Offensive planned to add depth

As well as the Falcons offensive line played last season, adding depth will be a priority during free agency and the NFL draft.

Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau did one of the most remarkable jobs —- leaguewide —- with the unit. He and his staff took most of the same players who gave up 47 sacks in 2007 and turned them into a unit that gave up 17 sacks (fifth-lowest in the league) this season. The group also paved the way for the league’s second-leading rushing attack (152.7 yards per game).

“The preseason pundits were talking about this might be the worst offensive line in the NFL,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I think the guys kind of took it personally.”

The unit expects to return all of the starters: left tackle Sam Baker, left guard Justin Blalock, center Todd McClure, right guard Harvey Dahl and right tackle Tyson Clabo.

The key issue along the line will be building depth in case of injury. Other than Baker, who started five games and played in eight others, the Falcons were injury-free last season. Baker suffered a concussion early and had lower back surgery. The rest of the starters answered the bell in all 16 regular-season games.

McClure, a 10-year veteran, pulled the unit together. He has started 112 consecutive games dating to 2001. The Falcons may elect to draft and start training his heir apparent.

“We’d like to have him for a number of years longer,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “The reality is that we also have to be cognizant of the future. So it’s important that we do our due diligence when we are researching the offensive linemen and the interior line.”

The unit suffered a major blow with the retirement of left tackle Todd Weiner last week after 11 years in the league. When Baker went down, Weiner started 11 games.

“We were fortunate to have Todd around for one year during our tenure, myself and this staff,” Dimitroff said. “With that said, we are sorry that he decided to retire.

“What we got out of him this year was incredibly top notch, top of the line. He was a very important part of us getting to the playoffs.”

With Weiner retired, the Falcons will have to add some depth at tackle. This isn’t considered a strong free agent class for tackles.

After drafting Baker in the first round in 2008 and Blalock in the second round in 2007, the Falcons likely will address tackle on the second day of the draft or by signing some undrafted rookie free agents.

“We have to go back to the drawing board and continue to be creative in either free agency or the draft,” Dimitroff said. “Or both.”

Tackle Renardo Foster, who started two games and played in seven games in 2007, missed all of last season after knee surgery.

Another intriguing possibility is to re-sign veteran tackle Wayne Gandy. He wants to return to Falcons after March 1, according to his agent Neil Schwartz.

When asked if thought Gandy could fill Weiner’s role, Dimitroff said, “Of course.”

Gandy was signed on Oct. 29 when the Falcons knew Baker would miss extended time after his surgery. The 14-year veteran started the first five games of the 2007 season before injuring a knee. He started all 16 games for the Falcons in 2006.

Alex Stepanovich and Ben Wilkerson were the top interior backups.

“It’s always important to have foresight when you are looking at both the offensive and defensive fronts,” Dimitroff said. “You have to always make sure that you have a full stall so that you can continue to grow and develop players along the offensive line in particular.”

SACKS

A look at how the Falcons’ offensive line fared this past season.

Player……….Position……Sacks allowed

Justin Blalock..Left guard…..3

Todd Weiner ….Left tackle …3

Tyson Clabo ….Right tackle…2.5

Sam Baker ……Left tackle …1

Harvey Dahl ….Right guard …1

Wayne Gandy ….Left tackle …1

Quinn Ojinnaka..Left tackle …1

Todd McClure….Center………0

Others…………………….4.5

Total…………………….17

Sacks allowed by down

1st..2nd..3rd ..4th

2….4….10….1

Sacks allowed by quarter

1st..2nd..3rd ..4th ..OT

0….6….3 ….8 ….0

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD

In a seven-part series, Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter is breaking down each position. He will offer an analysis of what happened last season and how that will affect what the team does in the upcoming free agency period and the draft.

Wednesday: Quarterback/ Running back

Thursday: Receiver

Today: Offensive line

Saturday: Special teams

Sunday: Linebacker

Monday: Defensive line

Tuesday: Secondary