SBNation.com User Community: FalconsTroy https://www.sbnation.com/users/FalconsTroy Posts made by FalconsTroy on SBNation.com Justin Houston Is Most Popular Pick For Atlanta Falcons Among Mock Drafts https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/18/2058473/justin-houston-is-most-popular-pick-for-atlanta-falcons-among-mock FalconsTroy Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:55:00 -0400 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>It's possible the NFL won't play a season this year but the NFL Draft will take place and right now that's all that's keeping me sane. With just over a month to go before the three-day primetime event, there is a lot of speculation on which players will end up with what teams. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> are no different with widely varying opinions on players, positions and just what exactly is considered a need. The lack of free agency adds a new wrinkle to the draft-planning strategy.</p> <p>In an effort to clarify this confusing situation, I dug through 60 of the top mock drafts posted in the last week. Yes, 60 of them. What? I had some spare time. Using such a massive amount of data, we can really start to see patterns develop. And with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2011/03/jaws-wordle-wednesday/">hat tip to Jay Adams at AF.com</a>, I created a word cloud to let us OOH and AHH at the pretty picture before diving into the hard data. First up is the position breakdown.</p> <center> <a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/568115/position_word_cloud.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Position_word_cloud_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/568115/position_word_cloud_medium.jpg"></a> <p><i>Word cloud created at </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wordle.net/">Wordle.net</a></p> </center> <p>This makes it very clear that most experts believe the Falcons biggest need is defensive end and/or outside linebacker. Just to clarify, the positions used were from Scouts, Inc. meaning Justin Houston was categorized as a DE though he is listed as DE/OLB in most places. The other obvious needs are wide receiver and offensive tackle. Everything else appears to be inconsequential. Here's the raw numbers. *Note: Number is the number of times that position was selected.</p> <table border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Pos.</td> <td>Number</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OLB</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DE</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WR</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OT</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>C</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>TE</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>RB</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DT</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ILB</td> <td>1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p>Next up is the most popular players the Falcons are targeting. Again using the same data from the 60 mock drafts over the past week. Behold!</p> <center> <a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/568123/player_word_cloud.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Player_word_cloud_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/568123/player_word_cloud_medium.jpg"></a> <p>(click to <i>embiggen</i>)</p> </center> <p>We can see a clear favorite has emerged from the pack; Georgia's Justin Houston. Iowa's Adrian Clayborn is close behind with Jonathan Baldwin and Torrey Smith as the top wide receiver candidates. The full data beckons below. *Note: Number is the number of times that player was selected.</p> <table border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Player</td> <td>Number</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Justin Houston</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Adrian Clayborn</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Jonathan Baldwin</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Gabe Carimi</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mike Pouncey</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Torrey Smith</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Derek Sherrod</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Akeem Ayers</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ryan Kerrigan</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Titus Young</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nate Solder</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Leonard Hankerson</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Stephen Paea</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Martez Wilson</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cameron Heyward</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Anthony Castonzo</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Jabaal Sheard</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Kyle Rudolph</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Aldon Smith</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cameron Jordan</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ryan Williams</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="sbn-auto-link">Greg Jones</span></td> <td>1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p>Preparing to see Justin Houston in a Falcons jersey is probably a safe bet. Last year at this time, the wisdom of crowds said <span>Sean Weatherspoon</span> was the pick and the Falcons didn't waver. Will it happen again? My guess is the Georgia Dome will be seeing a lot of jerseys with Houston on the back in 2011. Or 2012. Or whenever they play football again.</p> NFL Lockout Could Mean Tony Gonzalez, Todd McClure Retirement If It Cancels Season https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/15/2051863/nfl-lockout-could-mean-tony-gonzalez-todd-mcclure-retirement-if-it FalconsTroy Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:08:52 -0400 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>I write this headline with every feeling that there will, in fact, be NFL football played in 2011. I believe that after all the posturing, a new deal will be reached and my Sundays will once again be filled with the sounds of America's pastime. But what if I'm wrong? What if the season doesn't happen? Let's play my favorite game, What-If? (That last question mark is part of the game's name and not a third consecutive question which would be ridiculous). Please, follow me through the jump.</p> <p><span class="sbn-auto-link">A work stoppage that wipes out the entire season could put the careers of two favorite </span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></span> in jeopardy. <span>Todd McClure</span> is 34 years old and in the last year of his deal. With the Falcons stockpiling lineman in the draft, 2011 likely will be McClure's last one as an NFL player. If there's no football this year, could we have seen the last snap of McClure's career? He'd be 35 in 2012 and the Mike Johnson's and <span>Joe Hawley</span>'s of the world would be itching for playing time, especially after a wasted season.</p> <p>The other concern is with Tony Gonzalez. The 35-year old tight end also enters the last year of his deal and has <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/1/16/1939279/tony-gonzalez-retire-retirement-atlanta-falcons-tight-end-15th-season">flirted with retirement before</a>. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, could Gonzalez simply walk away? Would he try to come back in 2012 at 36 years old? The only argument against him retiring if the season is canceled is his desire for a championship. If the Falcons stay intact through a year-long work stoppage, he may want to come back at any age to try and win a ring.</p> <p>I have no doubts there will be professional football played this season. But what if I'm wrong? Could we have seen the last of McClure and Gonzalez? The Falcons are<a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/14/2049741/what-the-2011-nfl-lockout-means-for-the-falcons-saints-panthers-and"> in great shape even with an extended lockout</a> but missing an entire season could provide some unexpected openings at tight end and along the offensive line.</p> What The 2011 NFL Lockout Means For The Falcons, Saints, Panthers And Bucs https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/14/2049741/what-the-2011-nfl-lockout-means-for-the-falcons-saints-panthers-and FalconsTroy Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:10:27 -0400 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Analyzing the NFC South, we can see which teams are least affected by the 2011 NFL lockout.</p> <p>With the NFL in the midst of the<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/18/1942788/nfl-lockout-roger-goodell-nflpa" target="_blank"> first lockout since 1987, </a> many teams are left with question marks about their immediate and long-term future. A lockout means no free agency which in turn means using a completely new strategy for the 2011 NFL Draft. Not to mention the carnage left behind if the entire season is wiped out.</p> <p>So how will the Falcons - and by extension the rest of the NFC South - be affected by the first work stoppage in 25 years? Using the number of free agents a team currently has, their potential needs in the upcoming draft and the number of players over 30 years old, we can use some mathematical goodness to determine which teams could be severely handicapped by this lockout and which ones may not even notice.</p> <blockquote> <p>#1 - (least affected) <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> - The Falcons are in the best position of any NFC South team if the lockout is not resolved early on. They have the fewest number of free agents (13) and despite their high number of 30-plus players (12), they are coming off a 13-4 season with very few holes to fill. A new labor deal may not get done until October and this team could take the field as one of the best teams in the league, as-is.</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>#2 - <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> - After an impressive 10-6 season, the Bucs are set to be the second-best in this division if the lockout continues into the summer months. They have the second-fewest free agents (17) and have only four players over 30 years old. This is a young team with a few holes to fill but nothing that should keep them from competing again in 2011. The lockout is not necessarily a bad thing for this team.</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>#3 - <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> - The Panthers have the most needs to fill and with quarterback being one of them, this lockout could really hurt this franchise. They have 21 free agents and seven players over 30 years old (both third in the NFC South). Since a quarterback takes time to learn the playbook and develop timing with the receivers, a prolonged lockout could essentially mean another disastrous season.</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>#4 - (most affected) - <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> - Though this team is as complete as the Falcons, they may not be if/when the lockout is resolved. The Saints have 29 free agents and 14 players over 30 years old (both NFC South highs). Depending on how soon the labor impasse is resolved, the Saints could be trying to implement a draft strategy without knowing where almost 55 percent of their team will end up.</p> </blockquote> <p>Obviously, if the lockout is resolved the free agent signings could drastically change this landscape. For now though, the Falcons are in the best position to become the first team to repeat as NFC South champions for the first time ever.