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How Zion Logue fits in with the Atlanta Falcons

Theo

Once is luck, twice is coincidence and the third time is a pattern. Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot appears to have made a habit of recruiting Georgia alumni on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Defensive tackle Zion Logue is the third Bulldog selected by Fontenot in the sixth round, the first two being Justin Shaffer and John FitzPatrick in 2022. Neither Shaffer nor FitzPatrick have made an impact in the league. Will Zion Logue be different?

Where will he play?

Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 314 pounds, most would assume that Zion Logue spent most of his time at nose tackle for the Bulldogs. Surprisingly, that is not the case. He spent most of his time at playing as a 3 technique, aligned on the outside shoulder of opposing guards, Logue recorded more tackle snaps than he did in his final collegiate season, a rare usage for a player of his size.

Expect that to change during his time with the Falcons. Although Raheem Morris’ front tackles aren’t known for their size, the team needs a physical presence like Zion in the middle of Jimmy Lake’s odd front. Eddie Goldman is the only defender who offers the prototypical size of a nose tackle, and with his string of recent waivers and non-retirements, the team can’t entirely count on him to make the opening day roster. . Expect Logue to spend the majority of his career playing center.

What is it good for?

Zion’s calling card is his ability to hold his own in the running game. He does well with his hands and makes the most of his large frame and 80+” wingspan to occupy opposing blockers and eat up space. When he strikes first, he can push past players smaller offensive line in the backfield and disrupt the timing of a play. He is at his best using strength and length while moving in a straight line, these traits are why he projects as a double -efficient gapper in Atlanta.

What does he need to improve?

While Zion offers plenty of size, the lack of overall athleticism shows up too often. He’s slow to get off the line and doesn’t show the explosiveness needed to get into the backfield. These poor movement abilities limit his potential as a passer. Georgia was cutting him out in obvious passing situations. When it comes to passing moves, Zion hasn’t shown much. He was often used as a looper during stunts to free his teammates. Improving the technique and enriching its toolbox could help it offer a little more in this area. Still, Zion probably won’t be a factor as a passer in the NFL. Logue is solid in run defense, but can still clean up in that area. His leverage can be low at times and he struggles to break free from blocks to make a tackle.

Why it is suitable

Zion Logue was drafted for one reason and one reason only, to provide depth strengthening the run defense. He’ll never fill up the stat sheet or post impressive numbers, but as a gap-eater for a team lacking them, Zion has a chance to carve out a role early. If he fails to impress when the pads come into play during training camp, he will follow in the footsteps of the last two late-round Georgia players the Falcons drafted and begin his career developing within the training team.

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