SB Nation - Vance Walker

Carlos Dunlap Careens off Big Timmay's Draft Board

John Morgan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:37:27 -0000

More photos » by Hannah Foslien - AP

Could Darryl Tapp enjoy a Elvis Dumervil-like breakout if Seattle switches to a 3-4?

Sours Grapes Treatment

Carlos Dunlap was arrested Tuesday morning for driving under the Artest. He is a potential top ten pick with the size, scouting profile and upside of a great defensive end. What Dunlap lacks is elite production. Dunlap has 17.5 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss in two seasons starting. Good but not elite production, further downgraded by the Gators dominance. Florida is 25-1 over the past two seasons, and Dunlap plays most snaps ears-pinned-back, protecting a big lead. He had a sack against Florida State and Troy, two teams that rank 48 and 53 nationally in sacks allowed. He had three sacks against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have allowed 1.67 sacks per game, which sounds mediocre at first, but bad when you consider they average 22 pass attempts a game. Mississippi State allows a sack on 7.5% of pass attempts.

Fire Timmay Treatment

Dunlap might bulk up a bit and transition to 3-4 end in the pros. He is listed at 6'6", 290. Dunlap has a good mix of stoutness and playmaking ability against the run, and the height, frame and athleticism required to push the pile, set the edge and keep blockers at bay. Seattle has four linebackers contesting for three spots, and another linebacker, Will Herring, that deserves snaps. Brandon Mebane has proven capable of commanding double teams. His first two seasons, he was bulked up and immovable, yet still agile enough to disrupt. If Seattle re-signed Cory Redding and encouraged Lawrence Jackson to grow into his frame, the pieces are in place to build a 3-4.

That, like drafting Dunlap, only happens if Ruskell is not re-signed. Some teams struggle with the transition to a 3-4, but others, like Green Bay and Denver, have thrived. The key is having the right personnel.

Mebane could be the starting nose tackle. He would rotate with Colin Cole and Red Bryant. Jackson and Redding could play end, with Bryant and Vance Walker in the mix. Nick Reed and Darryl Tapp would be situational pass rushers, and both might benefit from moving off the line. David Hawthorne and Lofa Tatupu would play inside, and Leroy Hill and Aaron Curry on the outside, or Curry inside and Hawthorne outside. The roles could be dynamic. Seattle could move Curry inside on passing downs and sub in Tapp at rush linebacker.

The Seahawks need to improve their pass rush. The team has many good pass rushers, but only two that can consistently work off the line: Patrick Kerney and Tapp. It wants to create pressure without committing additional pass rushers. All teams do. One solution is to add an elite pass rushing lineman. Another is to switch the scheme. Tapp might not benefit as much as Elvis Dumervil, but the two share size and skill sets, and Dumervil has changed from pass rushing specialist, but liability against the run, to pass rush demon--damn the run. Tapp has bulked up to better defend the run. It's worked, but at what cost? He has never looked slower or less disruptive off the edge. Reed is playing his way out of the league. Tackles spring out of their stance and chuck him like so much seventh-round garbage.

This is all food for thought. Seattle doesn't need to draft Dunlap to transition to a 3-4, but his recent arrest is an opportunity to discuss alternative paths for Seattle's young defense. Tim Ruskell does not deserve to be fired, but the move still might be in the best interest of the Seahawks. He has made some shrewd moves in his time and added talent, but like Mike Holmgren, his execution might be masking a flawed plan. Holmgren disliked trick plays, was adverse to the shotgun, and taught a twenty-year old version of the West Coast. It worked when it was perfect, crafted by the master himself, but was resource intense and fragile. I assume Ruskell is building something like to a Tampa 2. He has concerted resources into linebackers and pass rushers. Gus Bradley taught a Tampa 2 in college and broke into the NFL under Monte Kiffin.

But when was the last time a Tampa 2 defense dominated? And can a Tampa 2 succeed without a Simeon Rice, Jared Allen or Dwight Freeney? The two great Tampa 2 teams of the past are both below average defensively this season: Chicago and Tampa. I do not believe a 3-4 is intrinsically better than a 4-3, but, perhaps by accident, Ruskell has assembled a roster that fits a 3-4 in some ways better than it fits a 4-3. In the past, Seattle's best players, like Kerney and Tatupu, were 4-3 players playing in a 4-3 scheme. It could maybe make a 3-4, but was not going to. We're in flux. Ruskell has not been fired, nor re-signed. Suddenly, anything is possible. Even Seattle drafting Carlos Dunlap.