</p> Alabama Pro Day: Mark Ingram Gets Faster https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-bulldogs/2011/3/10/2041983/alabama-pro-day-mark-ingram-gets-faster FalconsTroy Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:25:37 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Alabama's Pro Day gave top prospect <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35170/mark-ingram">Mark Ingram</a> one more chance to impress his future employer. With Ron Rivera (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>) and John Fox (Formerly Panthers, now <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>) watching closely, Ingram confirmed his knee injury was fully healed when he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash. That was an improvement from his time of 4.62 at the NFL Scouting Combine.<br><br>Also for Alabama was defensive tackle Marcel Dareus, wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35164/julio-jones">Julio Jones</a> and Wonderlic-expert quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9848/greg-mcelroy">Greg McElroy</a>. Jones and McElroy are both recovering from injuries and did not work out. Dareus put to rest all doubts about his high ankle sprain he played last season with and there are some who believe he could be a better player than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78561/nick-fairley">Nick Fairley</a> at Auburn.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> likely have no interest in Ingram with <span>Michael Turner</span> and <span>Jason Snelling</span> rostered but with wide receiver help a top priority this offseason, Jones has the potential to be added later in the draft.</p> Thomas Dimitroff Signs Atlanta Falcons Contract Extension https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/3/9/2331213/thomas-dimitroff-signs-atlanta-falcons-contract-extension FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:53:45 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>After locking up head coach <span>Mike Smith</span> last month, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> have followed suit by<a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2011/03/dimitroff-era-extended/" target="_blank"> inking Thomas Dimitroff to a multiyear contract extension</a>. For Dimitroff this just adds to his growing legacy. He won the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984768/sporting-news-names-atlanta-falcons-gm-thomas-dimitroff-executive-of" target="_blank">Executive of the Year</a>award from Sporting News for the second time in three years and he's central figure in a <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/8/2038948/war-room-book-on-thomas-dimitroff-bill-belichick-scott-pioli-out-in" target="_blank">new book </a>set to be released this fall.</p> <p>It's a well-deserved extension and a virtual no-brainer when you consider the talent base he's put in place since his arrival in Atlanta. His home runs have included Matt Ryan, <span>Michael Turner</span>, <span>Curtis Lofton</span>, Tony Gonzalez, <span>Sam Baker</span>, Mike Peterson, <span>Thomas DeCoud</span>, <span>Kroy Biermann</span> and <span>Dunta Robinson</span>. Every single one of those players were drafted or signed under Dimitroff's watch.</p> <p>The savvy player personnel moves have translated to the field as well with three consecutive winning seasons and two playoff appearances since 2008. After the Bobby Petrino-Michael Vick drama, Falcons fans just wanted to be respectable again but Dimitroff has made them championship contenders. </p> Thomas Dimitroff Signs Atlanta Falcons Contract Extension https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/9/2040698/thomas-dimitroff-signs-atlanta-falcons-contract-extension FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:53:45 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>The Atlanta Falcons have locked up Thomas Dimitroff with a multiyear contract extension.</p> Auburn Pro Day: Cam Newton, Nick Fairley Impress But Questions Still Remain https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-bulldogs/2011/3/9/2039777/auburn-pro-day-cam-newton-nick-fairley-impress-but-questions-still FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:17:20 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>There were two takeaways from Auburn's Pro Day. One, Cam Newton redeemed himself after a disappointing performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. And two, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78561/nick-fairley">Nick Fairley</a> is who we thought he was.</p> <p>During Tuesday's workout, Newton showcased his skills for 48 minutes in front of potential suitors including Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera who holds the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. There are still knocks on Newton's footwork though most who attended said his mechanics are improving.</p> <p>Other questions surround his accuracy and unfortunate "entertainer and icon" statement prior to the combine. Those concerns aside, there's absolutely no denying his arm strength and athletic ability. He's been compared to Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick and even a combination of the two. Newton could be Bike RoethlisVicker, the ultimate NFL quarterback.</p> <p>Mock drafts have Newton going anywhere in the top 12 picks though the momentum is pushing him towards the first overall. If the head coaches in attendance are any indication, Newton is likely headed to the Panthers (No. 1), Broncos (No. 2), Bengals (No. 4), Cardinals (No. 5) or Browns (No. 6). Of the teams with the top six picks, only Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey did not attend the workout personally.</p> <p>Fairley, who worked out prior to Newton, maintained his lofty draft status. His impressive combine coupled with his solid Pro Day almost assuredley means he'll be one of the first two players off the board in April's draft. One caveat from <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6195706">Todd McShay though puts doubt</a> on both Fairley and Newton's pro potential.</p> <blockquote> <p>"One scout put it perfectly when he turned to me at one point and said: "You can't tell me [Newton and Fairley] aren't two of the three best players in the draft, but you also can't tell me you'd be totally comfortable taking either at No. 1 overall if your job were on the line."</p> </blockquote> 'War Room' Book On Thomas Dimitroff, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli Out In October https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/8/2038948/war-room-book-on-thomas-dimitroff-bill-belichick-scott-pioli-out-in FalconsTroy Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:04:22 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>A new book chronicling the impact of Bill Belichick in the NFL will feature <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>' General Manager Thomas Dimitroff as a central figure. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.harpercollinscatalogs.com/harper/934_2015_333137313836.htm#readmore">"War Room: Bill Belichick and the Patriot Legacy,"</a> is due out October 4.</p> <p>From the publisher:</p> <blockquote>This is a football book with three central characters: <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> head coach Bill Belichick, <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> general manager Scott Pioli, and Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Michael Holley [followed] Belichick, Pioli, and Dimitroff through the entire 2010 season—from training camp 2010, through the Super Bowl, and into the April draft—exploring the personal connections of the three men and the increasing influence of the Patriot way.</blockquote> <p>Most of the recent Falcons success is attributed to Dimitroff. His shrewd draft strategies haven't always aligned with the popular mock drafts but his track record speaks for itself. When he was <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984768/sporting-news-names-atlanta-falcons-gm-thomas-dimitroff-executive-of" target="new">awarded Executive of the Year by Sporting News</a>, some were surprised by the choice. It's clear now that in most NFL circles, Dimitroff is coveted. This is absolutely because of his time with the Patriots. The book summary goes on to say:</p> <blockquote>Belichick and Pioli have been friends since the 1980s, when Belichick was a young coordinator for the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a>. They worked together in Cleveland, New York (<a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a>) and New England. In 2008, Pioli left for Kansas City to build a Midwestern Patriots model. A year before Pioli left, Dimitroff was the surprising top GM choice of the Falcons, who dreamed of building Patriots South in Atlanta.</blockquote> <p>The NFL has always been a copycat league. If it works for one team there's no reason to think it can't work for yours. The Patriots started it. The Chiefs and Falcons are continuing it. Those three teams went a combined 37-13 in 2010. The book finishes up with <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/11/16/1817868/nfl-mock-draft-2011-atlanta-falcons">April's NFL Draft.</a></p> <blockquote>The culmination of the narrative will be all three men preparing their teams for the lifeblood of the NFL, which is the draft, as all three franchises seek to improve themselves through similar philosophies but perhaps different strategies.</blockquote> <p>This should be a very interesting read. Considering how secretive Belichick is - and by extension Dimitroff - anytime the curtain is pulled back is a good thing. If nothing else it will give you something to read in case <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/4/2030227/nfl-lockout-cba-deadline-extension-atlanta-falcons">there's no football in 2011.</a></p> <p>Via <a href="http://arrowheadpride.com">Arrowhead Pride</a></p> Brent Grimes, Jason Snelling Get Atlanta Falcons RFA Tenders As NFL Lockout Looms https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/4/2030491/brent-grimes-jason-snelling-get-atlanta-falcons-rfa-tenders-as-nfl FalconsTroy Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:25:34 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>With the NFL lockout still in doubt, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> are going about business as usual. They placed tender offers on cornerback <span>Brent Grimes</span> (first round) and running back <span>Jason Snelling</span> (second round) this week. Though a new Collective Bargaining Agreement would likely prove these moves moot, teams are still protecting their assets just in case.</p> <p>As evidenced by these moves, the Falcons definitely want to keep Grimes and Snelling on this team. For Grimes, it makes perfect sense. He's a starter who is able to take advantage of the extra attention afforded him by having <span>Dunta Robinson</span> on the other side. </p> <p>Snelling, however, will be tougher to keep. The Falcons aren't likely to break the bank to bring back a backup running back. (Say that sentence 10 times real fast!). If another team likes what they've seen the past two seasons from Snelling, they could swoop in and make him a No. 1 running back. </p> <p>My hope is he stays. My blood pressure stays low knowing that if anything happens to <span>Michael Turner</span>, Snelling is there to keep the offense moving. How important is Snelling to the Falcons? Last year, he was second in the NFL in rushing yards among backs that did not start a game. Only <span>Ricky Williams</span> ran for more yards as a non-starter. </p> Brian Finneran's Career With Atlanta Falcons Ends After 11 Years https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/2/2025970/brian-finnerans-career-with-atlanta-falcons-ends-after-11-years FalconsTroy Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:41:15 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p><span>Brian Finneran</span> will no longer be an Atlanta Falcon. <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984847/atlanta-falcons-free-agents-contracts">This news </a>ends an 11-year career with the team that saw him bridge the gap from Chris Chandler to <span>Michael Vick</span> and finally Matt Ryan. Finneran was about as Falcon as you can get and in the words of the ever-wordsmithy Jason Kirk, "Brother was a gotdang genuine Falcon if ever there was one."