FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The offseason makeover of the Atlanta Falcons' defense didn't change the player widely recognized as the leader of the unit.
Grady Jarrett's lead role is unquestioned.
“From the get-go, this has been his team,” said one of the newcomers, veteran defensive tackle David Onyemata, on Wednesday. “Coming in here, you know this. That’s no question.”
Respect for Jarrett, the nine-year veteran, begins at the top at the Falcons' training camp.
“Grady’s a real guy,” coach Arthur Smith said. "There’s nothing phony about Grady Jarrett. I think people respect authentic people. ... In my history, he’s been one of the top leaders I’ve been around.”
Smith said Jarrett's leadership, as well as his production, made signing the defensive tackle to a $51 million, three-year extension before last season a top priority. The 30-year-old Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, had 61 tackles and six sacks last season.
Help was needed for Jarrett, however, as the Falcons look to end a streak of five consecutive losing seasons, including back-to-back 7-10 finishes with Smith.
Defense was the emphasis as the Falcons' front office, finally free from salary cap restrictions, took advantage of free agency this offseason.
The Falcons spent about $140 million in signing Onyemata, defensive end Calais Campbell, safety Jessie Bates, outside linebackers Kaden Elliss and Bud Dupree, cornerback Mike Hughes and defensive tackle Joe Gaziano, among others. The team traded for cornerback Jeff Okudah.
“Iron sharpens iron and that’s the expectation and that’s why coach built this the way he did, really, really competitive up front,” Jarrett said. “We want to have a great offensive line, great defensive line and we believe the game is won in the trenches.”
The defensive line is still settling around Jarrett.
Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, who retired after signing a one-year deal with Atlanta last summer, has been reinstated but hasn't participated in camp. Smith said Friday Goldman “is going through something personal” and may again retire. A decision is expected on Saturday.
Campbell opened training camp on the designated non-football injury list after addressing what Smith said “was a personal thing” that “won’t affect his performance.” Campbell, who can be activated at any time, is expected to miss at least 10 days but also to be ready for the start of the season.
Gaziano described Campbell, in his 16th season, as “the vet of all vets” before adding Jarrett leads with “his commanding presence.”
“Not only is he the glue guy, but he’s the front leader,” Gaziano said of Jarrett. “He’s not the only leader. He’s just the one who has been here the longest.”
Jarrett said he's excited by the offseason overhaul which could lead to six or more new starters on defense.
“It’s been good,” Jarrett said. "It is good to have some new talent around. I’ve loved every team I’ve ever played with, but it is good to have some new guys around. You can see it jelling as the days pass. I think Falcons fans are definitely in for a treat. ... They did a good job bringing some nice players in.”
Smith didn't hesitate when asked if he saw an immediate difference on the defensive front.
“Absolutely. Obviously not just size-wise, depth,” Smith said. “I love it. I love that energy, the O-line, D-line. ... It certainly feels different.”
First-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the former co-coordinator for NFC South rival New Orleans, said Jarrett has been open to change this offseason.
“We've introduced some new things and he's been totally receptive,” Nielsen said. “It breeds that mindset within the group. That's leadership.”
Even without the presence of the massive (6-8, 307) Campbell, the new-look defense has been the talk of camp.
“It’s mean, man,” wide receiver Drake London said. “It’s very, very mean. You can just see the tenacity on that side is going to help us a lot. Like I said, I just can’t wait to see them unleash. ... Let the dogs go be dogs.”
NOTES: LG Matt Hennessey left the field with trainers with an apparent leg injury. Smith said Hennessey was to have an MRI after he aggravated an injury from late last season. An update is expected on Saturday. Hennessey entered camp with the first-team offense and was expected to compete with rookie Matthew Bergeron, a second-round draft pick from Syracuse, for the starting job.
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