Falcons strong-side defensive end Steven Means suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last Wednesday. Means was likely going to start for Atlanta at the SDE/5T spot in the base 4-3 defensive package. Even though Means did not play a huge role in 2018, this was a deep cut for a roster already short at the defensive end position. So, who steps up? Fourth-round pick John Cominsky could benefit the most from Means’ absence.
Since the draft, coach Dan Quinn has emphasized Cominsky’s versatility and ability to play defensive end or kick inside. Immediately, this tells us that he is a possibility to play more at strong-side defensive end.
As a five-technique, it’s imperative for a player to hold his ground against the run and also rush the passer.
More specifically, a Falcons strong-side defensive end has the following qualities/abilities:
- Plays like a 3-4 DE: a big, athletic player that is stout against the run.
- When looking for DE/DT converts, length is the main thing they look at.
- Fast, physical. Can set the edge in the run game – not allow runners to penetrate inside gaps.
- Length, speed, separation, effort, finishing ability.
Cominsky is right in line with those characteristics.
Now that the Falcons saved some cap room from the post-June 1st cut designation on Ryan Schraeder, some may argue the Falcons should make a push to sign another veteran defensive end, but Quinn seems confident in his current rotation.
When the preseason begins, it will be interesting to see how Quinn puts Cominsky to use.