<br><br>He's a monument. The name Finneran is Irish for "Bird-Like Man Who Snatches Pigskin Out of the Air With Talons". That may or may not be true but I'm 64 percent sure that's right.<br><br>He was reliable. Only 15 players played more games in the Red and Black than Finneran did and of the current roster, only <span>Todd McClure</span> has him beat. If his 2006 and 2007 seasons weren't wiped out by injury, he'd be in the top 10. Even more impressive: Since 2000, only nine receivers have played more games than No. 86. And that's with missing two entire seasons!</p> <p>Stay with me through the jump to continue the walk down memory lane. Which will be renamed Finneran Lane from now on.</p> <p><br>He was never a dominant No. 1 receiver but that's not what you expected from an undrafted free agent. He was a solid possession receiver who worked well out of the slot and for two seasons (2002 and 2005) he flirted with being really good.<br><br>If this is the last time Finneran plays in the NFL, he won't be considered for the Hall of Fame or even be thought of as one of the best receivers in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> history. But that's not the point. He was an integral part of a team that went through many ups and downs since 2000 and he was always there.</p> <p> Whether it was catching the go-ahead touchdown against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> in 2001 (only to lose in OT) or making the game-winning grab in the Meadowlands in 2002 to beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>, Finneran had his moments. Even this season, he seemed to be able to re-create some of that old magic with touchdowns against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>. <br><br>The move means the Falcons are getting younger and Finneran unfortunately, is not. This wasn't a surprise with Kerry  Meier coming back from injury and the Falcons looking to receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft. Doesn't make it any easier though. There's talk that Finneran may find his way back to the Falcons depending on the new CBA and how free agency shakes out but it's a longshot.<br><br>I'd like to see Finneran stay with the team, if not as a player, in some front office capacity. Until that happens, I leave you with a random list of Finneran's accomplishments:</p> <ul> <li>His 18 playoff receptions is second on the team all-time (Terance Mathis, 23).</li> <li>His 206 yards receiving in the playoffs is fifth-most.</li> <li>Despite this, he never caught a touchdown in six postseason games.<br> </li> <li>16 of his 19 career touchdowns were redzone scores. His longest TD came from 47 yards out.</li> <li>He caught nine TD passes from Vick. Four from Ryan and three from Chandler. He also caught one apiece from <span>Matt Schaub</span>, <span>Doug Johnson</span> and Kurt Kittner.</li> </ul> Michael Turner, Roddy White & John Abraham Prepare To Rewrite Atlanta Falcons' Record Book https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/2/2023763/michael-turner-roddy-white-john-abraham-prepare-to-rewrite-the FalconsTroy Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:49:00 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p><br>For three <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, the 2011 season could be a record-breaking one. Assuming of course there is a season. Which we are. For my own sanity, there has to be a season. Now, back to the topic at hand. Records be fallin'.<br><br>For 23 seasons, <span>Gerald Riggs</span> has held the Atlanta Falcons team record for rushing touchdowns in a career with 47. It likely won't last a 24th. <span>Michael Turner</span>, in only three seasons with the Falcons, has scored 39 rushing touchdowns. If he maintains his current average (13 touchdowns a year), Turner should be the new team leader by the 12th game in 2011. Turner could then set his sights on the team rushing record of 6,631 yards held by Riggs. Turner has an outside shot to claim that mark at the end of the 2012 season.</p> <p>For more record-breaking goodness, follow me through the jump.</p> <p>Next up is the Falcons' team sack record currently owned by Chuck Smith with 58.5 quarterback takedowns. <span>John Abraham</span> has accumulated 49.5 sacks as a member of the Falcons and is on pace to eclipse Smith's mark late next season.<br><br>Finally we come to <span>Roddy White</span>. He is only 1,272 receiving yards away from breaking Terance Mathis' team-best mark of 7,349. The averages say he won't get there until 2012 but after last season, is there any doubt he won't hold this record by the end of 2011? The reception mark will have to wait until 2012 though.</p> <p>White is 143 catches behind Mathis and barring a Marvin Harrison-type season (circa 2002), this record will be delayed. The receiving touchdown record - again held by Mathis - may take even longer but it will happen. The averages say by the end of the 2013 season, White should own every major Falcons receiving record.<br><br>Down the road, we can anticipate Matt Ryan breaking a couple of Steve Bartkowski's records as well but we won't jump the gun on that just yet.<br><br>Obviously, injuries and other unforeseen disasters can derail any of these records but it's interesting to see that this current incarnation of the Falcons have possibly the best quarterback, running back, receiver and sack artist they've ever had. Ever. And they all play together.</p> Brian Finneran, Brian Williams Won't Be Re-Signed By Atlanta Falcons, According To Report https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/2/2024327/brian-finneran-brian-williams-wont-be-re-signed-by-atlanta-falcons FalconsTroy Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:46:10 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/brian-finneran-brian-williams-atlanta-falcons-wont-be-resigned-030111">Alex Marvez of Fox Sports</a> is reporting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> have told would-be free agents <span>Brian Finneran</span> and <span>Brian Williams</span> they will not be re-signed by the team. For Finneran this ends a nine-year career with the Falcons that began in 2000. He was an undrafted free agent out of Villanova and played briefly with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> and the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europa before latching on with Atlanta. His best season was in the 2002 playoff campaign when he caught 56 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns. Finneran, who turned 35 in January, finished his Falcons career 12th on the reception list with 236 catches.</p> <p>Williams was signed in 2009 after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> cut him loose prior to the season. He worked his way into the starting lineup at cornerback but lasted only five games before tearing his ACL. This past season, the acquisition of <span>Dunta Robinson</span> and emergence of <span>Brent Grimes</span> reduced Williams to a reserve role. He finished his Falcons career with one sack and one interception in 21 games played.</p> Atlanta Falcons Football Has Entered Its Golden Age https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/3/1/2023615/the-golden-age-of-atlanta-falcons-football-is-now FalconsTroy Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:36:44 -0500 <figure> <img alt="ATLANTA GA - JANUARY 15: A general view of the opening kickoff by the Atlanta Falcons to the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15 2011 in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VT27kCfyRlbqS5No1hSxrKRK-fM=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1676053/GYI0063060409.jpg" /> <figcaption>ATLANTA GA - JANUARY 15: A general view of the opening kickoff by the Atlanta Falcons to the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15 2011 in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The Falcons have only had rare and mild success in their 45-year history, but that's all about to change.</p> <p>Join me for a moment in a world where the pending NFL lockout doesn't exist. There, doesn't that feel better? I have more good news. This is a great time to be an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> fan. We are on the precipice of what I believe will be the greatest decade in Falcons football history. True, the Falcons don't have a storied legacy (only six playoff wins in their 45-year history) meaning a Virgil Green-type leap won't be necessary to clear the bar. But this team, with the front office and players in place, will ensure this Falcons teams will go down as one of the best teams of the 2010s. Or the Tens. Or whatever we'll end up calling this decade.<br><br>First let's see what the Falcons need to do to set a team record for wins in a decade. We'll exclude the 1960s since Atlanta didn't have an NFL team until 1966. We'll jump ahead to the 1970s. That decade they won 61 games including one playoff game. The 1980s was a step backward with only 57 victories and no playoff wins. The 1990s saw 75 victories including three playoff wins and a Super Bowl appearance. In the 2000s - the aughts? the 20-hundreds? - the Falcons rolled up 77 wins, a franchise-best for a decade and won two playoff games. That's the bar. 77 wins in a decade. <br><br>Already the Falcons have started the Tens (I decided to go with the Tens over the 2010s) with 13 wins. This means they need to win 65 more games in nine years - and average of 7.2 games per season - to set a new franchise record. This seems very reasonable. Since the new regime of Dimitroff/Smith/Ryan arrived the Falcons have averaged 11 wins a season. I'm not saying they'll average 11 wins for the entire decade but 11 teams have averaged over 11 wins in a decade since 1970 so it's not out of the question. <br><br>If we're setting our sights high, the record for most wins in a decade is 126 set by the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> in the aughts (2000s). That mark leaves the Falcons needing 114 more wins or 12.7 per season. In order to break that mark they are going to need to win several playoff games and have six or seven seasons with deep playoff runs. Not likely? Ask Patriots fans if they it was likely after their 5-11 season in 2000.<br><br>Let's turn our focus to what the Falcons have to do to back up my opening statement: Average 7.2 wins per season for nine years. This should be a cakewalk. Twenty-two different teams did better than that this past decade including the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> and <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> who both overcame one-win seasons during that stretch. The Falcons will have some missteps and a 6-10 season will happen (every NFL team had at least one 10-loss season over the last 10 years) but averaging just over seven wins a season should not be a problem for this team.