Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is all about finding new ways to feature his players, and he'll continue to do so this offseason.
A few position changes have occurred this offseason, and with the first week of OTAs in the books, here's a look at six changes to be keeping a close eye on over the next three weeks.
1. Mike Person to Right Guard
Person played center all of last season, a position he had never played before, and is now back playing his natural guard position. This should be beneficial for he and the rest of the offensive line. The move back to guard is due to the signing of three-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack.
2. Vic Beasley, Jr. to SAM (strongside) Linebacker
Beasley often showed his athletic abilities and quickness in his first season, and in his move to SAM linebacker, a position that is dependent upon being able to make plays in space, he could really flourish.
The Clemson product will be also be used as defensive end in the Falcons' sub-defense package to utilize his best attribute, his pass rushing skills.
3. Brooks Reed to See Some Time as a LEO (hybrid defensive end)
After a season plagued with injuries, Reed took it upon himself to get healthy, drop some weight and get faster. And he did just that.
With the physical improvements Reed's made, the Falcons will move him to the LEO hybrid defensive end spot to let him use his speed and get after quarterbacks.
4. Adrian Clayborn Strictly a Defensive End
Coach Quinn used Clayborn as an interior rusher early last season, but as the year went on he was featured more on the outside. The addition of Derrick Shelby allows Clayborn to focus solely on his outside pass rushing abilities, which is where he was most effective in 2015.
The former first-round pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 made an impact for Atlanta as he finished second on the team with three sacks and a team-leading 15 quarterback hits.
5. Ra'Shede Hageman to Be Featured at Defensive End
In two seasons with the Falcons, Hageman has solely been featured as a defensive tackle where he's demonstrated the ability to be stout against the run. Atlanta's defensive line has done a bit of shuffling this offseason, and with that Hageman will get some time at defensive end, a position he views as a "power position" that he played in college.
"We've liked what we've seen so far," Quinn said of Hageman's new role. "We've moved him also to have some versatility from defensive tackle to defensive end, he's done a good job learning the system where he can play different spots. Anytime that you can play more than one [position], your value really goes up. "
6. C.J. Goodwin Moves From WR to CB
Goodwin came to the Falcons as a wide receiver, but his length and speed intrigued the coaches to transition him to cornerback. He worked on it all last season, while also playing receiver, but has made the move to corner full-time this offseason. He has the biggest adjustment of all of the position moves this offseason, but he will be one to keep an eye on.
