How LB Yawin Smallwood Fits with the Atlanta Falcons

May 11, 2014   ·   Scott Carasik   ·   Jump to comments

The Atlanta Falcons spent one of their final draft picks on another linebacker who should help bolster their depth at the position in Yawin Smallwood out of Connecticut. The thumping middle linebacker compares well with former Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton as a two-down pounder in the middle.
Smallwood will have to compete with Akeem Dent, Marquis Spruill and Joplo Bartu for a roster spot on this year's roster. How well he does on special teams will make a huge difference on whether or not he makes the team long term.
 
On the Field
Smallwood is a great run defender and isn't afraid to take on blockers. He's got great hand usage as he can stack and shed blockers with the rest of them. He's not someone who over-pursues, and he always moves with a purpose.
He's not very good in man coverage, but he's an awesome zone defender and can bait quarterbacks effectively into throwing into his area. He has great functional strength and plays fast because of how in...

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