<br><br>Somewhere between the Patriots record and setting a team-record lies the middle ground, a 100-win decade. Only 22 teams since 1960 have accomplished this feat (23 if you count the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a> in the 1990s when they won 53 games in their first five seasons). With a 13-win season already in their back pocket, Atlanta needs to average 9.7 wins the rest of the aughts. This is a bit tougher as only six teams hit that mark last decade (Pats, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a>, <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a>, <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a>, <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a>). <br><br>There's a lot of talk about how the national media disrespects the Falcons and this is the decade they can start to change the perception. The time is now and this is the best time to be a fan of the Atlanta Falcons. Whether you've followed them since their 1966 inception or have come aboard somewhere in the meantime, the Golden Age of Falcons football is upon us. <br><br>Unless of course, the 2011 season is canceled. Then forget everything I just wrote.</p> Patrick Kerney, Falcons: The Greatest No. 97 In Georgia Sports History https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/2/26/2017418/patrick-kerney-falcons-the-greatest-no-97-in-atlanta-sports-history FalconsTroy Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:02:23 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p><span>Patrick Kerney</span> is the greatest No. 97 in Atlanta sports history. I wrote a <a href="http://bloggingdirty.com/2010/04/15/a-look-back-at-falcon-great-patrick-kerney/">760-word eulogy</a> when Kerney retired last April so I'll no doubt be plagiarizing myself as I write this today but I won't sue myself so it's cool.</p> <p>Where to begin? Kerney was a first round draft choice for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> in 1999 after an All-American career at the University of Virginia. He played eight seasons with the Falcons - starting 105 consecutive games at one point - and was named to the 2004 Pro Bowl and honored as Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press.<a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553217/1736625.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553217/1736625_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="1736625_medium"></a></p> <p>Between 2001 and 2007, only five players recorded more sacks than Kerney (67.5). Kerney led the Falcons in sacks in three of his eight seasons with the team. He left the Falcons as No. 2 on the franchise's sack list, just a half sack behind Chuck Smith and 16.5 ahead of <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/2/25/2015775/travis-hall-falcons-the-greatest-no-98-in-atlanta-sports-history">No. 98 on our list</a> (Travis Hall).</p> <p>He ended his career with three seasons with the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> and earned another Pro Bowl bid and his only First Team All-Pro berth. Injuries eventually caught up to Kerney and he was forced to shut it down after 11 seasons in the NFL. When he retired his 82.5 career sacks ranked 30th among defensive ends in NFL history.</p> <p><b>Also considered (in alphabetical order):</b> Cornelius Bennett, Falcons, Jumpy Geathers, Falcons. <span>Kedric Golston</span>, Georgia. <span>Marcus Stroud</span>, Georgia.</p> Travis Hall, Falcons: The Greatest No. 98 In Georgia Sports History https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/2/25/2015775/travis-hall-falcons-the-greatest-no-98-in-atlanta-sports-history FalconsTroy Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:53:45 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>In 45 seasons, our beloved <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> haven't exactly been a hotbed of defensive tackle talent. And that's being generous. The Falcons are one of only five teams in the NFL to never have a defensive tackle named First Team All-Pro. They've also only had one Pro Bowler at that position (Roderick Coleman, 2005). Which brings us to former Falcons defensive tackle, Travis Hall. Despite the lack of accolades, Hall is arguably the best defensive tackle in Falcons franchise history - though some may side with Mike Lewis - and he makes our list as the best player in Atlanta sports history to wear No. 98.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/552706/51360073.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/552706/51360073_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="51360073_medium"></a> <br id="1298674730034"> <br>Hall joined the Falcons after being selected in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft (the <span>Warren Sapp</span> draft). Hall played 10 seasons for Atlanta and accumulated 41.5 sacks which was the third-best total in franchise history when he joined the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> as a free agent after the 2004 season. <span>John Abraham</span> has since passed Hall, moving him to fourth on the Falcons' sack list.<br><br>Through 2004 (Hall's last season as a Falcon), the Falcons made the playoffs eight times as a franchise and Hall was a part of four of those teams. He was a starter on the 1998 NFC Champion team alongside Shane Dronett in the middle. That team was the second-stingiest run defense in the NFL allowing only 3.3 yards per rush. It was also the second-lowest in Falcons franchise history.<br><br>Between 1996 and 2001 - the meat of Hall's playing time - he recorded 32.5 sacks putting him second on the team behind Chuck Smith's 36.5 takedowns. His best season was in 1997 when he had a career-high 10.5 sacks. The following season saw his sacks drop to only 4.5 but he recovered four fumbles, good for fifth-best in the NFL that season. Hall finished his Atlanta career 10th in games played (134), third in sacks (41.5) and eighth in solo tackles (334).<br><br><b>Also considered (in alphabetical order):</b> Mixon Robinson, Georgia</p> Cam Newton To Wear Under Armour E39 Compression Shirt At 2011 NFL Combine https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/24/2013581/cam-newton-to-wear-under-armour-e39-compression-shirt-at-2011-nfl FalconsTroy Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:09:42 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>A recent <a href="http://www.wired.com/playbook/2011/02/nfl-combine-chest-sensors/all/1">Wired article by Kyle Stack</a> brought to my attention something I hadn't yet seen. The Under Armour E39 compression shirt. It's a shirt that "somewhere between 10 and 30 prospects, including Heisman Trophy winning quarterback <span>Cam Newton</span>, will wear" during the 2011 NFL Combine. It does all kinds of cool things like measuring heart rate and other things I cannot begin to understand so I'll let Mr. Stack explain:</p> <blockquote> <p>"Just below the sternum, the shirt also contains a removable sensor pack called a "bug" that holds a triaxial accelerometer3, a processor and 2 gigabytes of storage. The information collected can be broadcast via Bluetooth to smartphones, iPads and laptops so that scouts and trainers can view the power and efficiency of each athlete’s movements. Heart-rate and breathing-rate monitors are placed on both sides of the sensor pack, helping to gather even more intel from the body’s core."</p> </blockquote> <p>Follow me after the jump for the reasons why this is the beginning of something awesome.</p> <p>This is technology that could change the way sports are played. Imagine the coaches on the sideline could see when players are tired or hurt. I picture it the same way the Madden playcall screen works. Players who are fatigued would appear as yellow or red on the display. Receivers are subbed out for after running streaks but the cornerbacks never are. They have to run back and cover again meaning there's an increased chance to give up a big play. This technology could prevent that. After each play, the coach would know his outside linebacker is gassed and make a sub before the offense takes advantage. It could work in all sports. Forget pitch counts in baseball. A player drops too far below his baseline level and his icon turns yellow to red, make the switch.</p> <p>It reminds of the training montage in Rocky IV. Those interspersed clips of Rocky Balboa outside using nature as his gym and Ivan Drago being monitored and tested by machines at all times. Drago's situation is way better (the final result notwithstanding). I always thought there should be a way to use technology to protect athletes while making the game more fun to watch. This E39 compression sounds like a step in the right direction.</p> <p>Think about this. In the 1990s, ESPN would televise the World Series of Poker. This was before the invention of the hole card camera. Can you imagine? Try watching some of that coverage now. It's hours of cards being dealt, the announcers guessing at what they had. We never actually find out! Poker started becoming so popular because all of a sudden we had more information than the "players." This is always a good thing.</p> <p>Having the knowledge that the opposing linebacker is exhausted before the play and then praying your team takes advantage adds another element to watching football. I know the secretive NFL culture would never let that information out but as a guy who grew up on video games, it's fun to think about.</p> <p>Am I wrong in thinking technology can help improve sports? We'll have to wait and see as it appears Under Armour won't roll out a full retail introduction until next year at the earliest. But wouldn't it be cool?</p> 2011 NFL Combine: Cam Heyward, Leonard Hankerson Among 10 Players Falcons Fans Should Watch https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/23/2009981/2011-nfl-combine-cam-heyward-leonard-hankerson-among-10-players FalconsTroy Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:23:24 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>The 2011 NFL Combine begins Thursday in Indianapolis and despite the black cloud of labor negotiations looming, the show must go on. Over the course of six days, 300 potential pros will be timed, measured, tested and evaluated by scouts, coaches and General Managers in an effort to determine which players will make a good fit with their respective franchise.<br><br>Which players will the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>' front office be keeping an eye on? I offer up 10 possibilities.<br><br><b>Anthony Castonzo | OT | Boston College<br>Gabe Carimi | OT | Wisconsin<br>Derek Sherrod | OT | Mississippi State</b><br><br>Any of these players could step right in and play if the Falcons lose <span>Tyson Clabo</span> to free agency. The only question is whether or not they'll still be on the board when the Falcons pick at 27.<br><br><b>Ryan Kerrigan | DE | Purdue<br>Cameron Heyward | DE | Ohio State<br>Allen Bailey | DE | Miami</b><br><br>Even if <span>John Abraham</span> can give the Falcons another season like he had in 2010, they'll still need to improve the pass rush on the opposite side. Kerrigan has been a popular mock option but like the offensive tackles above, he may not be available in the late first round. <br><br><b>Mike Pouncey | OG | Florida<br>Danny Watkins | OG | Baylor</b><br><br>The Falcons flirted with Mike's brother, Maurkice, before the 2010 NFL Draft but some scouts think Mike is the better player. Watkins could add depth and serve as the eventual replacement for <span>Justin Blalock</span> or <span>Harvey Dahl</span> if one or both go the route of free agency.<br><br><b>Luke Stocker | TE | Tennessee</b><br><br>A lot of people are on Kyle Rudolph's bandwagon but he's not on mine (read below for more). Stocker has great length and <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/22/2008410/2011-nfl-draft-dj-williams-luke-stocker-potential-te-selections-for">as I wrote before, </a>he'd be an excellent red zone option.<br><br><b>Leonard Hankerson | WR | Miami</b><br><br>After his Senior Bowl performance, everyone knows about him now. If the Falcons go wide receiver in the first round, he's at the top of my wish list.