Falcons LB Camp Preview: Can Kaden Elliss Step Up?
Heading into training camp, one of the Atlanta Falcons' biggest questions will be their young linebacking core. Following the loss of Rashaan Evans and the signing of Kaden Elliss, Pro Football Focus ranked the Falcons' linebacking unit as one of the worst in the NFL (No. 28).
That low ranking was largely due to a lack of proven production. Elliss is the highest-graded linebacker on the Falcons' roster after breaking out for the Saints last season. Elliss's 81.5 blows away the grades of his potential running mate Mykal Walker and Troy Andersen.
Usually, with new signings, it may take time to adjust to the new system. Yet, that may not be a big factor with Elliss due to his familiarity with defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen. While Nielsen wasn't directly involved with Elliss in New Orleans last season, he was able to get a close look at the 28-year-old.
Elliss's final season with the Saints saw him play an untraditional role as an inside backer. Elliss played more than 200 snaps along the frontline of the Saints' defense as an edge rusher, in addition to playing at the second level. This versatility helped Elliss record career-highs in tackles (78), sacks (7), and quarterback hits (13).
The Falcons hope that with Nielsen calling the shots, Elliss can turn into a leading member of the linebacking core.
With Elliss penciled in as a starter, training camp will present a position battle for the second spot alongside him. Second-year linebacker and former second-round draft pick Andersen is the early favorite to be Elliss's partner after starting the final four games of last season. However, he will have a steep hill to climb as he battles a much more experienced Walker.
Walker started in 12 of the 16 games he played last season for the Falcons while totaling 107 tackles, four for a loss, one sack, and two interceptions. Despite what the statistics may suggest, Walker's performance earned him an overall grade of 58.7 from Pro Football Focus, the second-highest among the backers on the team from last season.
While Walker may have the edge in experience over Andersen, the Falcons coaching staff believes the former second-round pick has all the makings of starting linebacker in the league.
Coach Arthur Smith has praised Andersen for his football IQ, instincts, and heavy hands. However, there is more to playing inside linebacker than just being smart, which is why Andersen must continue to show strides of improvement in coverage and run support.
As for who we see as the starting duo at linebacker for the Falcons, Eliss, and Anderson look to be the favorites. ... But that doesn't necessarily mean Walker will be fully relegated to the bench as if Nielsen uses Elliss the same way he was in New Orleans. The Falcons could bring Mykal off the bench to fill the void alongside Anderson while Elliss plays off the edge.
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