Falcons Sign DT Jeremy Clark To Practice Squad

Dave the Falconer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:55:28 -0000

I apologize for the brevity of this update, but you're probably all defensive tackled out at this point regardless.

The Falcons went out and grabbed Jeremy Clark, who will take Vance Walker's place on the practice squad and potentially be elevated to the team if anyone struggles. In four games for the New York Giants last year, he had three tackles and a sack, so there's something of value there. I just hope he doesn't see the active roster, because that would mean everyone else is struggling and that's the last thing this team needs right now.

Thoughts?

Thomas Johnson To Start In DT Peria Jerry's Place?

Dave the Falconer — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:21:28 -0000

Straight from Mike Smith's mouth comes the news that Thomas Johnson is set to assume the starting role left by Peria Jerry's season-ending injury.

Because Smitty also committed to a rotation at defensive tackle, it's not like Johnson's going to be out there for every snap of a game. The Falcons also have Trey Lewis, rookie Vance Walker and defensive ends Jamaal Anderson and Chauncey Davis, either of whom could move inside in a pinch. It's a rotation that should be able to approximate or exceed Jerry's production, but there's nobody there that figures to be as helpful in pass rushing situations, a major concern against the New England Patriots this week.

For his part, the more traditional run stopper knows he's bringing a little something different to bear than Jerry:

"It’s a blow ‘cause Peria brings something different than I bring to the team," he said. "He brings quickness and pass rush ability and speed. I’m more of a kind of power guy. It’s going to hurt us but we have other guys who can fill in and take over."

My best guess is that Johnson will alternate with either Davis or Anderson, depending on the situation. I think Lewis should get a shot because he still has intriguing talent, but he's never been healthy and I'm not sure where the coaching staff stands on the guy. Walker should get a few snaps in the rotation and could benefit hugely if he can play well, but he's buried for the moment and will have to work his way up.

The gist here, I think, is that while losing Jerry hurts quite a bit, it's not as doom and gloom as my initial reaction had it being. There's still depth here and Johnson could step up in a big way, so let's lend him our support and hope for the best. I'm still concerned about generating any kind of pass rush from that spot, though. Your thoughts?

Report: Peria Jerry Out For The Year With A Knee Injury

Dave the Falconer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:27:23 -0000

More photos » by Rogelio V. Solis - AP

Peria Jerry can't believe it either. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Bad news, everyone. Peria Jerry is out for the year.

This news comes from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the only reporter from that particular organization that I'd trust with my life. It's a huge blow to the Falcons' front line, as Jerry was playing very well against the run and is clearly better as a pass rusher than either Trey Lewis or Thomas Johnson, who will likely be rotating into his spot. Expect Vance Walker to be re-signed to the team immediately to take his spot, unless the Falcons would like a more veteran presence. Here's hoping Jerry's healthy as fast as possible and that the team is able to cobble together a potent defense without him.

Damn, this really stinks. React?

UPDATE: Another Twitter report indicates that the Falcons have just re-signed Vance Walker to the team. Called that one. He may have value for us sooner than later.

Poll

How badly does the loss of Peria Jerry hurt this defense?

Very, very badly

147 votes

Not that badly

80 votes

Everybody hurts....sometimes

94 votes

321 votes | Poll has closed

The Axe Falls On Three Falcons As Cut Season Begins

Dave the Falconer — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:22 -0000

More photos » by Dave Martin - AP

Chris Redman thanks the Gods of Football, who in their infinite wisdom allowed him to lock up a cushy roster spot. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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If you heard the unmistakable sound of a man being forcefully parted from his roster spot on Sunday, then pour out a little Falcohol. Three good men will not be making the team after this weekend.

The mighty Russian axe of one Comrade Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith(roff) fell on Jason Jefferson, Tywain Myles and Robert Shiver. While Shiver, a long snapper, was almost guaranteed to lose his spot sometime this off-season and Tywain Myles hadn't registered as more than a blip with an awesome name, Jefferson is still a surprise. I really thought he was movin' on up after some time in the season and a solid enough pre-season, but a quick look at the new unofficial depth chart leaves us with five defensive tackles, with Peria Jerry and Jonathan Babineaux starting, Trey Lewsi and Thomas Johnson backing up, Vance Walker third string and a couple of guys who could probably play DT in a pinch.