<br><br>You may have noticed some missing names in juniors Tyron Smith, Aaron Williams, Rudolph, Jon Baldwin, Torrey Smith and Jurell Casey. I'm not saying the Falcons won't kick the tires on these underclassmen but the Falcons love drafting seniors. They've done so 92 percent of the time <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993318/2011-nfl-draft-atlanta-falcons-draft-tendencies-analyzed">so I'm going with the numbers here.</a></p> 2011 NFL Draft: DJ Williams, Luke Stocker Potential TE Selections For Falcons https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/22/2008410/2011-nfl-draft-dj-williams-luke-stocker-potential-te-selections-for FalconsTroy Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:47:16 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>For the past two seasons the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> have enjoyed the luxury of a future Hall of Fame talent at tight end. Tony Gonzalez has amassed 1,523 yards on 153 receptions and scored 12 touchdowns since arriving in Atlanta. He's been a tremendous asset for our young quarterback and although <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/1/16/1939279/tony-gonzalez-retire-retirement-atlanta-falcons-tight-end-15th-season">he's said he's coming back for his 15th season</a>, he won't be around forever. It's time the Falcons start looking for his replacement and I have a few ideas in mind. You can review the Falcons' potential <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/10/1986374/2011-nfl-draft-falcons-could-target-derek-sherrod-anthony-castonzo-to">offensive tackle</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993852/2011-nfl-draft-leonard-hankerson-ronald-johnson-potential-wr">wide receiver</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/17/1999245/2011-nfl-draft-mike-pouncey-danny-watkins-potential-og-selections-for">offensive guard</a> needs before diving in.</p> <p><b>2011 Draft Need:</b> Tight End</p> <p><b>Current Starters:</b> Tony Gonzalez (35 years old in 2011)</p> <p><b>Reserves:</b> <span>Robbie Agnone</span> (26), <span>Michael Palmer</span> (23), <span>Justin Peelle</span> (32), <span>Marquez Branson</span> (24)</p> <p>Agone and Branson haven't seen any game action as Falcons making it tough to judge their long-term prospects. Peelle caught 10 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown in 2010 and saw a lot of playing time in the two tight end sets Mike Mularkey favored but he's 32 years old and will be a free agent in 2012. I think he'll move on with Gonzalez after the 2012 season. Palmer appeared in 14 games - making one start - and caught five passes for 29 yards and one touchdown in 2010 and, at 23 years old, has to be the leader in the clubhouse for the starting tight end spot when the 2012 season begins.</p> <p>If the Falcons don't think Palmer is the future, here's some early round options from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/mocking-the-drafts-2010-top-100">Mocking the Draft's top 200</a> they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/2011-nfl-draft-tight-end-rankings">entire tight end rankings here.</a></p> <blockquote> <p><b>27. Kyle Rudolph | 6'6, 265 pounds | TE | Notre Dame </b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1-2 </i></p> <p>Injuries caused Rudolph to miss nine games at Notre Dame. There's not many scenarios I see that end with Rudolph in a Falcon uniform. He's an underclassmen who has an injury history and I know that worked out for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> with <span>Rob Gronkowski</span>, the Falcons likely can't afford to risk it.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: Gronkowski, Patriots</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><b> 54. <span>D.J. Williams</span> | 6'2, 250 pounds | TE | Arkansas </b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2-3 </i></p> <p>Concerns about his size have lowered his draft stock. He may not fit the physical blocking style the Falcons employ but he does hail from the SEC, <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993318/2011-nfl-draft-atlanta-falcons-draft-tendencies-analyzed">a conference the Falcons have loved.</a></p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Aaron Hernandez</span>, Patriots</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><b>59. Luke Stocker | 6'6, 240 pounds | TE | Tennessee </b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2 </i></p> <p>Good size but has a track record of being a casual route runner and doesn't grade out as a top blocker. His size may be too much to pass up though.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Leonard Pope</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a></p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><b> 105. Weslye Saunders | 6'5, 280 pounds | TE | South Carolina </b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 6-7 </i></p> <p>A gigantic tight end who could be a good fit for the Falcons' run-first offense. We loved <span>Alge Crumpler</span> in the past and this is today's version.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: Nobody. A mountain of a man at the tight end spot.</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><b>111. Cameron Graham | 6'4, 253 pounds | TE | Louisville </b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 6 </i></p> <p>A project with potential.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Kellen Winslow</span>, Jr.</p> </blockquote> <p>This is really a brutal class for tight ends and it wouldn't surprise me if the Falcons waited to draft one until the 2012 NFL Draft. That said, let's work our way through the choices. To start, we can take Rudolph off the board since he's a junior and the Falcons don't typically draft underclassmen. Williams may be a good option but I like Stocker a little better. Both played in the SEC but Stocker's size is the tipping point for me. He'd become a red zone threat right away in this offense.</p> Trey Lewis, Robbie Agnone Sign Contract Extensions With Atlanta Falcons https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/18/2001103/trey-lewis-robbie-agnone-sign-contract-extensions-with-atlanta-falcons FalconsTroy Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:33:54 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>It was <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/2/15/1995544/report-atlanta-falcons-not-using-franchise-tag-in-2011" target="new">announced earlier this week</a> the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> would not be using the franchise tag on any of their high-profile free agents this season but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing to sign the players they know they can. First <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984847/atlanta-falcons-free-agents-contracts" target="new">it was Coy Wire</a> and now <span>Trey Lewis</span> and <span>Robbie Agnone</span> have <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2011/02/falcons-sign-agnone-lewis/" target="new">agreed to extensions.</a></p> <p>Agnone didn’t see any playing time outside of the practice squad and Lewis only appeared in one game to cover for <span>Jonathan Babineaux</span>’s suspension. Neither player appears to have a direct impact on whether this team wins a Super Bowl or not but as <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/2/18/2000576/falcons-re-sign-trey-lewis-sign-robbie-agnone" target="new">Dave Choate of The Falcoholic</a> points out, “this is a team that values depth. Even if Lewis is the last guy on the depth chart at defensive tackle, he’s an insurance policy with some upside at a position where you can never have enough warm bodies. The fact that he’s talented enough to be more than that makes him a wise signing.”</p> 2011 NFL Draft: Mike Pouncey, Danny Watkins Potential OG Selections For Falcons https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/17/1999245/2011-nfl-draft-mike-pouncey-danny-watkins-potential-og-selections-for FalconsTroy Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:04:48 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>With as many as <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/1/18/1941096/2011-nfl-free-agents-atlanta-falcons">16 free agents* this offseason,</a> the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> are not short on tough decisions. This is especially true along the offensive line where they have three potential free agents in tackle <span>Tyson Clabo</span> and guards <span>Justin Blalock</span> and <span>Harvey Dahl</span>. Mix in 34-year-old <span>Todd McClure</span>'s expiring contract in 2012 and the offensive line we have come to know and love could be drastically different in a few short seasons. This bring us to today's position in our draft needs profile, offensive guard. You can catch up on the <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/10/1986374/2011-nfl-draft-falcons-could-target-derek-sherrod-anthony-castonzo-to">offensive tackle</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993852/2011-nfl-draft-leonard-hankerson-ronald-johnson-potential-wr">wide receiver options</a> before diving in.<br><br><b>2011 Draft Need: </b>Offensive Guard<br><br><b>Current Starters: </b>Blalock (28 years old next season), Dahl (30)<br><br><b>Reserves:</b> <span>Joe Hawley</span> (23), <span>Mike Johnson</span> (24), <span>Jose Valdez</span> (25)<br><br>If the Falcons are confident they can re-sign both Blalock and Dahl they would likely forgo this position in the draft but with the free agency period up in the air, it's smart to look at all their options. Here's some early round options from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/mocking-the-drafts-2010-top-100">Mocking the Draft's top 200</a> they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/2011-nfl-draft-guard-rankings">entire offensive guard rankings here.</a><br><br><b>26. Mike Pouncey | 6'5, 320 pounds | G/C | Florida</b><br><br><i>Projected round: 1-2</i><br><br>The top-rated guard on the board, Pouncey can play all three interior line positions and even played defensive line as a freshman at Florida. Great pedigree - his brother made the Pro Bowl this year with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> - and versatility make him a perfect fit (senior from the SEC) with the <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993318/2011-nfl-draft-atlanta-falcons-draft-tendencies-analyzed">Falcons draft strategy.</a><br><br>Closest pro comparison: <span>Todd Herremans</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a></p> <hr> <p><br><b>39. Danny Watkins | 6'4, 310 pounds | OT/G | Baylor</b><br><br><i>Projected round: 1-2</i><br><br>The Falcons like fully developed college seniors and there's not many guards in the more developed than the 26-year-old Watkins. He impressed at the Senior Bowl but he's already older than 60 percent of the guards already on the Falcons' roster.<br><br>Closest pro comparison: <span>Kris Dielman</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a></p> <hr> <p><br><b>48. Rodney Hudson | 6'2, 283 pounds | G | Florida State</b><br><br><i>Projected round: 2</i><br><br>Like Pouncey, Hudson has versatility to play multiple line positions but the knock I've read about him is his small size is ideal for a spread offense, zone-blocking scheme. He may not fit the physical, pound-it-ahead style of the Falcons' offense.<br><br>Closest pro comparison: <span>Ryan Lilja</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a></p> <hr> <p><br><b>62. Ben Ijalana | 6'4, 320 pounds | OT/G | Villanova</b><br><br><i>Projected round: 2</i><br><br>Played left tackle in college but it sounds like he's a better fit for guard. He missed the Senior Bowl with a sports hernia, and there are doubts about the talent he played against in the FCS.