In 2022, the Atlanta Falcons used a second-round pick to draft inside linebacker Troy Andersen. While the former Montana State standout turned in a promising rookie season, his 2023 campaign was cut short due to injury after just two games.
Andersen’s absence allowed backup linebacker Nate Landman a chance to shine last season. Landman, an undrafted free agent out of Colorado who also joined the team in 2022, thrived with 110 combined tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception in 14 starts alongside Kaden Elliss.
With Elliss and Landman returning, fans have wondered what Andersen’s role will be on defense this season. The team will run 3-4 base under new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and Atlanta has a bit of a log-jam at inside linebacker.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Andersen before the team’s open practice Friday evening. “He’s a starting linebacker in the National Football League,” said Morris. “The thing is, we just have three of them.”
"He's a starting linebacker in the national football league. The thing is, we just happen to have three of them." Raheem Morris on Troy Andersen's role in this defense.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 2, 2024
It’s never a bad thing to have multiple talented players at the same position. Although, it will be interesting to see how much Andersen gets on the field and where he lines up specifically.
The former second-round pick is a hyper-athletic talent with the versatility to line up at different spots. Even if Andersen doesn’t end up with the starting job this season, he’ll still have a role on this Falcons defense and contribute on special teams.
Plus, it never hurts to have depth at a violent position like linebacker. Andersen knows this as well as anyone.
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