When Todd Weiner retired and Wayne Gandy got even older, the Falcons all of a sudden had a clear need for some depth at tackle. And if the Falcons are looking for a potentially reasonably priced tackle who could step in an start if needed, there is no better target than Titans' tackle Daniel Loper.Loper has only started one game in his Titans' career, but it was a big one, as he played well against the Chargers during the 2007 playoffs. The only reason he's not been a starter is because the Titans have two equally young and even more talented tackles ahead of him.
Loper is in town today to talk to the Falcons, although there does seem to be one big problem. After spending the past several years stuck behind Michael Roos and David Stewart, Loper is looking to leave Tennessee for a starting job. And while the Falcons have a big need for some depth on the line, there isn't any spot where Loper would be the likely starter. Sam Baker was drafted in the first round last year to be a long-term answer at left tackle, Guard Justin Blalock was a second-round pick just two years ago, fellow guard Harvey Dahl was a revelation and tackle Tyson Clabo has been pretty solid at right tackle.
If Loper does sign, he conceivably could beat out Clabo, who is a restricted free agent who could be gone in a year if somehow the union and the owners reach a new collective bargaining agreement, but whether he starts or not, Loper would be a great addition if the Falcons can convince him to sign.