Personally, I'd be pretty happy with that. The team may have cut Jefferson because he was clearly not in that top five, but it's still surprising to see it done so soon. After all, the Falcons have until Saturday to trim the roster down to 53 in a bloody frenzy of a purge, so color me surprised a little. Jefferson's solid enough that he'll catch on elsewhere, I'm sure, and this is a team that clearly knows what it's doing. To recap: Dave the Falconer is surprised by timing, but no the decision. I'm sure you're all glad you know that now.

Use this post as a discussion about likely (or even certain) future cuts. Without picking names at this point, I can't see the Falcons carrying as many corners or defensive backs as those listed on the current depth chart, and they definitely won't be carrying that many receivers. I'm sure you can think of many more positions where the sickle of communism will fall.

Saturday Pre-Game Notes: Tackling The San Diego Chargers

Dave the Falconer — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:00:11 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Mike Smith prepares to play his new hybrid position, outside inside linecornerbacker. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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I'm not going to beat around the bush here. This game is going to be a challenge for the Atlanta Falcons.

Teams with an array of offensive weapons and an opportunistic defense don't come along every day, and the Chargers boast both in spades. While they've rarely dominated, they're perfectly of taking any team in the NFL to the limit on a given Saturday/Sunday, making them a force to be reckoned with. With a host of guys who are continuing their Odyessian quest for roster spots, a challenge is just what the Falcons could use right now.

Personally, I'll be keeping a close eye on the rookies and those borderline cases, such as John Parker Wilson and Vance Walker, who need to prove themselves against another team's starters or immediate backups. I'll also be looking for the starting offense to completely dominate and the defense to bounce back a little from a game where the St. Louis Rams third-and-fourth string quarterbacks played them like a fiddle. You know, if they feel like it.

Without further ado, let's check out all things newsworthy leading up to this evening's game.

Remember those fancy new scoreboards we were talking about earlier this season? They're set to make their pre-season debut at the Dome, which I understand some of you will get to see first-hand. Let us know how they are.
Hyper competitive to the last, Curtis Lofton considered coming off the field on third-downs last year a "slap in the face." Lofton, who wants to be on the field every down this year and is primed for a monster season, seems to be one of the better self-motivators in the league. The last time he went to Denny's, he said the waitress forgetting to include bacon on his plate was a "real sign of disrespect."
According to the AJC, the Chargers will see a heavy dose of Matt Ryan and Chris Redman this weekend, a dose so heavy that either D.J. Shockley or John Parker Wilson won't play. My money is on JPW getting into this game and then both getting one last shot against Baltimore, but I may just be talking out of my rear end as usual. The way Shockley has played this year, it would be surprising if they didn't give JPW a closer look.
The same story reminds us that William "C4" Moore is back in action. He's got almost zero shot of locking up a starting job at this point, but a strong performance here could go a long way toward fast-tracking him and getting him some quality playing time this fall. Cross your fingers for one of my favorite rookies.
We may not see LaDanian Tomlinson today, according to Yahoo! Sports. I'm interested to see what mighty mite Darren Sproles can do (or not do, hopefully), so this is more of an interesting tidbit than anything else.

Friday Pre-Game Notes: Tackling The St. Louis Rams

Dave the Falconer — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:23 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Thomas Brown will try to run his way into our hearts Friday night. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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After a very average kind of game against the Detroit Lions last week, Falcons fighting for a roster spot will be looking to make a very big splash against the St. Louis Rams.

Some rosters are pretty well locked already, but the Falcons have a lot of guys who are poised to make a difference and are just waiting for the opportunity. Guys like Thomas Brown, the speedy potential special teams ace at running back, who is looking to unseat Jason Snelling. Guys like Chris Owens, who is drawing some rave reviews for his play at cornerback. And then there's guys like Dave the Falconer, who enjoys believing he makes a difference as he shouts and cheers from his futon. Bless them all.

