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5 Atlanta Falcons Storylines To Follow During 2015 OTAs

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5 Atlanta Falcons Storylines To Follow During 2015 OTAs

Atlanta Falcons OTAs
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to get back to the top of the NFC South this year under first-year coach Dan Quinn. Their defense needs some major improvements, and they brought in several new players they hope can get the job done. Here are the top five storylines for the Falcons during their OTAs.

5. Jake Matthews and the Offensive Line

Jake Matthews Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jake Matthews and the Offensive Line

Jake Matthews Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Matthews sat out the first day of OTAs with a foot injury which shouldn't be too much of a concern. However, as a whole, the Falcons offensive line needs to play better than last year. They hope Matthews will be a big part of that as they look for him to anchor down the left side.

4. Tight End Battle

Levine Toilolo Atlanta Falcons
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tight End Battle

Levine Toilolo Atlanta Falcons
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta's tight ends in 2014 were among the least productive in the NFL. Levine Toilolo is back and will be competing with Jacob Tamme for the starting spot. Tamme should have the edge given his experience and will give them more options in the middle of the field. Toilolo is still more of a red zone only threat at this point in his career.

3. Running Back Competition

Devonta Freeman Atlanta Falcons
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

3. Running Back Competition

Devonta Freeman Atlanta Falcons
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta has a crowded backfield after drafting Tevin Coleman in this year's draft. He will be competing with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith for the top spot on the depth chart. Regardless, it looks like it will be a running back by committee for the Falcons. Coleman is the guy to watch, because he is the newcomer and has a lot of potential.

2. Vic Beasley

Vic Beasley Atlanta Falcons
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

2. Vic Beasley

Vic Beasley Atlanta Falcons
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons used the No. 8 overall pick on Vic Beasley which is all the reason you need to pay attention to him. Atlanta's defense was dreadful last year, and the hope is that Beasley will become a dynamic pass rusher sooner rather than later. His progression throughout the offseason will be something that every Falcons fan will want to keep tabs on.

1. Dan Quinn

Dan Quinn Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dan Quinn

Dan Quinn Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The first offseason for any new head coach is a big one. He needs to set the tone for what kind of team he wants and begin implementing his new system. Dan Quinn is known for his defensive mind, which is certainly what Atlanta needs. They don't have all of the pieces in place yet, but he can start building the foundation for a solid defense this year.

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