Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here belong to Matthew Tabeek and not the Atlanta Falcons, unless noted otherwise.

ATLANTA – Now that I’ve explained how what happens at running back could have an effect on other position groups, let's talk some defense.

When Falcons coach Dan Quinn made massive changes with his coaching staff following the 2018 season, it was then he also announced that he was taking over the defense and play-calling duties. Quinn made it very clear on what needed to change.

"Let's make sure we get nastier," Quinn said on Falcons Audible podcast. "It might be big and nasty. It might be fast and nasty. Let's make sure there's no doubt."

Overview

Different looks: While most teams don't want to show too much scheme-wise in the preseason and keep things relatively vanilla, some of the changes Quinn has made on defense have been easy to spot – and hear. Players have frequently described the defense as being "more aggressive" and said there's been more attention to "details." The Falcons are using different alignments on the field – sometimes lining up with two or three defensive ends up front (sometimes one or both in a two-point stance).

Adapt, play to strengths: NFL offenses are constantly changing, and good defensive coordinators always adapt. They also play to the strengths of their personnel. The Falcons have brought back Adrian Clayborn and Ra'Shede Hageman and also added players like Allen Bailey, Tyeler Davison and John Cominsky. For what it's worth, all of those players are capable of playing the 5-technique (defensive end) in a 3-4 alignment, too.

Strongside linebacker: Quinn values versatility and likes to throw different looks at offenses. He also wants to get the best out of defensive ends Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley, especially when it comes to rushing the passer. Don't be surprised if you see either players lined up over the tight end at times, much like a strongside linebacker. "There will be some packages where can be a linebacker," Quinn said. "The value in that (presents the question of) is he a rusher or is he a dropper?"

Recent history

Here are the number of defensive tackles and defensive ends the Falcons have kept in previous seasons:

• 2017 initial roster: 5 defensive ends, 3 defensive tackles
• 2018 initial roster: 4 defensive ends, 5 defensive tackles

Locks

• Grady Jarrett
• Tyeler Davison
• Allen Bailey
• Takk McKinley
• Vic Beasley
• Jack Crawford
• John Cominsky
• Adrian Clayborn

Based on recent history, I think the Falcons will keep at least eight and as many as 10 defensive linemen initially. In other words, I'd be stunned if one of the players above did not make the initial 2019 roster.

On the bubble

• Yurik Bethune
• Stefan Charles
• Tre' Crawford
• Ra'Shede Hageman
• Austin Larkin
• Durrant Miles
• Chris Odom
• Deadrin Senat
• Jacob Tuioti-Mariner
• Justin Zimmer

I think only one or two of the 10 players listed above will be on the initial 53-man roster (unless, of course, I'm wrong with my locks). Deadrin Senat and Justin Zimmer were on the initial 2018 roster. Ra'Shede Hageman and Chris Odom were brought back during the offseason. Durrant Miles, an undrafted free agent out of Boise State, has been a very pleasant surprise through the first two preseason games. So has Austin Larkin.

Tabeek's prediction

• 2019 roster forecast: 5 defensive ends, 5 defensive tackles

If Quinn is going to turn around this defense, it'll start up front with the pass rush. I think he's going to be aggressive, throw lots of different looks at offenses and that means having the personnel to do so. That's why I can see him keeping these 10 players:

• DE Allen Bailey
• DE Vic Beasley
• DE Adrian Clayborn
• DE John Cominsky
• DE Takk McKinley
• DT Jack Crawford
• DT Tyeler Davison
• DT Deadrin Senat
• DT Grady Jarrett
• DT Justin Zimmer

Suspended (first two games): Ra'Shede Hageman won't count against the 53-man roster during his suspension, should he make the team.

Injured reserve: Michael Bennett

Predicting the 53-man roster

• Aug. 26: Running backs (4)
• Aug. 26: Defensive line (10)
• Aug. 27: Cornerbacks (6)
• Aug. 27: Offensive line (9)
• Aug. 27: Tight ends (3)
• Aug. 28: Safeties (4)
• Aug. 28: Linebackers (5)
• Aug. 28: Receivers (6)
• Aug. 29: Quarterbacks (2)
• Aug. 29: Special teams (4)

Projected practice squad

There's always a chance that the Falcons could sign a player who is not currently on their roster, but if they stick with their own players, this is my projected 10-player practice squad:

• RB Tony Brooks-James
• WR Christian Blake
• DE Tre' Crawford
• DE Austin Larkin
• DE Durrant Miles
• TE Jaeden Graham
• OT Jaelin Robinson
• S Chris Cooper
• QB Danny Etling
• LB Del'Shawn Phillips

Falcons 2019 roster

• Current depth chart
• Complete team roster

What do you think?

Do you agree or disagree with Matthew Tabeek's roster predictions? Have a comment or a question you'd like to ask about the Falcons? If so, submit it here. Please remember to include your home state (or country if you live outside the U.S.). Your question could be selected to appear in Straight from the Beek. Thanks for reading.

Falcons Audible podcast

Matt Tabeek and Will McFadden weigh in with their final thoughts before roster cuts.