With that in mind, let's jump in to some pre-game observations:

Chris Owens seems to be shattering the learning curve. If he wins a prominent job in the secondary he's likely going to struggle somewhat, but he's very smart to maximize his value on special teams. There are a lot of corners who are likely in front of him, but an impressive outing tonight could change that very quickly.
This is going to be a critical game for a lot of other rooks, like Vance Walker and Lawrence Sidbury, because Mike Smith wants to get them time against the Rams' starters. This will separate the men from the boys in a hurry, and it's a great way to accelerate the aforementioned learning curve.
Over at Turf Show Times, my brothers in blue-and-gold seem to think the injuries to Chris Houston and William Moore will make things easier for their passing game. That'd be true if they weren't down Marc Bulger and Donnie Avery, but since that's the case, I'm going to engage in a little good-natured trash talk and say NO WAY JERKS HAHAHA! Ahem.
Curtis Lofton, natural born leader? The expectations for one of The Falcoholic's favorites already are sky high, and it looks like he's ready to assume that kind of role. He and Mike Peterson will be critical to the growth of some of the younger guys in the front seven.
Apropos of nothing, here's a fun little feature on Peria Jerry. My favorite response by far is when D. Orlando Ledbetter at the AJC asks him who his favorite team is, and Jerry says the Falcons....and then says he "can't believe (DOL) asked me that." We're going to get along just fine, Peria!

When will the Rams start signing draft picks?

VanRam — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:15:40 -0000

It's been a busy spring for lawyers in the NFL. Teams have signed draft picks at a blistering, even record pace. This piece at ESPN explains some of the reasons behind the accelerated work to get rookies under contract. Whatever the reasons for speed this offseason, the Rams are one of six teams yet to sign any of their draft picks. Why?

Last year the Rams made 3rd round pick OT John Greco their first rookie from the '08 draft with a contract. That happened on June 12. This year, I suspect the front office overhaul has created some delay in contracts, as well as conversations with OJ Atogwe, who's contract issues need to be resolved soon. Another question surrounding the Rams draft pick deals, particularly the guys drafted in rounds 3 through 7, is whether or not the team will shift from the Shaw/Zygmunt three-year rookie contracts to the more standard four-year contracts for late picks. Rams new contract man Kevin Demoff has always been a four-year guy, and uncertainty about the CBA makes four-year deals more attractive for their extra year of security. With that, I think it's safe to assume the Rams will start offering four-year deals to late round picks this year, but we won't know for sure until they actually sign one.

I thought it might be interesting to see whether or not the players drafted around the Rams picks' have signed deals, since that information reveals much about the slotting system used in the late rounds and offers a guide as to what kind of contracts the Rams rookies will receive. I went back and forth about whether or not to include a contract prediction. Notoriously waffly when it comes to gambling (DO NOT sit at a black jack table with me), I hesitated, but then thought, "To hell with it...I've got nothing to lose." So here's the late round pick predictions. I'm also going to assume the Rams embrace the four-year contract.

Round Three, Iowa CB Bradley Fletcher, 66th pick

An odd numbered round, the Rams had the second pick (66th overall) pick, shocking almost everyone by taking the under-the-radar Fletcher. Jets RB Shonn Greene, another Iowa player, was the first pick of the round, and he signed a four-year deal worth $2.655 million with a $905,000 signing bonus. The Chiefs have yet to sign the third pick from that round, but the Bears signed the fourth pick, DT Jarron Gilbert, to a four-year, $2.49 million deal with a $740,000 signing bonus.

Greco, the second pick of the third round in 2008, signed a three-year, $1.794 million contract with a $644,000 singing bonus.

Prediction: Fletcher signs a four-year deal worth $2.59 million with an $800,000 signing bonus. Reports from spring practices speak well of Fletcher, and few would be surprised if he doesn't see playing time in the nickel this year.

Round Four, Clemson DT Darell Scott, 103rd pick

The third pick of the fourth round, neither of Scott's immediate draft slot neighbors (with the Chiefs and Browns) have signed. The closest player in the draft order to Scott that has signed a deal is Bears DE Henry Melton, who inked a four-year, $2.261 million deal with a $511,230 signing bonus. The last pick of the third round, Giants TE Travis Beckum, signed a four-year, $2.363 million deal with a $611,000 bonus.

Last year, the Rams signed CB Justin King, the second pick in the fourth round, to a three-year, $1.526 million deal with a $376,000 signing bonus. King signed on July 23, 2008. Keenan Burton, another, later fourth round pick, signed on July 4, 2008.

Prediction: Scott signs a four-year, $2.29 million deal with a $570,000 bonus.

Round Five, North Carolina WR Brooks Foster, 160th pick

After swapping picks with the Falcons in the Laurent Robinson trade, the Rams had the 160th pick, the 24th selection of the round. Eagles OT Fenuki Tupou signed a four-year deal, but details have yet to be disclosed. The Dolphins signed 25th pick TE John Nalbone, to a four-year, $1.923 million contract with a $173K signing bonus. The 22nd pick, Redskins LB Cody Glenn, signed a four-year, $1.925 deal with a $175K bonus.

