Falcons plan to upgrade defensive line

Despite John Abraham’s record-setting season and the emergence of Jonathan Babineaux, the Falcons still have some issues along the defensive line.

The Falcons used an attack-by-committee approach last season, as they masterfully moved Abraham around, pulled defensive tackle Grady Jackson out on passing downs and spot-played rookie Kroy Biermann and a host of other reserves.

Assistant coach Ray Hamilton’s plan helped Abraham set a new franchise-record for most sacks in a season, with 16.5, and earn second team All-Pro honors. But, despite that success, the Falcons got little productivity from the other defensive end position, and they also might be looking this season for a new defensive tackle to replace Jackson.

Last season, second-year defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who split time between right end and defensive tackle, could muster only two sacks, even with Abraham sometimes chasing people his way. That’s just two sacks in 31 starts after being selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2007 draft.

But, while the Falcons are set to upgrade the defensive line through the draft and free agency, they are not ready to label Anderson a bust.

“I thought Ray Hamilton did a fine job with Jamaal, as far as educating him in so many different areas,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “I think his arrow is up.”

The Falcons clearly see past Anderson’s anemic sack numbers.

“I really truly believe that he will continue to develop with this defense that’s in place,” Dimitroff said. “Yet, what Jamaal has is the versatility and ability to be a five-technique defensive end or reduce inside to be a defensive tackle. That gives us a lot of flexibility, not only considering the free agent market, but as well considering the draft.”

Still Anderson was arguably out-played by Chauncey Davis, who matched or eclipsed Anderson’s stats.

Anderson had 36 tackles (29 solos), two sacks and three passes defensed.

In much less playing time, Davis had 35 tackles (27 solos), four sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one pass defensed.

Davis was much more active in the Falcons one-gap scheme, which is designed to cause havoc in the backfield.

“Chauncey is a guy that we obviously would like to have back this year,” Dimitroff said. “Chauncey is a tough, hard-nosed football player, and we feel that he will continue to contribute to us.”

Davis is set to become a free agent on Feb. 27, but is hopeful of returning to the Falcons along with his good buddy, Babineaux, who signed a five-year extension in November.

“To be very honest with you, he wants to be a starter,” said Kevin Conner, Davis’ Atlanta-based agent. “He feels, at this point, he’s ready to take his career to that next level.”

Once the Falcons address their defensive end situation, they will move inside. There have been no discussions with free agent Jackson’s representatives.

Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth is the top free agent on the market, but his price tag might be too high. Arizona’s Antonio Smith might be closer to the Falcons price range.

After Haynesworth and Smith, the talent of the free agent defensive tackles drops off dramatically.

The Falcons, with their first-round pick, could replace Jackson with Boston College’s B.J. Raji (6-foot-1, 323-pounds) or Mississippi’ Peria Jerry (6-2, 290).

Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks (6-2, 296) and Stillman College’s Sammie Lee Hill (6-4, 328) will get some attention from the Falcons at the scouting combine next week.

The Falcons are waiting with bated breath for the return of nose tackle Trey Lewis from knee surgery.

Lewis turned in a promising rookie season in 2007 before suffering a knee injury. He was forced to spend last season on the injured reserve list after additional surgery.

“We have a lot of coaches on this staff as well as myself who are sitting on the edge of their seats to see exactly what Trey Lewis will bring to the field,” Dimitroff said. “We are looking forward to (seeing) what he may offer us.”