, bringing in former Louisville offensive coordinator Dwayne Ledford as the new O-line coach, and signing former Jets interim DC Frank Bush to lead the linebackers.
They also brought in former player Justin Peelle as the new tight ends coach, as well as a trio of new defensive coaches.
The group joins new coordinators Frank Ragone, Marquice Williams, and Dean Pees on Atlanta’s revamped staff.
Pees was an especially good get, as the Titans reportedly wanted him back before he decided to rescind his retirement to helm the Falcons’ defense.
Goodbyes
The Falcons have shed much of their high profile coaching staff, as Raheem Morris will be joining the Los Angeles Rams as its new defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich is heading to New York as the Jets new DC, and Dirk Koetter — well, he retired.
Free agency on the horizon
Legal tampering period aside, the official start of free agency in 2021 is March 17th. Our Kevin Knight broke down the basics of the free agency period, and what it may portend for the cash-strapped Atlanta Falcons.
While the Falcons will be eyeing players from across the league, they also have an extensive list of internal free agents who they may elect to bring back.
Draft down the road
Sitting at No. 4 on the 2021 NFL Draft board, the Falcons have the highest draft pick since 2008 — when they selected the best quarterback in franchise history, Matt Ryan. With that early draft positioning, could they elect to take the next franchise quarterback? NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah seems to think so.
The lead up to the draft will be a different affair, however, as the league has ruled out in-person workouts and interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
No Derrick Henry, no problem
It’s quick and easy armchair analysis to lay out the claim that Arthur Smith’s offense was only as productive as it was because of Derrick Henry. Having a back like Derrick Henry certainly helps, but our Kevin Knight laid out the argument that Atlanta doesn’t need a Derrick Henry to succeed in Arthur Smith’s offense.