Dynasty Capsule: Atlanta Falcons

Rob Willette

falconscapsule

As part of the premium content package, we’re again unveiling dynasty capsules for every team in the NFL leading up to free agency and the NFL Draft. This year, we’re again going to do a follow-up on all the teams after all the free agency and NFL Draft movement to assess the impact of any players teams have gained or lost. Since these capsules are always done as a simple snapshot in time, we figured that was the best way to tackle the off-season and provide ultimate value for our subscribers. All in all, we’ll have close to 500 player profiles found in these capsules over the off-season.

The winds of change are finally sweeping through Atlanta. Arthur Blank tossed his front office hierarchy in a blender and long-time Head Coach Mike Smith – whose name is as nondescript as his game plans – was given his pink slip. With a well-respected defensive mind now acting as boss, and the addition of an Offensive Coordinator who had a modicum of success with a talent-bereft Browns unit, there is reason for hope in the town where playas play.

Quarterbacks

Matt Ryan

Seldom do owners get excited at the prospect of drafting Matt Ryan. He lingers on the draft board as established studs and newer talent with more perceived upside go early, only to have an owner begrudgingly select him towards the end of the QB1 mix. Despite his lack of flash, Ryan has consistently produced at a high level, with his 2013 totals of 4,515 yards and 26 touchdowns serving as his floor. Higher turnover totals and periodic duds prevent him from joining fantasy’s elite, but he’s as safe as they come within the second-tier. In the midst of his prime and blessed with one of the league’s top offensive weapons, there’s no reason to expect a dip in production and Ryan has a strong case as a top five dynasty quarterback.

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T.J. Yates

Even though he has won a playoff game, you don’t want T.J. Yates assuming the top spot on your team’s quarterback depth chart. Were he to assume the role under center, he’d have little value outside of 2QB/SuperFlex leagues and would completely submarine the value of Atlanta’s pass catchers.

Running Backs

Devonta Freeman

A trendy August pick due to the perceived opportunity in Atlanta, Devonta Freeman instead spent his season mostly tethered to the bench, with a 12 touch, 19-yard effort in a blowout against Tampa Bay serving as his high watermark for usage. He hit waiver wires in redraft leagues and shallow dynasty leagues before mid-season and appeared poised to remain a fantasy afterthought prior to the arrival of Kyle Shanahan. Buoyed by the expected implementation of a zone running scheme, Freeman started gaining fantasy buzz even prior to the release of Steven Jackson. The Shanahan run game has coaxed productive fantasy seasons out of pedestrian talents in the past and it can mask many of the physical deficiencies Freeman possesses while highlighting his decisive running style. I’d still sell to anyone expecting him to become the starter in Atlanta and expect the Falcons to add another back, but the arrow is finally pointing up.

Jacquizz Rodgers

Rodgers was Devonta Freeman before Freeman was in town. An uber-productive back at Oregon State, it was anticipated Rodgers would carve out his niche in the Falcons backfield for years to come, potentially becoming a PPR maven. Instead, as a small back with limited explosiveness, he has become nothing more than a Hail Mary PPR play. A free agent this off-season, he very well could be done in Atlanta and should have a very limited market. Any semblance of value he had as a Falcon could dissipate quickly in a relatively deep class of free agent and rookie running backs.

Wide Receivers

Julio Jones

We’ve yet to see Julio Jones put together that one monster campaign that places him in the running for top dynasty receiver. He’s put up both a 1,500 yard and 10 touchdown season, yet has not done so within the same campaign either due to injury or poor touchdown luck. Recently 26 and locked and loaded as the number one receiver on a historically strong passing offense, there’s reason to expect a top three finish one of these years and remains firmly entrenched within the top tier of dynasty talents. In short, he’s a pillar to build around on any dynasty team.

Roddy White

Once one of the safest bets in fantasy football, Roddy White has had his past two seasons marred by injury, failing to eclipse 1,000 yards in either campaign and seeing his yards per catch drop into the low to mid 11’s following a previous career low of 12.1. Turning 34 late in 2015, White still has appeal as a WR3 in PPR redrafts, but his dynasty value and upside have been sapped.

Devin Hester

While he failed to eclipse career totals in any major category, you could argue 2014 was Devin Hester’s best as a receiver. He looked reborn as a playmaker, and showed burst as a receiver he usually designated for the return game. Despite his performance, he is still merely a dice roll weekly option whose real value comes in return yardage leagues. With Harry Douglas out of town, expect the Falcons to address the position further via the draft and free agency.

Tight Ends

Levine Toilolo

Toilolo is tall, which is about the best thing you can say about him as a football player. Despite his redzone-friendly frame, he has totaled only four touchdowns over two seasons and averages a pathetic 7.0 yards per catch over that same timeframe. A limited receiver that is not exactly a punishing blocker, he figures to be replaced sooner rather than later. Look for the Falcons to be very aggressive in either the upcoming draft or during the free agency signing period that starts this week.

Bear Pascoe

Bear Pascoe doubled his career touchdown total in 2014. Unfortunately, it only got doubled to two. With 61 targets over six seasons, he is not a target for your dynasty squad.

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rob willette