<br><br>Closest pro comparison: <span>Josh Sitton</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a></p> <hr> <p><b><br>95. John Moffitt | 6'5, 320 pounds | G | Wisconsin</b><br><br><i>Projected round: 4</i><br><br>Played alongside <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1992848/2011-nfl-mock-draft-gabe-carimi-lance-kendricks-falcons">fellow potential Falcons draft pick,</a> Gabe Carimi.<br><br>Closest pro comparison: <span>Adam Snyder</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a></p> <hr> <p><br>All five early-round guys fit the most important part of the Falcons' draft profile: They are all seniors. Pouncey is the obvious choice especially considering Atlanta flirted with drafting his brother, Maurkice, last season and his versatility means they would have McClure's replacement in 2012 sewn up. The labor negotiations will play a huge role in which blueprint Thomas Dimitroff and <span>Mike Smith</span> use in April but their actions will tell us a lot about their confidence in Hawley, Johnson and Valdez.<br><br>* We won't know officially which players are declared free agents until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is in place.</p> 2011 NFL Draft: Leonard Hankerson, Ronald Johnson Potential WR Selections For Falcons https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993852/2011-nfl-draft-leonard-hankerson-ronald-johnson-potential-wr FalconsTroy Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:21:34 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Two things we learned in 2010: One, <span>Roddy White</span> is really good at football. And two, the rest of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>' receivers are not quite at his level. While there may be <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/10/1986374/2011-nfl-draft-falcons-could-target-derek-sherrod-anthony-castonzo-to">more pressing needs,</a> you can bet the Falcons will at least kick the tires on a few receivers in this draft.</p> <p>Current Starters: <span>Michael Jenkins</span>, Roddy White</p> <p>Reserves: <span>Tim Buckley</span>, <span>Harry Douglas</span>, <span>Brian Finneran</span>, <span>Brandyn Harvey</span>, <span>Kerry Meier</span>, <span>Andy Strickland</span>, <span>Eric Weems</span> (FA)</p> <p>The Falcons have a lot of wide receivers options but the drop-off from White to Michael Jenkins is precipitous. An upgrade is definitely needed. Though perhaps the upgrade is already on the team. 2011 will be Douglas' second-year back from his knee injury and most experts believe that's when you regain all the strength and speed. Meier will also be healthy after having his rookie season wiped out due to injury.</p> <p>In case, Thomas Dimitroff and <span>Mike Smith</span> don't think the way I do, here's some early round options from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/mocking-the-drafts-2010-top-100">Mocking the Draft's top 200</a> they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/2011-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings">entire wide receiver rankings here. </a></p> <p><b>27. Torrey Smith | 6'1, 205 pounds | WR | Maryland </b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1-2</i></p> <p>Caught 61 passes for 824 yards and five touchdowns and was the primary kick returner averaging 25.7 yards per return.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Steve Johnson</span>, Buffalo</p> <hr> <p><b>55. Jerrell Jernigan | 5'9, 185 pounds | WR/KR | Troy</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2</i></p> <p>Multi-purpose threat rushed 40 times for 266 yards, caught 71 passes for 1,101 yards, averaged 23.0 yards per kick return and scored five touchdowns his senior year.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Jacoby Ford</span>, Oakland</p> <hr> <p><b>57. Ronald Johnson | 6'0, 190 pounds | WR | Southern California</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 4-5</i></p> <p>Hauled in 378 yards and three touchdowns on 34 catches while also averaging 20.3 yards per kick return.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Brandon Lloyd</span>, Denver</p> <hr> <p><b>60. Randall Cobb | 5'11, 190 pounds | WR/ATH | Kentucky</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2-3</i></p> <p>Combined 133 touches (rush/rec) in senior year totaling 1,020 yards and 14 touchdowns.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Jordan Shipley</span>, Cincinnati</p> <hr> <p><b>62. Titus Young | 5'11, 170 pounds | WR | Boise State</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2-3</i></p> <p>Caught 79 passes and 12 total touchdowns his senior year while rolling up 1,179 total yards.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Anthony Armstrong</span>, Washington</p> <hr> <p><b>82. Leonard Hankerson | 6'3, 215 pounds | WR | Miami (Fla.)</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2</i></p> <p>Caught 45 passes for 801 yards (17.8 average) and six touchdowns as a senior.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Miles Austin</span>, Dallas</p> <hr> <p><b>92. Niles Paul | 6'1, 220 pounds | WR | Nebraska</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 3</i></p> <p>Averaged just under 20 yards per catch for the Cornhuskers (40-796) and caught four touchdowns.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Anquan Boldin</span>, Baltimore</p> <hr> <p><b>94 Greg Little | 6'3, 210 pounds | WR | North Carolina</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 3-4</i></p> <p>Combined for 91 touches (rush/rec) and 890 yards with six touchdowns his final year as a Tar Heel.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: <span>Braylon Edwards</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a></p> <hr> <p><b>97. Vincent Brown | 6'0, 195 pounds | WR | San Diego State</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 3-4</i></p> <p>Made 45 receptions for 778 yards and six touchdowns in 2009-10.</p> <p>Closest pro comparison: Steve Smith, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a></p> <hr> <p>If we <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993318/2011-nfl-draft-atlanta-falcons-draft-tendencies-analyzed">follow the Falcons draft strategy,</a> we can eliminate Smith and Cobb as both are juniors and Atlanta has shied away from underclassmen. Of the remaining seven early round options, I think Hankerson is the best option. He grades out the best at Scouts, Inc. and anyone who saw him in the Senior Bowl knows what kind of player he can be.</p> <p>And I apologize to Tech fans but this is the kind of thing I'd love to see in the Georgia Dome.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hUezmvDik4A" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe></p> 2011 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons' Draft Tendencies Analyzed https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/14/1993318/2011-nfl-draft-atlanta-falcons-draft-tendencies-analyzed FalconsTroy Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:23:46 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Over the next two-and-a-half months I'll be previewing each position of need for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> all the way up until the 2011 NFL Draft. I <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/10/1986374/2011-nfl-draft-falcons-could-target-derek-sherrod-anthony-castonzo-to">kicked things off already </a>but before we move forward we need to take a look back. To accurately analyze which players Thomas Dimitroff and <span>Mike Smith</span> might select this year, it's important to understand what their previous tendencies have shown. I present the Falcons draft strategy analyzed.</p> <p>Beginning in 2008, the Falcons have drafted 26 players. Of those, 21 are still on the team. A success rate of 81 percent. I don't know what the NFL average has been but 81 percent seems like it'd rate pretty high.</p> <p>Defensive back has been the most popular position with eight selections in three years. In fact, DBs have accounted for 31 percent of all 26 Dimitroff-Smith picks. The next most popular position has been linebacker followed by defensive tackle. Reinforcing Atlanta's defensive deficiencies, 17 of the 26 draft picks - 65 percent - have been on the defensive side of the ball. The rest of the list follows.</p> <table border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Position</td> <td>Total # Drafted</td> <td>% of Total</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DB</td> <td>8</td> <td>31%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>LB</td> <td>5</td> <td>19%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DT</td> <td>3</td> <td>12%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>T</td> <td>2</td> <td>8%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WR</td> <td>2</td> <td>8%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>C</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DE</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>G</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>QB</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>RB</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>TE</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p>The Falcons have drafted only two juniors since 2008 and they both played for the University of Oklahoma. <span>Curtis Lofton</span> in 2008 and <span>Dominique Franks</span> in 2010.</p> <p>The most popular school for Falcons' draftees is a four-way tie between LSU (<span>Keith Zinger</span>, <span>Chevis Jackson</span>), Missouri (<span>William Moore</span>, <span>Sean Weatherspoon</span>), Montana (<span>Kroy Biermann</span>, <span>Shann Schillinger</span>) and the aforementioned Oklahoma Sooners.</p> <p>The current Falcons regime has preferred the SEC as their conference of choice with 23 percent (six players) of the draft picks coming from the Southeastern Conference. The full list follows.</p> <table border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Conference</td> <td># of Players</td> <td>% of Draft Picks</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SEC</td> <td>6</td> <td>23%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BIG 12</td> <td>5</td> <td>19%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ACC</td> <td>4</td> <td>15%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PAC-10</td> <td>4</td> <td>15%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BIG SKY</td> <td>2</td> <td>8%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BIG EAST</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>COLONIAL</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MOUNTAIN WEST</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SOUTHERN</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WAC</td> <td>1</td> <td>4%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p>Now that we have the basic structure down, we can start to build a profile. First criteria: the player is a senior. The Falcons have drafted 24 seniors to only two juniors. The two times they went for a junior it was an amazing talent (Lofton) or a player with huge upside who slipped in the draft (Franks). Barring those options, you can bet they'll stay to true to form and take a senior.</p> <p>All things being equal, the Falcons have leaned towards the SEC for talent. This, however, hasn't always been productive. Only three of six SEC-draftees are still with the team. The true goldmine for the Falcons has been the Big 12 with all five draftees still with the team. Mizzou and Oklahoma each have two players on the Falcons with Kansas holding the other spot.</p> <p>Interestingly, the one player who fits the "Falcons Draft Profile" the most was a player who is no longer on the team: Chevis Jackson. Jackson was a senior defensive back from the SEC, a Falcons wish list bonanza. The player that fits the profile the most this year - based on Scouts, Inc. ratings - is Ole Miss cornerback Jeremy McGee.</p> <p>Keeping these things in mind as we approach the 2011 NFL Draft could allow you to claim "Draft Expert" status when you predict who the Falcons will take this season.