Travis Long and the NFL: Atlanta Falcons
By Josh Davis
Atlanta Falcons
November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; An Atlanta Falcons helmet prior to kickoff of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta doesn’t offer many reasons why Long isn’t a good pickup, even and especially late in the game on NFL Draft weekend. They’ll be after a couple elite players at both linebacker and defensive line early, but I don’t see why they won’t look again in the ladder stages. Unless of course, they address it twice in the first couple picks.
The Perfect Storm:
Atlanta offers the best situation bar-none for Travis Long to come in and make a difference right away. Even as a backup Long would make the team better at outside backer. As touted with many of the other teams, his ability to drop down into the 3-point stance and give some relentless pursuit from time to time makes him a really good target for this Falcons’ squad.
The Atlanta Falcons have been getting old and are looking to turn that around through the draft in 2013. Sean Witherspoon, Mike Peterson and Osi Umenyiora are the only recognizable names in the entire front seven.
Likelihood of Getting Drafted by Falcons:
A+ (At least initially, this looks like a fantastic fit for a late surprise by the Falcons)