In 2008, the Rams signed G Roy Scheuning, the 157th pick, to a three-year, $1.278 million deal with a $!28K bonus. He signed on June 11, 2008.

Prediction: Foster signs a four-year, $1.9236 million deal with a $173,600 bonus.

Round Six, West Texas A&M QB Keithh Null, 196th pick

No player within two draft slots of Null has singed, except for Eagles WR Brandon Gibson, 194th pick, but his contract has yet to be disclosed. The closest pick with accessible contract info to sign from the sixth round is Giants DB DeAndre Wright, the 200th pick. He signed a four-year, $1.842 million deal with a $92K bonus.

The Rams did not have a sixth round pick in 2008, traded away.

Prediction: Null signs a four-year, $1.848 deal with a $93K bonus.

Round Seven, Texas RB Chris Ogbonnaya, 211th pick

The Falcons signed DT Vance Walker, the first pick of the round, to a four-year, $1.817 million deal with a $66,730 bonus. The Chiefs have yet to sign the third selection from the last round, and the Eagles have yet to disclose details for the fourth selection. The fifth selection, Dolphins LB J.D. Folsom, signed a four-year, $1.8132 million deal with a $62K bonus.

Rams seventh round pick LB Chris Chamberlain to a three-year, $1.186 million deal with a $36K bonus on July 20, 2008. I'm leaving out Vorbora's deal since it's irrelevant (ha! get it?) to this prediction.

Prediction: Four years, $1.816 million with a $66,000 bonus.

A Look Around the NFC South Blogs

Jaxon — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:00:24 -0000

I thought I would check in our NFC South bretheren blogs to see what they are talking about that might interest Panther fans. So here it goes:

Atlanta Falcon Position Battles: The Cornerbacks - The Falcoholic
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!

They are all competing to see who gets the honor of being torched by Steve Smith in 2009.

Meet A New Atlanta Falcon: S William Moore - The Falcoholic
Role: I'd frankly be surprised if Moore wasn't bringing his tlaent to bear on some unfortunate souls from the start of the season. The Falcons didn't pick him up to sit unless he performs at a level significantly below Thomas DeCoud this summer, and he's such a force against the run already that he makes sense at strong safety. I fully expect him to get a ton of snaps and potentially factor in on special teams, if Mike Smith is willing to get him on the field for that as well. I see a very bright future for Moore, who could be a decade-long starter in the NFL if he steers clear of injury.

If DeCoud is so good then why did they draft Moore?

The Falcoholic - Falcons Have Now Signed 5 of 8 Draft Picks
"The Atlanta Falcons today signed sixth round draft pick linebacker Spencer Adkins. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Adkins, 5-11, 246 pounds, totaled 72 tackles (42 solo), 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception in 31 career games at the University of Miami (Fla.). Last season, he set career highs in tackles for loss (six) and sacks (four) while contributing with 17 stops. The Falcons have now signed five of the eight 2009 Draft selections, which include: cornerback Christopher Owens (third round), cornerback William Middleton (fifth round), offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds (fifth round), Adkins (sixth round) and defensive tackle Vance Walker (seventh round)."

Looks like there is a lot of fresh meat in the Falcons defensive backfield.

Can the Saints Maintain their Offensive Fire Power While Simultaneously Improving their Defense? - Canal Street Chronicles
He noted that during offense vs. defense drills it was the offense that initially got the better of their defensive counterpart until Williams and his unit began making plays and challenging Drew Brees and company. This led me to wonder if an improved defense might actually help push the Saints offense to improve as well and not become complacent. After all, if the Saints managed to put together the best offense in the league while practicing against one of the worst defenses in the league on a daily basis, just think what they can accomplish now facing a decent defense every day.

If that logic holds, would a defense that constantly practices against a top offense benefit from that somehow? I guess the logic does not hold.

Meachem's Last Stand - Canal Street Chronicles
Originally I had planned to write some long, well-researched, inspirational post filled with facts, numbers and references that would astound the mind and boggle your brain. But I just didn't know how to work it all out and I just wasn't really feeling it. I've since come to learn that I'm pretty apathetic toward Robert Meachem. I've also come to realize that we don't really need any facts and figures to discuss this topic. There is only one factoidal truth worthy of note regarding this matter: Meachem has been a disappointment thus far given his first round pick status.