</p> <p>For more NFL Draft talk, visit <a href="http://mockingthedraft.com">Mocking The Draft</a>.</p> Would Franchise Tag Solve Harvey Dahl, Tyson Clabo Situation? https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/12/1989139/franchise-tag-harvey-dahl-tyson-clabo FalconsTroy Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:43:26 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zkZa6zda0qc-dKV_cIgBEkbjQk4=/0x194:467x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1674473/GYI0063058221.jpg" /> <figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Despite protests from the NFLPA, the NFL has told teams they can start using the franchise tag for 2011. Which Falcons might earn that designation?</p> <p>On Thursday, the NFL opened the doors for teams to begin using the franchise tag for the 2011 season. And while it <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e3cc63/article/application-of-franchise-tag-could-prove-to-be-merely-symbolic">may not mean anything if a new Collective Bargaining Agreement doesn't get done</a>, it does beg the question: Will the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> use the tag to keep one of their many unrestricted free agents?</p> <p>The Falcons have several key players without contracts and it will take some creative financial manuevering to bring them all back. The offensive line and running back position could see the most upheaval with <span>Tyson Clabo</span>, <span>Harvey Dahl</span>, <span>Justin Blalock</span>, <span>Jason Snelling</span> and <span>Jerious Norwood</span> all free agents in 2011.</p> <p>Assigning the franchise tag doesn't necessarily end negotiations. A team can use the franchise tag to protect the player from free agency and still work out a deal before the season starts. This is the tact the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> are taking with <span>Peyton Manning</span>. As <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e3cc63/article/application-of-franchise-tag-could-prove-to-be-merely-symbolic">Jason La Canfora points out,</a> many players were franchise tagged last season but only six players played the year as true franchise players.</p> <p>Before we get to the heart of the issue let's understand the details of the franchise tag. First of all, there are two types: exclusive and non-exclusive. The exclusive tag means the designated player is paid the average of the five highest salaries at his position in April of the current year (or 120 percent of his previous season's salary, whichever is greater). Players hit with the exclusive tag are not allowed to negotiate with other teams.</p> <p>The non-exclusive tag is similar in salary structure (though it's based on the previous year's averages) except it allows the player to negotiate with other teams while allowing the original team - the Falcons in this case - the right to match any offer. If a non-exclusive franchise tag player signs with another team, the Falcons would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. Basically any franchise tag designation - exclusive or non-exclusive - means the player isn't going anywhere until the team removes the tag.</p> <p>Let's try a real-world example. We'll use unrestricted free agent Tyson Clabo since he's the guy at the top of my "re-sign list". Clabo made $2.5 million in 2010. If the Falcons use the franchise tag on him they would need to pay him 120 percent of his 2010 salary ($3 million) or the average of the top five salaries for offensive lineman as of April 2011, whichever is more. This is where it gets tricky. Until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is finalized, we won't know what that number will be officially so we'll use the data from 2010. Last season, the cost to franchise an offensive lineman was $10.7 million. Wow! Outside of quarterback ($16 million) and defensive end ($12 million), offensive lineman were the most expensive position to franchise last year.</p> <p>Or let's try Jason Snelling. He made $1.6 million last season. An increase of 120 percent bumps him up to $2 million but the cost to franchise a running back in 2010 was $8.1 million so the Falcons would have to pay the higher cost to franchise the four-year pro. That'd be a nice little raise but it's not likely to happen for a backup running back.</p> <p>The high cost to franchise a player is the reason I agree with <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/18352/exploring-uncertainty-of-franchise-tags">Pat Yaskinsas of ESPN</a> who doesn't think the Falcons "really have a need to use the tag." He does point out that kicker <span>Matt Bryant</span> and punter <span>Michael Koenen</span> are longshot exceptions especially considering the Falcons used the franchise tag on Koenen in 2009. It would cost the Falcons upwards of $3.2 million to franchise Koenen though.</p> <p><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/2/4/1972086/a-falcons-discussion-who-might-the-team-franchise-in-2011">Dave Choate of The Falcoholic</a> thinks "the Falcons will strongly consider franchising Dahl or Blalock if they can't reach a deal," but he's quick to point out he's unsure which one they would prefer. Dahl earned the same $2.5 million that Clabo pulled down but Blalock only made $550k in 2010 so his chances of getting such a pay raise are very slim. The Falcons have to figure they can work out a free agent deal that makes much more financial sense than franchising either guy at such a steep price.</p> <p>There's also not a lot of urgency for the Falcons to use the franchise tag since any designation could be wiped away by a new CBA. And since free agents can't sign with other teams until a new deal between the owners and the players is reached, the only reason to use the tag now is to buy time until a new contract can be worked out with that player.</p> <p>It's reported that in addition to Manning other players who might be tagged include <span>Michael Vick</span>, <span>Vincent Jackson</span>, <span>Haloti Ngata</span>, <span>Tamba Hali</span>, <span>Richard Seymour</span>, <span>Logan Mankins</span> and <span>LaMarr Woodley</span>. You see a pattern with those names? They are all one of the best at their position and while I'm fond of Clabo, Dahl, Blalock, Snelling, Norwood and the rest of the Falcons' free agents, none of them are in the same class.</p> <p>In my opinion, Clabo is the most important unrestricted free agent the Falcons have but he's not worth almost $11 million a year and that's what using the franchise tag on him would cost Atlanta. I expect the Falcons to play the 2011 season without designating a franchise player.</p> 2011 NFL Draft: Falcons Could Target Derek Sherrod, Anthony Castonzo To Fill Offensive Tackle Need https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/10/1986374/2011-nfl-draft-falcons-could-target-derek-sherrod-anthony-castonzo-to FalconsTroy Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:28:36 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>The NFL Draft is over two months away which gives us lots of time to opine on the many directions the Falcons' front office may go with this year's rookie class. I'll offer up my position-by-position thoughts and choices on what the biggest needs are and which players are most suited to fill those needs. First up is the offensive line, specifically the tackle position.</p> <p>Current Starters: <span>Sam Baker</span>, <span>Tyson Clabo</span> (FA)</p> <p>Reserves: <span>Garrett Reynolds</span>, <span>Will Svitek</span></p> <p>Clabo has to be re-signed. He's been the best <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> lineman for four seasons now and it would be a huge loss to this team if he leaves. Baker isn't a fan favorite but he's played well enough to keep the job. This offseason creates an interesting dynamic if a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is not reached by March 4. Since there can be no free agency without a CBA, the Falcons could be making decisions about who to draft without knowing if Clabo will return.</p> <p>The Falcons went heavy on the interior line in the 2010 draft and will need to address the tackle position this season. Here's some early round options from <a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/mocking-the-drafts-2010-top-100">Mocking the Draft's</a> top 200 they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their <a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/pages/2011-nfl-draft-offensive-tackle-rankings">entire offensive tackle rankings here.</a></p> <p><b>20. Derek Sherrod | 6'6, 300 pounds | OT | Mississippi State</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1-2</i></p> <p><b>28. Anthony Castonzo | 6'7, 308 pounds | OT | Boston College</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1</i></p> <p><b>36. Gabe Carimi | 6'7, 315 pounds | OT | Wisconsin</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1-2</i></p> <p><b>41. Nate Solder | 6'9, 305 pounds | OT | Colorado</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1</i></p> <p><b>48. Tyron Smith | 6'6, 285 pounds | OT | Southern California</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1</i></p> <p><b>70. DeMarcus Love | 6'5, 315 pounds | OT | Arkansas</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 2-3</i></p> <p><b>72. Danny Watkins | 6'4, 310 pounds | OT | Baylor</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 1-2</i></p> <p><b>90. Lee Ziemba | 6'8, 310 pounds | OT | Auburn</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 4-5</i></p> <p><b>111. James Brewer | 6'8, 331 pounds | OT | Indiana</b></p> <p><i>Projected round: 4</i></p> <p>Of that group, Castanzo (so close to Costanza!) gets the highest marks from NFLDraftScout.com and he was <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/7/1979868/2011-nfl-mock-draft-nick-fairley-panthers-anthony-castonzo-falcons">SB Nation's choice for the Falcons</a> but it's Solder who has the highest Scouts, Inc. grade. Mocking the Draft's Mock Draft (yeah, that's right) has the Falcons taking Florida Guard/Center Mike Pouncey at No. 27 if they choose to forgo a tackle in the first round.</p> <p>I know there's some demand for a receiver - and we'll get to that soon - but for the first pick, establishing an offensive line that could see a lot of upheaval seems like the right move from the slow and steady Thomas Dimitroff-Mike Smith tandem.</p> Here's Why Matt Ryan And The Atlanta Falcons Will Win A Super Bowl In 2015 https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/10/1986219/atlanta-falcons-matt-ryan-philip-rivers-matt-schaub-eli-manning-jason-campbell FalconsTroy Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:22:54 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nJjDnwVpQqsq5jjJ-3YSREXvTAc=/0x196:460x503/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1676665/GYI0063061259.jpg" /> <figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The Atlanta Falcons hope they are headed towards a Super Bowl championship but let me explain why there's no need to be impatient.</p> <p>Instant gratification. It's the world we live in. We want what we want right away. And for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> fans a Super Bowl title is at the top of their wish list.</p> <p>And why not? The team not only overcame the consecutive winning seasons hurdle that plagued them for 43 years, they made sure the curse was broken with three winning years in a row. They have the regular season figured out too, winning more games than any other team in the NFC since 2008 (Only the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> have won more league-wide). NFC South crown? Check, they are the defending champions coming off a 13-3 record. So what's the hold up? True, they haven't won a playoff game in six years but what's stopping them from reaching the pinnacle?