Falcons make some moves after market settles

One slightly above average pick (Peterson); one average pick (Romberg). Nothing to get a fan excited. Tampa, Jacksonville, and New Orleans have all, on balance, upgraded considerably ahead of the Birds. TD better pull a couple rabbits out of the hat before this is all over. Right now no one would say we’re a stronger team than we were last year.

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I like both moves…I just hope we are not done. Without a doubt, Peterson is an upgrade over Brooking. We need some DL to help out next and maybe someone else in the secondary. Then I will feel much better about what the draft might bring us. We had a great draft last year, but it is hard to strike lightening twice.

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Yes, I’m happy with both moves, but clearly not overjoyed. The secondary needs big help, and I hope they’re not banking on the draft to upgrade this portion of the team. They’re still uner the salary cap=correct, so why not make more free agency splashes?

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Just remember, we can still re-sign Milloy, I don’t believe he’s signed with anybody else. As far as these two signings go, I see them as adding depth and that’s about it.

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These are moves a solid team does to strengthen an already great team. For us this does nothing to solidify a weakened defense and no realistic targets we can count on to get in the draft. A backup center,whoopee and another Jacksonville reject. Who’s next the receiver who just got busted Matt Jones. It used to be we were the VA TECH graveyard now we get the Jacksonville rejects. Very dissapointed so far and yes I was wrong about Ryan but jury is still out on OUCH I’M HURT AGAIN SAM BAKER and the others from this so called great draft last year. It was the free agents that got us as far as we did….that and a quarterback who could throw a short slant and not decapitate his receiver.

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Oh and stay the hell away from that crappy TE from Philly…Smith. All we need is another wimp sitting HURT? in a whirlpool.

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I’m happy they made the moves the linebackers got a good quality veteran as well as the offensive line. I think the falcons need to be more active in the free agent market, but i believe that the draft will help them in some of their needs.

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EXACTLY RIGHT Falconian! Building slow and steady. If anybody needed a change of scenery it was Peterson, he will be a HUGE upgrade over Keith Broken and Romberg gives us depth on the OL. clthurman you need to drink a big ol’ glass of chill the f*** out.

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The Falcons are doing what they need to do, slowly and methodically. They are getting help from the middle-level pool that does not break the bank. Yesterday, some idjit said they should have signed Haynesworth. For $100 mil+?! Thank God “he” is in charge of nothing more important than his sand box.
No, TD is doing a good job and with a couple of more small pieces + the draft he will solve the puzzle. The Falcons will be sound in 09!

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I like both signings a lot. Peterson guarantees that the LB corps is at the very least, as good as last year with the potential to be better. Romberg provides depth that is important and he has a lot of experience. Both of these moves will allow the Falcons to focus more on the Defensive line and secondary in the draft.

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Leon sorry to have scared you with my passion for all things Falcons. Peterson is a middle LB….we have one already..who is pretty good. I cant complain about Romberg just not really a need and any dollars spent away from our glaring needs seems well stupid. You cannot win in this league consistently without a good to great defense….you might get lucky one year but the teams that do well in this league consistently play good D…we do not. And we will not unless we upgrade with ready to play caliber studs. You don’t get those very often in the draft, especially as one as weak as this one is.

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Great pickup at linebacker,i would sign spudwebb to replace brooking.

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BARRY’s back! TELL EVERYBODY!

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I think the Evil genius of TD is gonna trade our #1 off to a team who is low on salary cap space and probably couldn’t afford to sign a #2, like Indianapolis, so then we pick up a 29th, 55th, 59th and 90th and prolly all 4 will be starters. People wont like it but I have a feeling by the time our pick comes around most of the people we would take would be off the board already.

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Nice Greg have “sex with a woman” I believe is your quote…would that be like a woman like you? If you want to debate what I said without getting personal then I’m fine with that. But if you are trying to show some type of clever humor then do a better job. Falcon Fans insulting other Falcon Fans ….yea that makes sense.

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D. MONEY: Falcons haven’t given us medical updates. We’ll have to get one on Trey when offseason workouts start this month.

BERT: Don’t think Milloy is an option. When a team issues a release and says they are not signing a guy, that usually means good-bye. . . you know, like forever.

WR: Wouldn’t overpay for L.J. But if he can still get up the field and catch the ball, he could be a nice weapon for Ryan. Problem is that they could get Jared Cook or Chase Coffman in the draft for a much cheaper price.

T.C.: Spud Webb at weakside. We know he’s fearless.

BARRY: Welcome back!!! ONE HEARTBEAT BABY!!!

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clthurman u are getting personal with your comments about FO and staff. I’m not sure u are a Falcons fan. I’ve followed them since 66 so I’ve seen everything. And I know that the moves they made last year were heads up above what the last group did. You still need to chill.

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DOL, do you think we might get Rodney Harrison to fill the gap while we groom our future SS.

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Greg, your comment is WTF? First off I am a Falcon Fan. I have in no way made any personal attack on the FO and staff. I am questioning their plans. And not their sexuality I might add either. So you have been a fan since 66 I respect the hell out of that…I have not for that long because I am not that old. I seem to remember other great starts we have had here and they have not ended well for us. So if I play the doubting Thomas to coin a phrase its because I care enough to not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. And Atlanta has not had a good track record. Fans who care want their teams to succeed, and not say all is well after just ONE SEASON…as a Falcon Fan you should know this. And again Greg…I would enjoy sex with a woman…what are you a parrot….I was in the porn business and ran a strip club as well…I have had more women than that little hand of yours has ever dreamt about…and still do.

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clthyurman this is different. It is only one season but these people are running an organization the way it should be run. And it is America and you have the right to be wrong. You are bitching about what the have done so far. Last year they made early moves when they needed to. This year there was no one there of need or financially that they needed. Wait until the season starts and criticize. Of all the years I’ve followed the Falcons, this group of people, fron the FO to the coachiong staff, gives me more hope than I’ve ever had for the future of this franchise.

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Bad teams make big splashes.The better the team .Tne smaller the splash.The teams that are consistent year in and year out.Are solid teams from GM/Owner to Physical therapist/towel guy.Everybody needs to do his/her job.If anyone in the league as FALCONFANS.We know what disfunction looks like.Dis Aint It

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Above all falcon fans the Falcons are signing based on their needs and also who fits into their style of play. I think at the osistion the Falcons are at in the draft, a real qualtiy player could fall at that 24 spot in the 1st round. maybe……. michael johnson….hmmmmmm

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Great additions. Over and over, you hear T.D. talk about how he loves players that can play multiple positions. That is clearly something he believes in. These guys both give you that flexibility, which is a great commodity. These are the solid players you need to build a foundation that will be competitive for years to come. Remember, it’s not all about next season with this regime…..they want to be good EVERY season. I’m liking it.

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D-Led,

I love the bow tie, but where are your glasses?

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peterson is going to start not back up anyone hes has always been a smith favorite and plays hard and fast and at 32 hes 4 years younger than brokings and hes always played hard and is a head hunter even after rios stupid move costing peterson six games he still lead jags in takles

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All I have to say, is that last time checked DL and LB’s don’t cover WR’s very well. I am more concerned about the secondary now after the Peterson signing. We have three holes on the secondary to fill. I am not sold on Von Hutchins, Chris Houston, Chevis Jackson, or David Irons to be the answer at starting CB position, and I don’t think Jamal Fudge and Thomas DeCoud are much more than special teamer’s. I hope the ofense is awesome this year, because our secondary is going to get burnt all year. Hope we can put up 56 a game, to give the sorry excuse of a defense some room for error!!

