While re-tooling the roster over the offseason, the Falcons made more than 70 personnel moves.
Some of the biggest decisions were the releases of running back Steven Jackson, wide receiver Harry Douglas and left tackle Sam Baker.
But a trio of players were quietly signed on March 12, three under-the-radar free agents who could turn out to help revive the defense, which ranked last in the league.
Falcons signed O’Brien Schofield, Adrian Clayborn and Phillip Adams that day. Two days prior, they added projected starting linebackers Brooks Reed and Justin Durant.
Schofield worked out as the strongside linebacker and rush defensive end over the offseason. He figures to backup Reed and get some pass-rush duty behind Vic Beasley.
Clayborn is trying to revive a once-promising career, hoping to earn some snaps at defensive end and tackle.
Adams, who’s bounced around the league since leaving S.C. State in 2010, spent a lot of time at nickel back with the Falcons first-team defense.
To their advantage, both Schofield and Adams have played for new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn in previous stops.
“My relationship with Coach Quinn is very good,” Schofield said. “That comes from just playing in his system for two years, being coached in his system for two years (in Seattle). I understand exactly what he’s looking for.”
Schofield, who has 13.5 sacks while playing mostly in reserve roles over five seasons, believes he can help the Falcons’ anemic pass-rush.
“I definitely believe that I can rush the passer very well,” Schofield said. “I’m improving my skills everyday.”
Adams spent the last three seasons with the Jets and Raiders. He’s started a combined eight games over that time, with eight pass deflections and three interceptions.
Adams will likely compete for a nickel role and help on special teams.
“I knew that with Coach Quinn here, he would incorporate good team play,” Adams said. That’s what this is about, everybody playing together and fitting together as a team”
Adams was originally selected by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2010 draft. He has also spent time with the Patriots and Seahawks during his career. He’s has persevered through several roster battles and appears in good position to stick with the Falcons.
“When you love the game and you love being around your teammates, that just makes everything better,” Adams said. “You want to be around those guys and hold each other accountable on the field.”
Schofield, who was on the Seahawks Super Bowl champion team last season, will pass along his insights into the team’s new defense.
“The key for me is leadership, just going out there and working and showing the guys that have questions, how to do it, how to practice,” Schofield said. “What’s expected? It’s totally different from what they experienced last year as far as the pace of the practice and just what is expected from the pass rush standpoint.”
With so much turnover, the newcomers must also try to blend into the locker room atmosphere with the remaining players.
“I’m just trying to build that relationship because it’s definitely about chemistry,” Schofield said. “We have to all be on one page.”
Schofield is anxious to see what the new defense can do.
“Some guys haven’t seen me play and I haven’t seen some of the guys play,” Schofield said. “We have to come out here, be able to work and see guys put forth the effort. Then you start to gain the respect of your teammates when you see how hard they are working for you and for themselves.”
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