<br><br>My incredibly scientific, no-way-it-can-be-wrong answer is Matt Ryan isn't old enough yet. Let me explain. I wrote about this last year but it bears repeating. In the 45-year history of the Super Bowl, the average age of the winning quarterback is 29.7 years old.* Matt Ryan was 25 in 2010, almost five years younger than than the four-and-a-half decade average.<br><br>Obviously with any average there's exceptions at both ends of the spectrum. <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> (23), <span>Tom Brady</span> (24), Joe Montana (25) and Joe Namath (25) are case studies on the youthful side while Roger Staubach (35), Jim Plunkett (36), Earl Morrall (36) and John Elway (37 &amp; 38) provide examples on the geriatric side. Despite those outliers, the fact remains the average age is 29.7 for a reason.<br><br>Quarterback is the most difficult position to play in sports. The amount of information that must be processed both quickly and accurately is enormous. On a side note, plugging "enormous" into the online thesaurus gives a synonym of "barn door". I like that. I'm going to start using that in everyday conversation.  The Grand Canyon is barn door. There's a barn door amount of snow outside. Try it out. Let me know the results. <br><br>Where was I? Oh right. Quarterback is difficult. Even if a player is blessed with the physical attributes to play the position, some guys never figure out the mental aspect (see Jeff George). For this reason, it makes perfect sense most quarterbacks don't reach the promised land until they've been in the league 8-10 years.<br><br>Using this information, we are given a target date for Ryan to be fitted for his championship ring after the 2015 season (Super Bowl 49). Five more seasons before the Falcons are planning a parade. Can you wait that long? Some have waited 45 years for a title, certainly we can wait five more seasons if that's what history has shown.<br><br>Since we now know when the Falcons will be champs, let's look ahead to next year. Which quarterbacks are in line to win a Super Bowl based on my never-fail thesis? Let's check out the list of quarterbacks turning the magic age of 30 in 2011:</p> <ul> <li> <span>Philip Rivers</span> - The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> are always preseason favorites to reach the Super Bowl. Could 2011 finally be the year Rivers carries his team to a title?</li> <li> <span>Matt Schaub</span> - This would actually be a little painful. The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texans</a> have been up-and-down the past four seasons but Schaub is the right age if the former Falcon gets some defensive help.</li> <li> <span>Eli Manning</span> - One of the youngster with a ring at age 26 but could be heading for another one at the brink of 30.</li> <li> <span>Jason Campbell</span> - The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> won eight games thanks in part to an improved Campbell and <span>Trent Dilfer</span>, Mark Rypien and Jeff Hostetler all won Super Bowls so why not?</li> </ul> <p>For the impatient fans, I have some good news. The age of the Super Bowl winning quarterbacks is skewing younger. In the 1960s the average age was 31.0. In the 1970s it dipped to 30.0 before rising back up to 31.0 in the 1980s. In the 1990s it was 30.3 but it dropped all the way to 27.4 in the 2000s. The 2010 Super Bowl starts a new decade with the 27-year old <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> setting a new average. <br><br>This means if we use the most recent decade's average (27.4 in the 2000s), Ryan's date with the Lombardi Trophy would occur after the 2012 season. Only a two-year wait. Much more reasonable.<br><br>I say this not necessarily because I believe it (though there's merit to it) but rather so we fans can set reasonable expectations. This Falcons team is being built the right way and positive steps are being taken everyday. I am confident this team will win a Super Bowl. Just give it time.<br><br>* QB age as of December 31 of SB winning year</p> Coy Wire Signs New Two-Year Contract With Atlanta Falcons https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/2/9/2329500/coy-wire-signs-new-two-year-contract-with-atlanta-falcons FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:55:20 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Nine-year pro <span>Coy Wire</span> signed a two-year extension with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> Wednesday, the <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2011/02/making-moves/">Falcons' official site reports.</a> The financial terms were not disclosed but the deal keeps a solid special teams player and, from all accounts, a great locker room guy around for a few more seasons.</p> <p>Wire was originally drafted by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> in the 2002 NFL Draft and played strong safety before making the switch to linebacker. He joined the Falcons in 2008 and has played sparingly behind starting linebacker <span>Curtis Lofton</span>. His best season was his rookie year when he tallied 96 tackles and three sacks.</p> <p>The signing of Wire still leaves the Falcons with potential free agents <span>Stephen Nicholas</span> and Mike Peterson unsigned. Until there's a new Collective Bargaining Agreement players cannot become free agents so the Falcons (along with every NFL team) face a precarious decision of having to plan for the draft without knowing for sure what holes they'll have to fill.</p> Brent Grimes, Jason Snelling Get Atlanta Falcons RFA Tenders As NFL Lockout Looms https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984847/atlanta-falcons-free-agents-contracts FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:55:20 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8yTrs8AMhKbWHyeCA2gCDd9msq8=/0x170:540x530/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1584194/GYI0062867227.jpg" /> <figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The Falcons re-up Coy Wire, Trey Lewis and Robbie Agnone but part ways with Erik Coleman, Brian Finneran and Brian Williams.</p> Sporting News Names Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff Executive Of The Year https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984768/sporting-news-names-atlanta-falcons-gm-thomas-dimitroff-executive-of FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:17:54 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2011-01/sn-2010-nfl-awards/story/sns-nfl-executive-of-the-year-is-thomas-dimitroff-atlanta-falcons-gm">Sporting News named</a> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>' General Manager, Thomas Dimitroff, the NFL Executive of the Year. This award may seem odd to some since the moves the Falcons made this season weren't exactly earth-shattering (signing <span>Dunta Robinson</span>, drafting <span>Sean Weatherspoon</span>) but as described in the piece, this is more of a lifetime achievement award and from that aspect there's no question he deserves the award.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>Since Thomas Dimitroff became Atlanta's general manager in 2008, the Falcons have been to the playoffs twice and won more games than in any three-year stretch in team history. Solid drafts (Matt Ryan), trades (Tony Gonzalez) and free-agent signings (<span>Michael Turner</span>) have the Falcons set to be contenders for the foreseeable future.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>It's a terrific award to win and it shows the Falcons are in arguably the best hands in the league with Dimitroff and <span>Mike Smith</span> and as <a href="http://twitter.com/FalconsJAdams/statuses/35387421126295552">Jay Adams pointed out</a> the Falcons won Coach of the Year, Coordinator of the Year and Executive of the Year from Sporting News this season. That's incredible considering just three seasons ago this team was the<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/rankings/trended/_/name/atl/atlanta-falcons"> worst in the NFL.</a></p>↵<p>Dimitroff beat out <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> GM Scott Pioli and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> GM Mark Dominik for this honor and fans of the team have to feel confident with the leadership in place. Now it's time for it translate into playoff wins and Dimitroff knows the expectations are high.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>No question we have some tweaks to make going forward. We need to be more explosive in a number of ways. We were very low in the explosive play category on our offense. . The whole package, I'm very encouraged by where we are after three years. Encouraged but not satisfied. There's definitely a fire burning in my belly as well as Coach Smith's and (owner) Arthur Blank's. We have a lot more to accomplish to live up to our expectations.</p>↵</blockquote> Erik Coleman Officially Released By Atlanta Falcons https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/2/9/1984720/erik-coleman-officially-released-by-atlanta-falcons FalconsTroy Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:54:14 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>What was <a href="http://sbnation.com/e/1746830">rumored Tuesday</a> became official Wednesday when safety <span>Erik Coleman</span> was released by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2011/02/making-moves/">Jay Adams reports.</a> The Falcons found themselves set at the safety position with <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> at free safety and <span>William Moore</span> at strong safety and rookie <span>Shann Schillinger</span> adding depth. This meant Coleman, who had started every game since 2008 before suffering an injury in Week 1 against Pittsburgh, was a very expensive backup. Coleman was set to count $3 million against the salary cap in 2011, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/18396/falcons-make-roster-moves-2">according to Pat Yaskinsas,</a> so the Falcons chose to cut the seven-year veteran loose.</p> <p>In three seasons with the Falcons, Coleman amassed 229 tackles and caused seven turnovers. He'll be 29 in May so as long as there's a new Collective Bargaining Agreement he should find another team in need of his abilities but for now the Falcons will move forward with a younger, less expensive tandem in the defensive backfield.</p> Erik Coleman To Be Released By Atlanta Falcons, According To Report https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/2/8/2329438/erik-coleman-to-be-released-by-atlanta-falcons-according-to-report FalconsTroy Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:21:09 -0500 <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" /> </figure> <p>Seven-year pro <span>Erik Coleman</span> has played his last game as an Atlanta Falcon, according <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e372c1/article/coleman-likely-on-his-way-out-after-three-seasons-with-falcons">to a report from NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.</a> The report cites a league source saying Coleman is expected to be released by the team sometime Tuesday.</p> <p>Coleman, who had one more year left on his deal, joined the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> in 2008 and started 34 conseucitve games before getting injured in the 2010 season opener against Pittsburgh. <span>William Moore</span> took over and never relinquished the job.</p> <p>Coleman will be 29 this year and managed only 19 tackles in 12 games this season in a limited role. He was always considered a solid tackler but often found himself out of position in coverage situations. He'll no doubt latch on with another team but this move makes it clear the Falcons front office is confident with Moore, <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> and <span>Shann Schillinger</span> at the safety spots.</p>