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Hey Y’all:

Glad to be back, but really I am resting and waiting for another great Falcon season. I got this weird feeling we are going to be in it to win it in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. Also, I am just rallying the fans in
“ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!” We FALCON FANS will be full force when the season starts. So, “GET READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!” WE ARE DOWN WIT THAT.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY.

“ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!!”

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Just a quick quesrtion do you think that Sean Jones would have been a great addtion to the franchise if he did not sign with another team???

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Your rgiht Deep South Falcon it looks like im not the only one who noticed that the conerbacks especially Chris Houston got scorched down the field most of the time. Unless they step up, the secondary is a huge concern for me.

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Was that the “real” Matt Winkeljohn on the previous page? Miss that guy. . .one of the best!

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safety roy williams would be a great help to our defense just look at his stats.before dallas went to a 3-4 scheme he was one of the top safetys in the game plus we need a safety that puts fear in a receiver coming accross our middle. Sign him and we could do alot of different things with that first pick

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I agree with clthurman. I don’t think falcons can just assume they can get a miracle corner like they did last year. I think the coaching staff is great–the falcons way overachieved because of great coaching. It would be nice to get some solid help on d that is not at the 99 cent store for free agents. I know the coaches are great and really good—they will draft well. But a repeat of anything close to last year draft would be lighting in a bottle twice. Maybe the falcons can finally break the curse . Lets get back to back winning seasons baby!!!!

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For all those questioning the secondary thank you…I have been taking a beating today from posters who feel I am to hard on the FO and staff. Deep South Falcon right on sir. There was not much at stopping the pass last year except for Foxworth and they didn’t have to go there much because Houston was getting toasted. Grimes is too small period. Jackson is a nickle back at best and who is Von Hutchins?

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Coach Smith has proved he knows how to build a great defence! Do some of you truly believe he has no ideal what to do about the secondary!! If foxworth was all that I’m sure he would have kept him! Let the facts speak for themselves, coach know how to build a defence!!

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Whatever webhead.

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Steve-o I am curious. Do you think Baltimore has had a good defense these past few years? Who paid Foxworth the big bucks? I trust Newsome for defensive schrewdness at talent jusdgement especially on the defensive side of the ball….after all he did pass on signing on Hartwell and how did that turn out for us. And if Foxworth was not “all that” then why go thru the trouble of getting him here and then letting him start. I gotta hand it to TD he got that guy for a 7th round pick…are you saying we will pick up the equivalent of Foxworth in this or even the next draft for sure. We had a good young corner with a giant upside …leave. They are not easy to find much less replace.

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I love it. Dmitroff is going to build this thing with the draft. SMART free agent signings like these give a team depth and versatility and flexability. DB’s will see at least 2 new faces via the draft. TE if LJ smith doesnt sign here and probably another LB. Good job Falcons.

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I agree totally, but all this guessimation by the blog experts just makes me laugh. You’ve heard the old phrase, “OPINION ARE LIKE_ _ _HOLES!” Bottom lines is that we all want OUR FALCONS to succeed no matter what talent gets brought in. There is the one little word we should all have – FAITH, that they do make the right decisions concerning personnel. I, for one thought letting Foxworth escape was a bad idea, but hey it happened. I think the concept the team is using is a great formula, get as many 2nd tier players who has been with other teams (most who’s accustomed to winning) and bring them in to help develop our younger players into buying into Coach Smith philosophy.

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GET ROY WILLIAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!! OUR DB’S ARE AVERAGE!!!!!!!!!

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The draft does not look too enticing for us this year; low round picks, hope TD can package something together. Unlike how GT coach Paul Johnson cannot package a polo that fits him correctly due to him being a loser.

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Hell yes clthurman! ; I think he is talking to you buc_wild1, the part about taking your faith and lackofneedforopioness of the blog; like coach Paul Johnson taking off his ill fitting polos that do not fit him because he is a loser.

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Could truly care less, it’s his opinion doodoobailey. And what”s with the GT mess, this is a Falcons blog. As for the blind faith, yeah leave it for the bible bandits, this is about FOOTBALL!

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oldbrave wrote: ” and at 32 hes 4 years younger than brokings and hes always played hard and is a head hunter”

Well, actually, if you look at the facts ‘petersons’ is only eight months younger than ‘brokings’ as you call him. So we let ‘old’ KB56 walk and then go out and sign a malcontent who is essentially the same age. Not to mention he plays MLB, and I think we can all agree we already have one of those that’s pretty good. Its funny how suddenly I don’t see anybody talking about “impact plays” anymore. LOL. Let’s see, petersons had zero forced fumbles, zero ints., 0 PDefs, and one little sack in 2008. And while KB56 was starting every game for the last three years, petersons was riding the pine for about one third of the games due to injuries and/or screaming at his coaches…Yep, heck of a pick-up for us.

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Well now we have only the draft realistically to get other players. The free agents that are left are there for a reason, and why bother with someone else’s trash. Let’s hope TD can find some hidden gems this year to start defensively,cuz the ones we have…will have a hard time even beating the Bucs this year.

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I went in favor for the Brooking exit, but I think we will miss him….
I prefer him than Peterson…

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Peterson fits with what the Falcon’s brain trust says they want to accomplish, namely he can help at more than one position. Is he a back up or a starter? From what I’ve seen of Smith so far I Don’t think it matters much. He rotates players faster than a hockey coach juggles lines. Peterson will get his uniform dirty and Smith trust him to get the job done. That’s good enough for me.

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clthurman, have you ever coached a strong NFL defence? Has coach Smith? I’m sure coach knows what he is doing. I’ve been through ups and downs with this franchise since the late 70’s, this is truly the first time I’ve felt confident about the direction of the team! Goog to be a Falcon fan isn’t it!!

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Not pursuing Sean Jones in FA and signing Peterson and resigning C. Davis means either:
A)
1st: Safety– Delmas, Western Mich. or Sean Smith, Utah.
2nd: DT – Ziggy Hood, Mizzou.
3rd: TE– Casey, Rice or Coffman, Mizzou

or

B)
1st: DT – Peria Jerry, Miss.
2nd: Safety – Rashad Johnson, Alabama
3rd: TE– Casey, Rice or Coffman, Mizzou

If Pettigrew is there at #24 (as many think he will be), should the Falcons take him? Ugh, though I think he’d be great, our defense is too thin right now not to put the first two picks on that side of the ball. I’m still on the Clay Matthews bandwagon at OLB, but our needs are greater elsewhere.

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steve’o….it’s “DEFENSE”….dumba$$. And work on your comma splices too.

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Amen!!!!

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Thanks doodoobailey for the spell check, spelling has always been a weakness for me. Is the coma better??

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Not sure how I feel about the Peterson deal. It provides depth and I guess he will be the “coach on the field” as Lofton and the LBs we draft next month come along. We WILL draft LBs for Wire and Peterson are not long-term solutions. As far as the draft goes, here are my picks: Rd #1: SS Patrick Chung; 2) OLB Marcus Freeman; 3)DT Roy Miller; 4) OLB Zach Follett. GO FALCONS!!!

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No problem steve””””’o, gotta go. It is a lot of fun having people type doodoo on their keyboards though, hahahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!! Bring back Audrey Bruce, YEAH COME-ON!!!!!

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Take care doodoobailey. God Bless.

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Good moves.

Foxworth woulda been nice to keep, but not at the salary he ended up getting.

I too am a 40+ year Falcons fan. I wouldn’t trade our owner, front office, or coaching staff, for ANY in the league. WE’VE GOT THE BEST OF THE BEST! I’ve NEVER BEFORE had that feeling. I’ll question NOTHING these guys do till they prove me wrong, and I DON’T see that hap’nin.

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I think picking up Peterson and getting rid of Brooking is a great move. It increases the number of black players in the starting lineup and decreases the number of white players. What is not to love? It is a win-win situation!