It looks like the Saints are not the only team waiting for a highly drafted WR to make an impact. I'm sure you know who I am referring to (Okay, since some slow Saints fans might be reading this: Dwayne Jarrett)

Plot to take over Da Chronic enters its final phase - Canal Street Chronicles
Now, from my secret lair in the Old City Ice House, I am prepared to take over Canal Street Chronicles for good...or evil, as the case may be. Because once the power of the Blogosphere is in my hands, I will inaugurate a little war. In a matter of hours, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo will have annihilated each other. We shall see a new power dominating the world!

Congrats to MtnExile on taking over the Lead Blogger role over at Canal Street Chronicles.

Sears Non-Starter - Buc 'Em
In a somewhat surprising release of information, it appears as if Arron Sears has lost his starting job. As you may or may not know, Sears has been inactive in the offseason due to some apparent concussion issues, either from 2008 or offseason work. The team, and Sears have maintained silence on this issue, calling it a personal matter. Apparently, Sears wasn't excused from minicamp, and as a result of not being there, a formal change in the depth chart has been made with Zuttah now occupying the starting left guard spot. Morris is quoted as saying about Zuttah.

I would like to think this helps the Panthers but Zuttah is a good player so I bet its a wash.

By the Numbers - Rehashing the 2008 Defense - Buc 'Em
We'll start by looking at the Buc's defense in relation to passing yards per game, rushing yards per game, yards per passing attempt and yards per carry. This will give us an idea game by game if the Bucs were wearing down towards the end of the season. We will also look at the Buc's per game average and year averages vs the league average. Finally, we'll look at the same numbers from the first 12 games as compared to the last 4 games, those in which the Bucs were panned for giving out.

What jumps out at me is that 299 yards rushing the Panthers hung on the Bucs during that Monday Night game! That is one stat that never gets old or loses its relevance.

Buc 'Em - Another Smith That Can Return Kicks
There's no doubt that Clifton Smith provided one of the feel good stories of the 2008 NFL season for Buc's fans. An undrafted free agent, he was largely expected to be just another NFL body. After all, we had drafted return man extraordinaire Dexter Jackson in the 2nd round to take care of the return game. To avoid any hyperbole and avoid a story we all know too well, Jackson didn't exactly pan out in year 1. Clifton Smith soon won the job and by the end of the year, was lounging in Hawaii on the NFC Pro Bowl Roster. He provided a spark to our return game and cemented the job as our punt/kick return man.

Clifton Smith did have a surprising year returning the ball. Might the Panthers find a similar gem in their bevy of UDFA kick returners in camp?

Atlanta Falcons Ink Two Late Round Draft Picks

Dave the Falconer — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:00:19 -0000

A very Falcoholic hat tip to TO falcon, who broke the news yesterday evening that CB William Middleton and DT Vance Walker. Trying to follow that act with a couple of quick sentences of analysis seemed impossible, so let's delve a little bit deeper into this.

I've put together profiles of Middleton and Walker that will give you background on both picks. I think it goes without saying that I'm thrilled they're both on board, as both seem to be bright kids with talent that goes above their draft slot. It doesn't hurt that Middleton is competing for a spot in a wide-open cornerbacking corps, while Walker joins a defensive tackle rotation with some top end talent but not a lot of true depth. Neither will have a giant impact this year, but it's the years ahead that matter.

It's easy to look past these kinds of players, I know. We're all wondering about DT Peria Jerry and S William "C4" Moore by virtue of their draft positions and the fact that they seem to be poised to seize starting jobs. Their splash on our collective psyche is much greater because they'll be playing critical roles immediately, and that's a respectable position...but it totally ignores the overhaul our defense needs to undergo.

If we're to get better quickly, it's going to take contributions from everyone. It's going to take Vance Walker stepping in and making a key stop or two over the course of a season. It's going to take William Middleton picking off a crucial pass to stall a drive. Sometimes you win or lose the game on the back of a role player, and it's no coincidence that teams with quality depth catch those seemingly lucky breaks more often than those squads that don't.

We don't have the terms of these deals yet, but I'll try to update as soon as we do. Here's hoping both stick around and provide value for the Falcons, because I will never say no to defensive help. Leave your thoughts on the rooks in the comments, folks.

Poll

Your thoughts on the signings of William Middleton and Vance Walker?

Both quality signings

83 votes

I like Middleton

13 votes

I like Walker

8 votes

Tell them I hate them!

1 votes

Opinions are scary

11 votes

116 votes | Poll has closed