It's true that 2014 first-rounder Dominique Easley didn't quite live up to the hype with the New England Patriots while being dogged with questions about his attitude. But the defensive lineman still generated 34 pressures in 2015 and was a solid rotational piece of New England's line. That's what makes his release earlier this offseason all the more surprising.
Bill Belichick has always been merciless when it comes to roster building, but Easley can help a team in 2016. That's why the Atlanta Falcons make sense as a potential landing spot.
Head coach Dan Quinn has said that he's spoken with the free agent defensive lineman, and that is worth noting because Quinn coached Easley at Florida for two seasons. Though character concerns followed Easley on his way out of New England, the 24-year-old remains an intriguing high-upside addition.
Quinn did not confirm that the team was trying to add Easley, but he didn't completely deny it either.
"Yeah, I know [Easley] terrifically and he is a fantastic competitor and, honestly, a guy that I have a great history with," Quinn said. "So we've talked since he's been released, and will kind of leave it for there. But nothing to report as of today. But, yeah, someone that I think the world of."
Quinn was Easley's defensive coordinator when he transitioned from defensive tackle to defensive end. In the NFL, Easley has appeared in 22 career games, starting three of them. He has accrued 25 total tackles, three sacks and one interception.
Quinn went on to say that the Falcons are always looking for pass-rushing help, which makes sense as the team finished the 2015 season ranked just No. 23 in sacks (32.0). Last year's first-rounder Vic Beasley Jr. managed just four sacks in his rookie year.
According to OverTheCap.com, the Falcons have just south of $8 million in salary cap room for 2016. Setting aside roughly $4 million for this year's draft class, Atlanta should still have more than enough to sign Easley to a low-risk, prove-it type of deal.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