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Crabapplejoe, wow man you are unreal. Give it a rest.

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Hello VS2, whats going on man? Good info but coincidence, no. Falcons are moving in the right direction, but as I said, good info.

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FALCONS 2006 ATTENDANCE

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/attendance?year=2006

NOTE: THIS WAS MV7 LAST SEASON AND THE ATTENDANCE WAS 101 PERCENT AND 2008 IT DROPPED 12 PERCENT TO 89 PERCENT. THIS IS REALLY BIZARRE CONSIDERING THE 2006 TEAM FINISHED BELOW .500 AND THE 2008 TEAM FINISHED 11-5. ANOTHER COINCIDENT?

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Reno911, good analysis on how the Peterson signing affects the draft & NiteOwl good points about what exactly we do have and how they can contribute. For me, this definitely puts me at ease somewhat because I was worried about all the starters we lost: SS,CB,2 OLB, DT, & TE. I think its safe to say that, if TD drafts good which we assume he will, you can get solid starters through round 3, but moving into round 4 is a little of a crapshoot.

Knowing Peterson has cross-trained and can play an outside spot has calmed my nerves about our defense a great deal. Having Wire, Nicholas, and now Peterson competing for 2 spots @ OLB can produce some good quality. If nothing else he can bridge the gap adequately enough and more athletic, younger than Brooking, giving us another year of drafting. Simply can’t fill all those holes through the draft.

I also believe our secondary is not in as bad of shape as many think, assuming Von Hutchins can return to form. The key then comes to David Irons and if he can finally elevate to being steady enough to play well in dime coverage.

I’d be shocked if we sign LJ Smith now. We filled one of our key spots and now can focus on SS, TE, DT, & CB. Assuming we don’t sign LJ Smith the key comes down to which is more important/which is deepest in the draft. SS & TE are a given to be drafted in the top 3. The question basically goes to who can step up the quickest or has the most potential: Trey Lewis @ DT or Chevis Jackson @ CB?

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im with doodoobailey sign roy williams and we would have plenty options with those 1st three picks

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falcon21 wrote: “Crabapplejoe, wow man you are unreal. Give it a rest.”

I notice you did not address the “playmaking” stats our new LB put up last year….you just attack the messenger not the message…..I didn’t make up the stats, they’re from NFL.com. I have heard over and over how KB56 did not make any ‘impact plays’…yet, when I point out the fact that our new mediocre LB that everyone is drooling over had no impact plays, nobody wants to talk about it…curious isn’t it?

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Maybe its me, but is DeCoud seriously being considered to be a starter in the secondary? I guess I just missed him playing, but if he’s ready to step in, then all the better.

Cutter, I like your potential draftees, but do we still look at OLB first since we just added Peterson? It would make sense only if they don’t think Wire or Nicholas is good enough mid-range term. Or you might be right simply because the top-end is so deep at OLB.

I do know I can’t wait until the draft. I could see us drafting OLB, DT, or TE before SS in the first round. SS just doesn’t seem that deep or talented in the top-end. I mean, is there really that much difference between Delmas and Rashad Johnson? I’m scared to death of William Moore. How do you totally drop off the cliff and disappear from one season to the next?

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D3: now that was some thorough analysis. Good question on Lewis vs. C.Jackson.

I think Chevis is quick, fast, tenacious, and also a fast learner. I don’t think it’s a question of “if” but “when.”

Trey was really starting to break out when he got hurt. If he’s healthy, he’s the real deal right now.
I truly believe our coaches don’t get enough credit for being able to take a guy and put him through OTAs, training camp, and the preseason, give him a role in the scheme, and really get the most out of him in that role.

They did that with so many guys last year, starting at the top with Matt Ryan and continuing on through the whole offensive line, defensive line (especially Babineaux), Lofton, and even our special teams. Another offseason of work means that much more progress.

Yulee, thanks for the insight on Peterson. TD looks at the whole body of work; we didn’t base Sam Baker on his senior season alone, which was a good move.

Enough of my yakkin. Let’s boogie! (Sorry, Spinal Tap reference.)

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Can someone explain the hoopla of signing a 10-yr linebacker (Peterson) when we already had a 10 yr linebacker (Brooking)? Why did we get rid of Brooking? And don’t tell me Peterson is an upgrade – his stats don’t even come close to Brooking’s, and he was benched on a crappy Jacksonville team.

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different people perform better under different schemes. All im saying is look at his stats in a 3-4 compared to a 4-3. Multiple pro bowls many interceptions and the hardest hitter atl would have had since jessie tuggle plus the guy is only 28 years old.With our current roster who in the hell is going to scare any receiver from coming accross the middle or better yet who do we have that the opposing qb is going to fear? My money is on roy

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Oh, one more thing and then I gotta fly the coop:

Crabapple Joe, I am already fired up for the season. I’ve been a fan since I was a wee lad and I think we finally have the right stuff to make a consistent winner—finally!

I look forward to staying in touch with you throughout the season to see how Peterson pans out.

I hope you are wrong, but I’ll give you your due if you’re right.

If he’s a bust, I’ll wear a Cowboys Keith Brooking jersey every Sunday during next offseason and change my screen name to NiteChicken (terms subject to change without notice).

If Peterson does the job, you have to wear a Peterson jersey and change your screen name to Silk Spectre.

Seriously though, I loved Brooking. He is a class act and gave his all for this franchise. That said, I do agree with the decision to let him go.

As for your stats, I’ll say this: when they help me, I’ll quote them all day. When they don’t, I’ll say there’s lies, damned lies, and statistics.

All in good fun, my man. Respect to you and all Falcon fans. Remember, the true enemy is the Buccaneers. We owe them a lot of payback.

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I hear ya Joe. Guess we’ll find out. I think Peterson is perceived as a harder hitter, better cover guy, etc. Just in the mix more and a little more disruptive.

Over his career he has had impact stats, and they’re looking at last year as an aberration.
Also, he is one of Coach Smith’s guys, so I don’t see attitude being a problem. I think the dustup with Del Rio was frustration (and overreaction) at a crappy season by both coach and player. Don’t see it happening with Smitty.

Heard Peterson on the radio this afternoon and he sounded ready to get after it and prove himself.

Have a good one. I need the draft to start, like, tomorrow. Can’t wait. (Not to mention the season.)

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So? First pick in the draft? If they are content to go into the season with Houston/Hutchins/Chevis/Irons at CB, then maybe they pass up some of the CB talent? Safety looks like the biggest hole, but there’s not a clear first round talent there. If they believe in Trey Lewis do they pass on Peria Jerry? Another LB? Or maybe they go with Pettigrew (I can’t believe they would do that when Cook or Nelson could be around by the second pick)

Does the Peterson signing mean they probably won’t pick a guy like Matthews, Cushing or Sintim with the first pick?

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You got it, D. Thanks and glad to hear the good news.

Nice to know I’m not the only one who never sleeps.

Hawesg, for whatever my two cents are worth (I know you were probably addressing DOL), I’m really curious about the first pick.

We know TD says need and scheme instead of best player available. Other than that, I don’t have a clue. If you’re thinking 5 and 10 years down the road, we still need a lot.

I think the only positions we don’t look to upgrade with a first-round talent are QB, RB, LT, and MLB. To me, every other position is fair game because we are looking so long term.

I believe in our roster “as is” to handle 2009, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see our first-rounder sit a year or two, then start for ten years.

We might get a TE or safety that starts right away, but other than that, I think he sits. Maybe I’m loco.

Good night and good luck.

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NITEOWL: Good night!!!

