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We’re now one full month into 2021 with the Super Bowl looming at the end of the week, which means the official start of the Atlanta Falcons offseason is nigh. We’ve got more news on new hires, roster reviews, and more in today’s edition of Falcoholinks.
More hires
The Falcons hiring blitz continues with some new additions — namely one to the coaching staff and another to join Terry Fontenot’s front office. Atlanta has brought in former backup quarterback T.J. Yates as passing game specialist, and also named former Football Team executive Kyle Smith as the VP of Player Personnel.
Also brought into the fold were a couple of defensive assistants to fill out Arthur Smith’s staff on that side of the ball.
More records to be broken for Julio Jones
Julio Jones holds a bevy of Atlanta Falcons records, and in 2021 he has a shot to become the highest scoring non-kicker in franchise history. Julio is just three touchdowns shy of Roddy White, and as long as he remains with the Falcons in 2021, it appears likely he will pass him.
Dean Pees is here to blitz
Dean Pees is the new defensive coordinator in Atlanta, and along with his resume and sterling reputation as a defensive mind, he also brings to town his desire to blitz — “From everywhere” as he stated in his introductory press conference.
That notion certainly bodes well for the linebackers in Atlanta’s defense — and particularly second-year player Mykal Walker.
Roster review: Cornerbacks
The Falcons cornerbacks group is one of the most unsettled spots on Atlanta’s roster, regardless of the bevy of draft picks invested in the position. There is at least one player virtually locked in as a starter, but uncertainly defines the group as a whole.
Day 3 Senior Bowl notes
Our Eric Robinson continued his excellent work while in attendance at the 2021 Senior Bowl. Catch his observations from the third day of practice right here.
The Falcoholic Podcast — The Dimitroff Years
This series of The Falcoholic Podcast now moves on to 2018, a disappointing year that at least included the selection of wide receiver Calvin Ridley. You can catch the entire episode on all your requisite podcast mediums, or right here.