Can Falcons ‘Big People Mover’ Justin Shaffer Start His Rookie Year?

The Atlanta Falcons wanted to deal with the offensive line through the NFL Draft, they usually did so within the sixth spherical, deciding on Georgia guard Justin Shaffer.

Justin Shaffer

Justin Shaffer

Jalen Mayfield

Shaffer began all 15 video games for the Bulldogs throughout their Nationwide Championship run, and his expertise in high-profile video games ought to actually assist the Falcons offensive line.

Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy described him as a “big people mover” and acknowledged that he must be a well-liked choose amongst native followers.

Throughout coaching camp, he’ll be in direct competitors with 2021 third-round choose Jalen Mayfield for the beginning left guard job.

Shaffer has some inconsistencies together with his palms, and could be hit and miss in go safety. His sport aligns equally to Mayfield’s with reference to being a greater run than go blocker, so it’s tough to say that Atlanta actually improved with the Shaffer choose.

It’s additionally vital to notice who else was on the board on the time – Shaffer’s Georgia teammate, Jamaree Salyer. Whereas Salyer performed left sort out in faculty, he’ll probably transition to protect within the NFL. He brings extra versatility to the desk, taking snaps in any respect 5 offensive line positions and was seen as a greater prospect than Shaffer all through this cycle.

Justin Shaffer

Justin Shaffer

Justin Shaffer

Finally, Shaffer was a sixth-round choose as a result of his tape at Georgia implied that he was a scheme-specific prospect who would wrestle towards faster athletes. The attention-grabbing half is the scheme that almost all thought he’d match greatest in – a power-gap scheme – isn’t the one he’ll be getting into in Atlanta.

Shaffer’s physicality and skill to maneuver defensive lineman towards their will is a much-needed addition to the Falcons offensive line, although he’s not a seamless match. Nonetheless, contemplating the stage of the draft Atlanta chosen him, it’s tough to fault the crew an excessive amount of.

When drafting on Day 3, you must go along with gamers who’re low-risk, high-reward choices. If Shaffer would not pan out, the crew will transfer on to the subsequent man, but when he does, the Falcons could have one much less downside on their palms.