CED BLACK!!!: Glad to see some of my Packers folks checking in. The Birds have done well up in the Dairyland. Roddy White definitely wants to come back! He got it all in — in the the first half — last season. Tell the Packers to stop that Lambeau Leap stuff. Act like they’ve been in the endzone before!!! (Ced, you coming down for the ACC tourney or what? Rolling with the Memphis Tigers again? Our boy Rod Strickland still coaching with Coach Cal?)

NCAA TOURNEY TIP: WATCH out for those CLEVELAND STATE VIKINGS!!! Where’s Mouse McFadden, Clinton Ransey, Clinton Smith and Kevin Mackey? Bobby Knight was never the same after getting Moused by the Vikings in 1986!!!

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let have a all white NFL pro team in Atlanta folks that would surly shut the mouths of some of these racist naysayers who are never happy with any black player that the falcons recruit on their team . It would seam that these peoples would be well over the Micheal Vick syndrome . I like both of these player . The falcons can now fill in the blanks with the up coming draft.

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Come on man, pull your head out of your butt Scott. Not every disagreement or disapproval is racially motivated, if people like you stop blaming race for problems and quit giving racist people someone to “get a rise” out of then, they will eventually stop. Let it go…

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I love the moves nothing crazy that could come back and be a salary cap killer. Peterson is a huge upgrade over Brooking and Roomberg gives us experienced depth at the O-Line. You don’t win super bowls in free agency just look at the wonder boy Dan Snyder.

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100% correct Lawrence!

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Jim, great point about Peterson being a “bridge” to the next LB. I’m very curious with what we do with the first pick as well. I starting to think its going to be OLB, DT, or CB. The only reason I think it may be an OLB is due to the enormous depth of top-end talent at LB. Between Cushing, Matthews, Orapko(sic), English, and Maybin, it might be too hard to pass on them, even though English & Orapko are considered 3-4 fits.

I just don’t think its going to be SS. There just is no standout talent worth a 1st round pick, IMO. Delmas maybe, but if you could someone like Cushing, Matthews, Ziggy Hood, or Peria Jerry, then pick up a solid SS in the second round like Rashad Johnson or Patrick Chung.

I also think (and hope) that we could get a solid TE like Jared Cook or Shawn Nelson in the 3rd, maybe wishful thinking.

Would you rather have:

A)Peria Jerry/Rashad Johnson — Clay Matthews/Patrick Chung

or

B)Louis Delmas/Ron Brace

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Didn’t we get Abraham in free agency? Free agency is a good thing unless you do abuse like the Raiders and Redskins….there just wasn’t much quality out there this year. At least not in the needs we currently have. A TE definately can be had in this draft and be a quality pick although at our spot in the first round we do not need to go there. 3rd round I am guessing. Man those USC linebackers would be nice to snag at least 1, although Matthews at number 1 is too high despite me personally thinking this guy will be in the league a long time and be a quality get. It looks like unless TD has something up his sleeve and trades up…which I doubt for the BC Beast….God I really have no idea what else is there worth that 24th pick…i do know that no secondary person that would be reasonably thought to be there is worth a 24th. I guess we will overpay someone unless we get one of those linebackers.

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Let’s see, at LB we’ve got Peterson, Lofton, Nicholas, Wire, oh yeah and that guy that Lofton JUST BARELY beat out to start MLB last year, Tony Gilbert. Either Peterson or Gilbert could occasionally spell Lofton at MIKE. Peterson could start at WILL and Gilbert would do much better that Boley at SAM. Next move should be to sign Roy Williams and Orlando by God Pace!!!!! Nothing against Clabo, but he is no Orlando Pace. Justin Peele will do just fine at tight end. Any move at that position would be spinning wheels and wasting opportunities. At CB, David Irons time will come.

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Nice list Kenny. Man, after looking at that list I think we could grab a steal in the 4th round @ CB. A Sean Smith in the 3rd/4th or even an Asher Allen in the 5th would be a great pickup. It just comes down to which they think is more ready/which one has long-term potential, Chevis Jackson or Trey Lewis? SS & TE are a given to be in the top 2 out of 3 drafted. Which is more of a pressing need, CB or DT?

Mars, good points. As far as Tony Gilbert is concerned, I don’t know how well he would translate to OLB after watching him first hand when I was at Georgia. He was a great MLB, but he lacked the speed to be effective on the outside. Agree with you on signing a free agent TE, Peele is a servicable pass-catching TE, but I think we should upgrade in the draft.

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Trust the system everyone and just chill out. Only thing I have to add is the mentality that Milloy and Brooking were actually good players last year. Did you guys even watch the 2008 season? Milloy is old, slow and cannot make plays down the field (ex. the Cardinals game). I have much respect for Brooking, but at this point in his carrer he is unable to even cover a fullback in the open field (Some weakside linebacker). I think everyone should sit back and watch the magic of TD as he leads our dirty birds to the promise land in 2009.

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They both went to UGA Gilbert was brought in when Taylor got cut.

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Damn. I miss Wyche.

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D-Led,
Having known you for 30 plus years,I can honestly say you have become quite a snazzy dresser! Love the Bow Tie!One question: Is there another D-Led uncensored and off the hook book in the works.Your loyal fans in C-Town,Milwaukee and the ATL want to know.Keep writing what people think, but are afraid to say!

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What is the deal with Pettigrew police assault charge in Feb of 08? Is this a red flag plus forty time?? Can he stretch the defense?

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Cutter, I can not figure out why Roy Miller is rated that low; he had better college numbers at Texas than Glenn Dorsey had at LSU. And he was a force in the middle, disrupting the line and creating many chance opportunities for a good Texas line. And I’m not even a Texas fan? I do not feel good with the first pick being a TE with so many needs on “D”.
I like Pettigrew but I think we could steal Nelson in the third. I also think that the experience gained by Brent Grimes last season will only help him to improve as a corner…don’t give up on him. Houston, on the other hand, I think is entirely too wreckless. GO FALCONS!!

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I love Reno911’s comments on defending against the run especially when you consider the division in which we play. TE is not the critical need most think it. This draft must be about the defense…no doubts!! Roy Williams can not cover that is why he is a liability at this time. Patrick Chung, Courtney Greene, or Otis Wiley offer the versatility we need at safety; Marcus Freeman or Clint Sintim the physical nature and flexibility we need at linebacker; Roy Miller ot Terrance Knighton, the big, physical interior presence to clog the middle. GO FALCONS!!

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I think you said he[L.J. agent] said call him the next day. Well did you?

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Big Ray- I guess one of my concerns would do we use our 1st pick to get this guy who may have some issues or do we improve our defense and still have the ability to pick up a very good tight end down the line in a Shawn Nelson or Jared Cook among others.

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What the blankety-blank happened to Tony Taylor? No news on the web.

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I really trust that TD knows what he is doing. We can’t spend freely. I think that Roddy will be a free agent in 2009 and will demand top dollars.

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D3- That is why I believe you draft OLB in the 1st round if you don’t your choices will be guys like Marcus Freeman who at under 6′1 might have a tough time I see him more as a MLB or Tyrone Mckenzie who may be a project,(4.78) forty time but both are good linebackers I just think a Clay Matthews Jr. or Brian Cushing have alot of upside and can play right now.

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Yeach Cutter, completely agree. No way we should pass on Cushing if he drops. The question would be do you take Matthews @ 24 or do you pick a DT, SS, or TE and pray he falls to the second round? I if we drop past Matthews, Maybin, and English, then might as well just try to find value later, say around 4th or 5th.

1)OLB/ 2)SS/ 3)TE/ 4)CB/ 5)DT —- Goes back to the Chevis Jackson v. Trey Lewis argument. Which is a higher need: CB or DT. You can actually go a little farther and see which has more solid depth: is Von Hutchins, David Irons, & Brent Grimes as solid as Jason Jefferson & Kindal Moorehead? I personally think that Chauncey will beat out Jamaal Anderson and they will move him inside. If you just look at the last two years production, Chauncey wins in a landslide.

