Ra'Shede

Hageman

Hageman, who began the year serving a two-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, reverted to injured reserve after going unclaimed off waivers in mid-September. He spent two years out of the league following a domestic violence arrest in 2016, though those charges were later dropped. Along with Hageman, the Falcons also waived tight end Alex Gray, a former rugby player who had spent the previous two years on Atlanta’s practice squad.

He’ll likely be sidelined the rest of the preseason. Hageman is suspended the first two games, so he has time to get healthy. The former second-rounder has been out of the league since 2016.

Hageman was a second-round pick of the Falcons in 2014 and appeared in 44 games, making 16 starts, for the team. Legal troubles mounted. That in addition to subpar play left Hageman out of the league for the last two seasons. The Falcons will give him a second chance to compete for an interior line gig.

The suspension likely stems from a DUI last June. Hageman is looking to return to the NFL and reportedly has five teams including the Vikings interested. Hageman’s last appearance came in 2016.

A second-round pick in 2014, Hageman has been out of the league since 2016 both because of off-field issues including a DUI last June and failing to play up to his talent on the field. He did get a workout with the Patriots before the arrest last year, however, and the Pioneer Press reports five teams including the Vikings have expressed interest this offseason. It is possible Hageman gets another shot.

A fifth-year senior who’ll be 24 as a rookie, Hageman projects as a five-technique defensive end without the requisite explosion to consistently affect the quarterback from the interior. NFL Network’s Warren Sapp also observed that Hageman plays too high to be an effective 4-3 tackle. At 6-foot-6, 310, Hageman will need to be a hold-the-point end, likely in a two-gap scheme.

“He’s more alert in meetings. He’s trying to work his butt off,” Cox said. “I think he’s done a good job this offseason of working to get his pad level lower and working on his ankle flexing and some of the things that can make him a better player.” After struggling in limited snaps at defensive tackle through two seasons, the Falcons are moving Hageman to end to help get his career on track. This could be a make-or-break season for the former second-round pick.

Hageman was a surprise inactive Week 1, and this could help explain why. Ledbetter reports Hageman was charged with “interference with a call for emergency help, battery family violence, and cruelty to children in the third degree.” The league has reportedly been in contact with the Falcons regarding the matter. The 2014 second-round pick has not lived up to his draft slot through two seasons and is now likely facing a suspension.

Hageman is a surprise healthy scratch, leaving Courtney Upshaw and Derrick Shelby to back up on the interior. Neal remains week to week.

A tackle by trade, Hageman will take over the strong-side end position in base sets, allowing Tyson Jackson to play inside. This position switch should allow Hageman to focus more on controlling the point of attack and stopping the run rather than penetrating and getting to the quarterback, which he has struggled to do through two seasons.