SB Nation - Von Hutchins

Former Colts Ben Hartstock and Von Hutchins cut from Falcons; Lonnie Harvey cut

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:48:01 -0000

DT Lonnie Harvey was cut by the Panthers today. Photo: www.panthers.com

Never let it be said that we Colts fans don't care about players who once wore the blue shoe on their jerseys and helmets. From The Falcoholic:

The Falcons released Ben Hartsock, our best blocking tight end, along with cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end Willie Evans. I don't need to tell you that Hartsock's release is a huge surprise, and must indicate that Tony Gonzalez and Justin Peelle have shown a lot as blockers this off-season. With the acquisition of Tye Hill, the Falcons are announcing a complete and total youth movement at cornerback by releasing Hutchins, who was kind of off everybody's radar this off-season. Evans was not expected to make the roster.

I'm actually kind of surprised Von Hutchins is still in the league. He was a mediocre CB for the Colts, drafted in the 6th round in 2004. However, by sticking around as long as he has, it shows Hutchins has some staying power in this league. He's also played for the Texans during his career. Hartstock is yet another failed third round selection by Bill Polian. He was drafted #68 overall in '04, just ahead of Chris Cooley and Bernard Berrian.

Hey, even an eventual Hall of Fame GM like Polian is human.

Even though Hartstock clearly is not in the same league (talent-wise) as Cooley or Berrian, he's a decent blocker, and may land with another team needing a back-up TE.

In other news, the Carolina Panthers have released big rookie defensive tackle Lonnie Harvey. You might remember Harvey from our pre-NFL Draft coverage. He was someone Colt Homer had on his radar as a late-round pick or possible rookie free agent. The Colts were very interested in Harvey prior to the draft. Now that he is a free agent, it is possible that Polian may swoop in and snatch him up.

Falcons Release CB Von Hutchins, TE Ben Hartsock

Dave the Falconer — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:21:59 -0000

Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to really flesh this out at the moment, but I wanted to deliver this news as fast as possible.

The Falcons released Ben Hartsock, our best blocking tight end, along with cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end Willie Evans. I don't need to tell you that Hartsock's release is a huge surprise, and must indicate that Tony Gonzalez and Justin Peelle have shown a lot as blockers this off-season. With the acquisition of Tye Hill, the Falcons are announcing a complete and total youth movement at cornerback by releasing Hutchins, who was kind of off everybody's radar this off-season. Evans was not expected to make the roster.

Kind of a surprise all the way around, though. What do you guys think?

Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Observations, August 4 Edition

Dave the Falconer — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:00:18 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Harvey Dahl wonders if he's going to have the punch someone pictured off-camera. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Browse more photos »

With so much training camp news out there and the season so close, I thought it was time to collect observations from beat writers, fellow bloggers and those closest to the team. As usual, I'll be offering my own analysis and generally snarky commentary. I just can't help myself, you know.

Let's jump in:

A really great observation buried a little bit in this story from Atlanta Falcons Examiner, who notes that the rapport between Matt Ryan and Harry Douglas is something special. Douglas is also showing great hands in the early going here in camp, according to writer Daniel Cox. Some readers and pundits have asked why Douglas can't slide into the starting lineup if Roddy White's holdout drags on, and I'm here to tell you that even with the great showing, the talent disparity at this point is still a little bit too wide. There's no doubt that Douglas has a bright future ahead of him, though.

John Abraham keeps a particularly hardy core-strengthening regiment going in the off-season, according to beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC. The ravenous sack monster has found that the exercises have eliminated his groin injuries, which have cost him significant time previously in his career. It's hard to say whether it's 100% those exericses or 50% that and 50% superstition, but whatever keeps Abe on the field is better than okay with me. He should be due for another double digit sack season with a little more help along the line.

Interesting quote from Mike Smith regarding Von Hutchins, who according to the Official Site is getting reps at safety:

"I think the defensive side of the ball has more position battles and more competition. I think the safety position is one where there is a good battle. We’ve moved Von in getting him more reps. Von is a very valuable guy for us because he can play corner, he can play nickel, and we’re working him at safety. He could be a utility player if he doesn’t win the starting position. William Moore is just learning our system, but he has the skill set we are looking for the safety position. Thomas DeCoud is coming back from his rookie year last year where he had the opportunity to compete and play on special teams. Of course, Erik Coleman is a returning starter. We are going to put a good eye on all players and the best 53 guys are going to be the guys who make our roster."

That sums up the safety battle without really giving you any hint of who is going to win, but the thought of Von Hutchins in a utility role is an intriguing one. The dude's a versatile defensive back who would seem less likely to win the strong safety job because William Moore is a better pure hitter and Thomas DeCoud is arguably a better coverage guy, but if he could jump in at nickel back or fill in at safety when needed, Hutchins could see a ton of snaps this year.

The AJC's Jeff Schultz has a short and very candid interview with Arthur Blank, where he talks about the close relationship between Mike Smith, Thomas Dimitroff and Rich McKay, and admits that ticket sales are still catching up after the Mike Vick and Bobby Petrino fiasco. Rather than go into this at length, I'll just note that I have never been happier with the owner, front office and coaching staff than I am right now. I hope this feeling lasts.

Probably nothing, but did anyone else notice that on the Official Site's roster matrix, John Parker Wilson is listed as a wide receiver? If this has any legs I expect we'll hear more about it in the days ahead, but JPW as a receiver is a very, very intriguing thought. If you've got any news on this, make sure you let me know. Strike that. J. Mike at the site says it's just an issue with the roster. Ah well.

Atlanta Falcon Position Battles: The Cornerbacks

Dave the Falconer — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:00:20 -0000

via www.atlantafalcons.com

Prediction time rears its ugly, boil-encrusted head once more. Alas, alack!

This time we're going to look at perhaps the most wide open position on the entire roster. Last time we did this little exercise, William "C4" Moore ran away with the strong safety crown. Because there's so many more options at cornerback, I imagine the vote is going to go a little differently. Basically, the top four vote getters are going to be our top four corners going into the season, with the top two being assumed as our starters. Make that vote count!

Remember, if possible, to explain your reasoning, especially if it's somebody like David Irons. Since I plan to abstain from voting like some sort of blogging monk, I'll go ahead and let you know that I'm predicting Chris Houston, Chevis Jackson, Brent Grimes and Von Hutchins, in that order.

Make your voice heard!

Poll

Who is the most likely Atlanta Falcon cornerback to win a starting job this season? The top four vote getters will be considered the top four on the depth chart.

Brent Grimes

103 votes

Chris Houston

270 votes

Von Hutchins

53 votes

David Irons

13 votes

Chevis Jackson

89 votes

William Middleton

11 votes

Chris Owens

62 votes

Glenn Sharpe

0 votes

Tony Tiller

2 votes

A steam-powered automaton

11 votes

614 votes | Poll has closed