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Big Ray,

I’m right with you on Delmas. Somehow he is the same size as Rashad Johnson, but doesn’t get the lack of size critique. I would rather take a chance on Patrick Chung and William Moore in the 2nd or 3rd. William Moore scares me because he totally disappeared this year after having an All-American year last year (I could have it backwards, but I know he totally went off the radar one of those years).

In with you on OLB, if don’t take one with the first pick I’d be a little upset if we picked ANY SS in the first round. If we don’t go OLB with #24, than I say Pettigrew, Hood or Jerry. You’d have to believe that one of them would be available. I think it might be me, but I’m just not in love with this years top-end CB crop. I think they would be great 3rd or 4th round pick-ups, but I would pass on them in the first or second round. I just will find it hard to fathom that we would pass on Cushing, Matthews, or English. BTW, is Larry English that much of a specific fit for the 3-4, because I am not hearing anyone mention him.

I might be wrong, but I think Tyson Jackson is a DE, not a DT. Great rappin’ with you guys.

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the DBs are only as good as the DL!

the line gets better, then our DBs will be as good as any……

that said, obviously we’re not through with “the building”

still under constuction (afterall, this is the ATL)

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If brookings had been doing his job who knows we may have been playing pitt in the big dance hell yes pete is a good pickup now too be honest i,m sick of norwood tiping in the back field my 15 year old could him lets give 44 a try sometimes and we do need a sure hand vet reciever and a corner but lets just chill and see what our staff will do number 1 fan from the mac town

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Funny how almost everyone wanted Brooking gone. Now that he is and we signed a replacement everyone’s still complaining… classic! Peterson has more game left than KB does and that’s really not disputable if you’ve watched them play the last 2 years.

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We should have gone after Sean Jones great player who lives here and wanted to come home. We have to make smart choices and shore up our defense. I wish people would think football not race Brookings was a good player but age has caught up with him, he got beat 9 of 10 times in every passing down. Coach I am with you speed up the pace.

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I haven’t been able to read all of the posts the last few days, but you guys have been doing some serious in depth analyzing, and that’s really good to see. I like the FA signing and I understand the last 2. Peterson is known for being a physical type of LB, which wasn’t Brooking’s strength. He adds the same versatility and leadership qualities that Brooking brought, and likely at a cheaper price. C TMcClure is the senior member of the OL, by a wide margin, and having a vet replacement for the most important OL position is vital.

I still believe we will draft a CB with our 1st pick. If we resolve our DL problems, especially against the run, we won’t need a SS with LB run stuffing abilities. We’ll need a more versatile SS that can read and react. None of us knows enough about SS’s Fudge or McCloud to say neither is capable of getting the job done within our DEF scheme. There are certainly enough big, strong granite type DT’s in this draft for us to get what we need in a lower rd. The key is whether DT TLewis will be back at full strength, and/or if a stud like Jerry or Raji falls into our lap.

Except for DT and CB, I see us drafting for depth. With LB’s CWire and SNicholas already on the roster, and the signing of Peterson, I don’t see LB being a higher priorities than CB. I feel the same way about SS, with Fudge and McCloud available. The draft if filled with large, strong, hard to move DT’s like the ones Smith had when he was the Jaguars DC.

The level of talent usually drops far more drastically among CB’s, after the 1st rd, than the level of talent among LB’s, safeties or DT’s. THESE ARE MY REASONS FOR BELIEVING WE WILL DRAFT A CB WITH OUR 1ST PICK.

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I may be wrong here but Peria Jerry is more in the mold of Babineaux… smaller, penetrating DT. I think he only goes 285-290 or so. We need a mauler.

Weaknesses: Does not possess ideal bulk…has just average strength…too inconsistent in his technique and can get too high…just a bull rusher at this point…needs to improve his strength versus the run…struggled academically and with injuries…an older prospect…probably limited schematically…played with a top notch defensive end next to him

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hawesg — Mike Smith is a 4-3 guy all the way. No way we are going to a 3-4. Heck… we don’t have enough LBs to do it.

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I initially liked the Peterson signing until I checked out his stats and compared them to Brooking’s stats. Looks to me that we took a step down. All you Brooking haters, check it out for yourselves!

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I believe you build from the inside out if not OLB then DT. If you have a choice between Hood or Matthews Jr. its tough. Jerry doesn’t fit in my opinion and yes I am a little leary of Cushing, I heard somewhere that he uses $1000 plus worth of vitamins and supplements a month…has he topped out??? I don’t see corner though I mean who stands out that will be there at 24? Either you draft a guy who can hit the field and play right now or you take someone with huge upside, Mike Peterson is here for a purpose I hope…and it is to build for the future. Matthews Jr.

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Huh- If anything its a step sideways Peterson leads in sacks and interceptions and Brooking did come in one year earlier. Hey they tried to sign Brook he didn’t bite Peterson did… move on.

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HUN-You can’t always use stats to judge the ability of certain players. If Peterson played in fewer gms, or on a DEF with a strong DL, it stands to reason he’d have fewer tackles than Brooking, who atarted every gm and played behind a very pourous DL. It’s like saying that last yr LMalloy was one of the best SS’s in the NFL because he had so many tackles. Is there anyone on this blog that would say former CB Dion Sanders wasn’t the best cover CB in the NFL during his prime? Yet, he never led the NFL in interceptions or passes defended because teams were afraid to throw in his direction. He simply got fewer opportunities.

Obviously our HC, DC and GM didn’t think signing Peterson was a step backward or sideways, and Smith has coached both Brooking and Peterson. I’ll trust their judgement in this matter.

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Well said Ken, there are several angles to football to look at and you seem too know all of them. Dion was the best cover I have ever seen. And as far as stats, it depends on the players around you. If you have a great D. your numbers will be limited. As far as Peterson, I think he is a good pickup and probably better than what we had and he is more aggressive.

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D3-your comment about CB’s reminded me of something I had forgotten about. Although we recently made the possibility of signing TE Smith a big issue, we still haven’t signed a TE. With our LB situation all but settled, and if our coaches feel confident in our CB’s and SS’s stepping up, we just might see Dimitroff pull the trigger on TE Pettigrew with our 1st pick. He seems to be the best all around TE in the draft and the best fit for what the Falcons want, with the emphasis on being equally effective as a blocker and pass receiver.

Trust me, if we get an effective and consistent pass rush, especially from our front 4, the CB’s and SS’s we already have on our roster will be more than adequate to get the job done. If we don’t get improved run DEF, and an improved pass rush from our DL, it won’t matter much who plays SS, LB or CB. No DEF can be effective against the pass if they have to constantly bring their safeties and LB’s up to defend against the run if their DL gets consistently beaten at the line of scrimmage.

Rushing teams didn’t hurt us much running the edges because both DE’s JAnderson and JAbraham played the run very well. We got killed inside because DT GJackson had no quickness, lateral movememt(couldn’t chase the play down the line) or recovery ability(he couldn’t recover if he went down, or couldn’t effectively change direction). That forced both the LDE(JAnderson) and RDT JBabineaux to cover more ground than normal to compensate. The addition of DT TLewis will improve our interior DEF and our overall DEF tremendously. Our DEF gave up a lot of rushing and passing yardage, but few pts by comparison. If we cut down on the yardage allowed we cut down on opposition scoring opportunities, which correspondingly improves our scoring DEF.

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Meant to say I HAVEN’T seen English play, typo.

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Ken,

Ha ha! Pettigrew has a way of screwing up your thinking all the way around, doesn’t he? Just when you think you’ve got yourself centered on defense, back you go. Pulling the trigger on this guy means gambling on a couple of things, I think. 1) That the guys you have come season’s star will step up and outperform what you ran with last year, and 2)That you’ll still be able to get quality defenders in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, and 5th rounds.

D3,

English is listed as a DE/LB. He’s a big fellow. Yeah, that’s why he’s considered a 3-4 guy if looking at him as a ‘backer. However, they’re also hinting that he may be able to play some DE on a 4-3…perhaps. I mean, at 274, he’s got enough size…

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We may have some good sleepers around in the middle rounds. Found this on Football’s Future.com-

DT Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.
Gilbert as a solid defensive end for the Spartans during his first two and a half years in the program, but his game took off with a shift inside to tackle. He had 20 tackles for loss and 12 sacks through his junior year, while playing as a good sized end. His shift inside full time as a senior led him to a breakout season in which he finished with an amazing 22.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Gilbert has tremendous first step quickness and can just leave the offensive lineman standing as he blows by him into the backfield. He is good athlete, with quick feet, and the speed to finish the play off. He is active and uses his athletic talents to consistently wreak havoc in the backfield. Gilbert has very good natural strength but he may need to pack on some more pounds to better handle engaging players that currently outweigh him by nearly 30 pounds. That light build and not facing the best talent on a game to game basis may keep Gilbert in the middle rounds but he could have an impact much greater than that once he gets on to the field in the NFL.

See Also: CB Jackie Bates, Hampton

DE Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond

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Jarron Gilbert is the youtube guy, nice measureables on him possibly a 3-4 end. I for one have never been crazy about the smaller corners out there the 5-8 and 5-9 guys just seem to be a liability in the run game and I believe it all starts with the run game, I think cover 2 schemes like the bigger corners i.e. Foxworth, Jackson.

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Interesting point, VS2. Has anyone looked to see how season ticket sales have done for the Leavenworth Penitentiary Intramural Flag Football team the last two seasons? If they’ve spiked, then you’ve got confirmation for your implied hypothesis. Well done.

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If you’ve made the decison to go with a DB with your first pick, why not trade down a few notches into the late 1st or early 2nd? Delmas or Sean Smith will still be there. Then you might move up enough to grab a better player in the 3rd round. Also, I don’t think Ron Brace will last out of the second round. I’d rather pick Shawn Nelson in the 2nd Rd than Pettigrew in the 1st, providing you can really fill a need on defense with that first pick.

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Interesting question, cutter. There’s an OLB out of BC, Mark Herzlich, who looks like he can play and will probably be a late 1st or 2nd rounder in 2010. THe Walterfootball.com site has him going to the Falcons in at #25 their 2010 mock (I think the Falcons will go 8-8 or 9-7 and pick earlier, though.) It’s a possibility, if the Falcons have a season like that and pick around the middle of the pack (14-18), then TE Jermaine Gresham might be there (out of Oklahoma). Not sure if he can block at all, but he’s a great pass-catching/YAC athlete. Anyway, back to Herzlich, I couldn’t help but notice him last year when, with some help from BJ Raji, he seemed to singlehandedly kill my team (Wake) with one (maybe two??) INT for TD’s. He paints his face a la John Randle, does the mo-hawk “look at me, I’m scary” thing, but he’s a good player.

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Right on. I plead complete ignorance on all things DB (as opposed to partial ignorance on everything else), and have never been able to see when DBs are doing the right thing or not (maybe I was scarred at an early age when I watched in horror while the 49ers threw five TD’s in ONE game on, around, and over Charles Dimry, possibly the worst-played game by a Falcon DB in history.) I hope that the Falcons’ young DBs have a lot of upside (DeCoud, Fudge, Hutchins, Grimes), but I honestly have no idea. I always tend to think that if we have a great front seven (or even a great front four), then DBs start to look better and better. well said, though.

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Reno 911- I like Mark Herzlich OLB he’s a big kid 6′4 240. Depth wise I don’t see alot though as far as 2010. And Gresham already has more TD’s than any other TE in OU history and stayed in school which says something if he had come out this year he would be a 1st round pick. I keep thinking about those compensatory picks for next year they will come in handy to move up.

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Stellar point, again, VS2. And since you brought up dogs…

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Every mock draft that has us taking a CB has us taking the CB out of Vanderbilt, so I checked him out. He’s listed at about 5′9′ which, in my opinion, makes him a virtual replica of what we already have in CB Bret Grimes, who started for us last yr until he was injuried. As important as acquiring a complete TE is to our OFF, if we’re going to take a CB, he’s got to be head and shoulders above what we already have in BGrimes, CJackson and VHutchins. I don’t know enough about what’s available to say that’s the case. I haven’t heard anyone say there’s a Dominique Rogers-Chromarte type in this yrs group.

It’s not inconceivable that Dimitroff might feel a TE upgrade at #24, would be easier, and more beneficial in the long run, than trying to upgrade at CB in this yrs draft. After all, Dimitroff might feel that the return of both BGrimes and VHutchins is the equivalent of drafting a CB in this yrs draft, except they’ll be less of a risk since they have NFL experience.

I’ll tell you one thing, I hope the other GM’s around the league are as uncertain as most of us are about who we’ll draft at #24. I believe we’ll draft either a TE or CB. It will be very interesting to see what we do if DT PJerry is available at #24. One things for certain, with MLB Lofton, OLB’s Peterson and Nicholas all but assured of starting, it’s highly unlikely we’ll draft a backup LB with our 1st pick, especially with other pressing needs. None of us can lose sight on the fact that all of this is just SPECULATION, AND LITTLE ELSE.

VS2-Like you, I was also a MVick fan, but his self created demise changed all of that. I’ve never been, nor will I ever be, a fan of selfishness, stupidity, and a total disregard for common sense. I guess that’s where we differ when it comes to MVick. As a long time, and long suffering Falcon fan, I’D MUCH RATHER SELL FEWER TICKETS AND SEE THE FALCONS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS WITH A 11-5 RECORD, THAN SELL OUT EVERY SEAT AND MISS THE PLAYOFFS WITH AN 8-8 OR 7-9 RECORD, LIKE WE DID MVICK’S LAST 2 SEASONS. HOW ABOUT YOU?

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Sign Rolle from the Ravens TOMORROW!

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ROFLMAO…AGAIN @ Reno911…12:50 post

And it was me that said I’m glad I don’t have Dimitroff’s job. I’d be more wishy-washy than a cheap laundromat…

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I’m not a big ACC fan and don’t follow the Ravens. How old is Rolle and how good is he? I guess I’m stupid, I don’t know that much about him. Help me if you can but I know I can’t do anything about the stupid part.

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we need to trade our 1st pick for additional early round picks. If we could get a high 2nd and 3rd pick to go along with our on 2nd and 3rd we could get 4 quality players and dont have to pay as much. Lets face it after the 1st 15 to 20 players drafted ur really just feeling in for need anyway. Theirs no top corners and every other position player we need can be gotton in the 2nd and 3rd round. Tell me what u think fellas

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COMPENSATORY DRAFT PICKS? NFL SAYS NONE/ZERO/ZILCH…..SO SORRY

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-9-70/Looks-like-NFC-South-shut-out-on-compensatory-picks.html

SO MUCH FOR “GM” BRILLIANCE

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No one expected any compensatory picks in this years draft vs2, so try again. Next year is the year. The GM is smarter than you think.

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I still beleive if we trade down we can still get a ss,te,dt and cb all in the 2nd and 3rd round and all our other picks would be for depth.If I was running this draft for atl this is how I would build my team for this season. Theirs alot of pro bowlers in the nfl thats come from the 3rd round on down and theirs alot big name projected 1st rounders who turn out to be bust.Just because they were great in college doesnt translate to greatness in the pros.Personally I beleive its more of a teams scheme than any thing else thats why I would trade down. what you think

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falcon 21: Rolle is 33 years old. he missed a time over the last couple of years due to injury. he can still play and was more like a shut down corner in college. teams did not go after him much.

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KEN STRICK:

I value your take on the FA goings and comings. Whas’ up? Will the reconstituted FALCONS continue flyin’ higher and higher ’till MOSE RYAN wings them to the promised land? I hope so. Since the playin’ days of EDDIE LeBARON I’ve been pulling (sort of) for the birds. The ‘SKINS have been my team since the era of SAMMY BAUGH, but now that the ol’ TEXAN has met his maker something’s changing inside my feelings toward the NFL in general and the REDSKINS in particular.

DAN SNYDER reminds me too much of GEORGE PRESTON MARSHALL. Not his racist views, but rather, its the huckerism that seems unsettlingly familiar. Its less about a winning franchise and more about fannies in the seats and tee-shirts at $100.00.

And those frickin’ ads on T.V. Attempt a field-goal – time out. Two minutes off for ads. Kick-off – time out. Two MORE minutes of ads. Cut half-time to twenty minutes so there can be ten MORE minutes of ads. It destroys the continuity of the game and makes it more on the order of a circus act not a football game. Thank God I remember far enough back to limited substitutions when you played without much pause – hurt or not. And T.V. was new AND incidental to the game.

Great. Got that burr out of my saddle. ANYWAY, KEN what do you think about FA stuff?

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BIG RAY-what’s up to you? Man, I haven’t been this excited or this involved in the Falcons since the DIRTY BIRD era. I was heavily involved in the MVick discussions, but that proved mainly unpleasant and unrewarding. As a franchise, we sank about as low as a franchise, or team, could sink in 2007. But, like the mighty PHOENIX, this team and franchise has risen to new and exciting heights, with a long winning future ahead of us. There are still distractors and none believers, like MV2, who still want to feast on Falcon flesh. But after next season, they will be left with nothing to feast on but humble pie, crow and their own stupidy. Well, with that menu, at least they’ll never go hungry.

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First time posting–good site. For what it’s worth I think TD and mS’s version of “process” is different than the fans. They are moving to be competitive and make the playoffs. I assume that everything is geared towards making the playoff because winning the Super Bowl has so many uncontrollable variables–momentum, injuries, etc.

It’s hard not to like the moves so far. Peterson is similar to a basketball team adding P.J. Brown or a younger Robert Hoary–he’s got skills and he’s a pro. He’s aware of why he ticked off Rio and probably won’t make that mistake twice.

I’m thinking they maybe package their 2nd and a fifth or sixth to move up. If the word by the scouts is wrong on Johnson and if Pettigrew falls–which I think he does (there was something about him atthe combine I can’t put my finger on) the Falcons will have another really strong draft.

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Another thought on Pettigrew–if he’s a better blocker than any of our guys and a true con trol reciever underneath our pass protection, passing AND running improves dramatically. Imagine Norwood, Jenkins, White and Pettigrew coming at you and Turner pounding you. That’s an upgrade that’d be difficult to pass up.

Asfor defense a team that gets Lofton with a 3rd probably deserves some patience–I’ve still got this Johson thing–Coming off the edge with Abraham–that covers up a lot of secondary issues–screws up double teams and let’s you bring a linebacker up. I just watched a highly rated 1st round corner get his AZZ eaten in the Super Bowl–seems to me like a position that ALWAYS needs to be coached up unless you have a Deion or Lem Barney and there’s not one.

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KEN STRICK:

Thanx for the low-down bro’.

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Ken, keep in mind that the draft choices have to fit our need. Just because a highly favored “name” may still be on the board at 24, does not mean that player fit our needs. I notice that the names you listed as favorites for the DT position are all three technique tackles (P.Jerry, E.Hood, SenD.Marks) and we already have a starter at that position. Instead, we need a stuffer to replace Gravy Jackson. Someone like, you mentioned, a Sammie Hill or Ron Brace. I think that, because Sammie Hill went to a small college, he will be available late. The top five nose tackles in the draft are Raji, Brace, Dorell Scott, Hill and Myron Pryor from Kentucky. Chris Baker from Hampton University would make a nice fit as well and will be available late.

Another position I see a lot of Falcon-bloggers are trying to fill with big names is linebacker. Folk, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing, Clint Sintim are not 4-3 linebackers. I noticed one fan even lobbying for James Laurinaitis, who is not even an outside linebacker. We might as well have kept Brooking and Boley. Our middle linebacker position is locked and weakside linebacker is competitive. Our need is at strongside linebacker and the top names in the draft, at that position, is Aaron Curry, Tyrone McKenzie, Marcus Freeman, Zack Follett and Nic Harris.

Lastly, the safety position is a top priority position for the Falcons but we already have a free safety. That eliminate names like Sean Smith, Louis Delmas, Rashad Johnson, who are all free safeties. Although I would love to see any of those names on the back of a Falcon jersey, it would not be wise to draft at that position. The exception is Sean Smith, however, who is more of a hybrid player that can play all DB positions. The top five strong safeties in the draft are William Moore, Patrick Chung, Chip Vaughn, Emanuel Cook, Courtney Greene.

TD is wise enough (and patient) to evaluate a player for his worth to the team, not because of his name. I think we get so caught up in the names of players and overlook what these players do for the team. We should get away from the names like Pettigrew and Matthews just because they are great players (that, I don’t dispute). Instead, lets focus on the position to be filled and see if the player fit.

My mock draft includes Patrick Chung, Sammie Hill, Marcus Freeman, Jared Cook…all starters.

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A.J. SMITH IT IS…..SO MUCH FOR PETTIGREW

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BTW, here’s the link for the Smith sigining since D.Led is apparently taking a nap…

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-9-71/Smith-says-he-s-going-to-Atlanta.html

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I hope somewhere in this draft they sign TE jared cook.He’s a really tall really fast TE that would give LBS and SS-FS fits. Theirs noway matty ice could ever miss him. The next ozzie newsome perhaps

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jared cook.He’ll be the best choice in the 2nd round to me . REally fast and tall and can actually catch the ball.I dont really no about his blocking skills playing for spurier but i do he’ll strecth the field and cause all kinds of problems opposing db’s.

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You know, that is something that We greatly overlook…a DE behind JAbraham. I don’t think he’s had a healthy full season his whole career, has he? I wouldn’t waste a top pick on a DE but I would certainly consider the need. How far do you think Michael Johnson will drop? He certainly fits the versaltility the Falcons are looking for.

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We have to go defense with the first 3 picks and not only that we need guys who can step in day one and starte I NO we already have a middle LB BUT drafting LAURINAITIS who is absolutely a playmaker and can in my opinion play weakside LB WOULD be perfect for the falcons, we always get caught up in this combine STUFF but this guy have football speed that is deceiving lets look AT THE PATROITS LB WHEN THEY WON THREE SUPERBOWL neither one had 4.5 speed but they had football speed and could make plays thats the difference can you make plays AND DRAFTING CUSHING OR LAURINAITIS WILL BE AND UP GRADE ON DEFENSE. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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DARRELL STARKS-the problem with drafting a LB with our 1st pick is it might not improve our DEF significantly. Peterson has extensive experience at both ILB and OLB positions and we also have TGilbert ss the backup MLB. Can anyone really say there’s a LB in this yrs draft that can outperform SNicholas, CWire or Peterson to an extent that we should use our top pick on them when we have more pressing needs?

The Patriots play a 3-4 DEF, and in that DEF, the LB, along with NT, is always the most prominent position. You see it with the Steelers and the Ravens. Besides, speed isn’t a major factor for 3-4 LB’s because they don’t have as much territory to cover, since there are 4 of them. In fact, a lot of 3-4 LB’s are former or converted DE’s.

The position upgrades that would have the greatest impact on the Falcons are TE, DT, SS and DE.

TE-adding a TE that can block and REC would vastly improve our 1st and 2nd down OFF and make our no huddle OFF deadly. You see, it takes away the element of surprise when you substitute a pass catching TE, or WR, for your blocking TE. When you switch to your no huddle OFF, you want to give your QB a 3rd pass receiving option without tipping your hand by substituting for your blocking TE. Having a REC TE in the gm prevents the SS, or a LB, from focusing exclusively on stopping the run.

DT-our DEF has been very weak up the middle for several yrs. We’ve solved the MLB problem with Lofton, now we need to address the DT problem. Other than JBabineaux, TLewis has been the only other DT that’s demonstrated any consistent pass rushing ability. Solidify our interior DL and our LB’s, safeties and CB’s won’t end up among the team leaders in tackles.

DE-part of our secondary and overall pass DEF problems were the result of not having an effective pass rush. Other than DE Jabraham, we would have been at the bottom of the league in sacks. Even with him we were near the bottom. If we can generate a pass rush from RDE, we won’t have to move Abraham around to make it more difficult to double team him. Everyone knows that a effective pass rush can cover a multitude of secondary problems.

SS-we saw the result of not having a SS with cover ability in the big playoff gm against Arizona. A poor interior run DEF forced us to use our SS more as a LB. Using Malloy more as a LB put a lot of pressure on our CB’s, FS, and the LB that had to cover his man. Having a SS with cover skills improves our pass DEF immeasurably, especially on 1st and 2nd down passing situations when we haven’t substituted.

These are my reasons for thinking we won’t likely draft a LB with our 1st pick. The positions mentioned above are also positions of need and upgrading them would have more impact.

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Jarod Mayo drafted by THE New England Patriots in 1st round 40 yd dash 4.54… speed always matters. There are alot of college DE that convert to OLB in 3-4 at pro level why because they can rush the passer and they have the hips and enough speed to drop and play in coverage.

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EXCELLENT POINT KEN STRICKLAND I MY SELF LIKE NICHOLAS AND I NO THAT WE RUN A 4, 3 BUT I STILL LIKE CUSHING OR LAURINAITIS, LOFTON AND PETERSON AS THE STARTER AND WIRE, NICHOLAS AS BACKUP YOU ALWAYS WANT TO HAVE SOLID BACK UP AT THE LB POSITION. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I IMAGINE WHEN YOU ARE SCOUTING A PROSPECT SOME OF THE THINGS YOU LOOK AT WOULD HIS COLLEGE CAREER STATS, HIS FILM, AND HIS MEASUREABLES. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THAT SMITH, RICE, LEWIS WOULD BE AS GREAT AS THEY TURNED OUT TO BE BUT IF LEWIS HAD BETTER FORTY TIMES HE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAFTED HIGHER THAN THE 26TH PICK IF RICE HAD A BETTER FORTY TIME HE PROBALY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAFTED HIGHER THAN THE 16TH PICK AND THE SAME CASE FOR SMITH. HEART AND DESIRE ARE TWO THINGS DIFFICULT TO MEASURE, THE PLAYERS YOU NOTED HAVE TONS OF BOTH. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WERE TEAMS THAT PASSED ON THESE GUYS FOR SOME REASON WHAT DO YOU THINK THE REASON WAS?

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I am sorry BIG BROTHER RAY i just think that coleman is physical enough to play ss position and if you look at coleman and milloy they both have the same phsique and drafting sean smith who can play cb or safety would definitely be and up grade for us in the backfield i dont no to much about DECOUD IS HE GOOD CAN HE BE A PLAYMAKER but i do no these SEAN SMITH IS A BEAST. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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What’s up guys? Man, what does it take to get a new blog up every couple of days? Not trying to hate on DOL, but DOB and Chip Towers by comparison get one up every other day, even if not every day. I know its a dead time and all, but us bloggers have no problem talking about the draft, returning players, schemes, starting spots, etc.

Seeing some great analyses on here. In all honesty, if the LJ Smith rumor is true I’ll be somewhat disappointed I guess. I know he has the skills to have a really good year, but he’s injuried all the time. I thought we’d have to fill at least one need through free-agency and I assumed we were probably done looking at LJ after we signed Peterson. Let’s be honest, if the falcons really wanted him I think they would make it happen, but its been like over a week now since he made his visit, which probably about the same time as the last new post topic.

Smith is the top TE available in free agency, but I think it would be a shame not to draft a TE in this year’s group, even if we don’t grab Pettigrew, there’s Cook, Nelson, Coffman, Ingraham, or Casey. Is there any way we still draft a TE in the 3rd or 4th if we sign Smith. It appears to be still rumor at this point because I can’t find any substantiating on NFL.com or ESPN, besides Yasinkas post.

Like Ken and others have said, I can’t see drafting a CB or SS in the first round. The value is just not there this year in those groups. Vontae Davis and Malcolm Jenkins would be the only CB’s worth #24, but they’ll be long gone. As Ken noted, do we really want to spend our #24 on a 5′9 CB? We have Brent Grimes, who has experience of starting.

I go back and forth on drafting a OLB first. In one aspect I want to draft a guy like Cushing, Matthews, and Maybin and be set at LB for years. But on the other hand if Nicholas is ready to take over than that would make the Peterson signing seem non-sensical. I’m starting to go back on my original statement that we should wait on a TE for 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round. But taking Pettigrew would set up our OFF for years to come and give Matty Ice a great, young target.

As far as DT, I think obviously Raji or Jerry would be awesome to take, but they’ll be long gone as well. Maybe Ziggy Hood is worth a #24, but I think he’s got the same body type as Babineuax and we’ll need at least one big man. Glad I’m not TD. I’m kind of pulling against the Smith signing, just b/c personally I want us to grab Pettigrew.

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we need DT’s that can clog the middle and demand double teaming.Last year our goal was to get an offensive line that was big mean and nasty.I think that should be our same focus on the defensive line.I also hope we can find a real kickoff return man norwood is fast but he has no agility and he’s always falling down everytime he cuts.

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Jamal Anderson needs to get in gear this year to me he has been a bust with only 2 sacks in 31 games we need to sure our defense up quickly hope that they work harder during the draft than they did in the early off season.

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There are a couple of issues that will play an important role in who we draft and when. One is COACHING and the other is SCHEME. Last yrs OFF turnaround, especially our OL, is a case in point. Our OL play has taken a beating over the previous 3yrs, and rightfully so. Last yr we added a rookie LT(Baker) and a 3rd yr castoff(Dahl) to basically the same players we’ve been complaining about(OT’s-TWeiner, TClabo, QOjinnaka, MButterworth & RFoster, OG’s-JBlalock & NBennett C’s-TMcClure & BWilkerson). Some serious OL coaching by one of the NFL’s best, and a OFF scheme that took full advantage of their talents, made an unbeliveable difference. These two attibutes represent something we simply haven’t have in yrs.

We just might see this same philosophy take root with our DEF. After all, how many teams have ever given up as many rushing and passing yds as we did last yr, and still managed to rank where we did in points allowed? Cutting down on the rushing and passing yrds allowed will correspondingly cut down on the oppositions scoring opportunities, which will further reduce points allowed. The best and most effective way to reduce rushing yrs allowed is at the point of attack, or DL, not LB. The best way to improve your pass DEF is by improving your pass rush, and reducing the QB’s time in the pocket and his options. In a 4-3 DEF, that’s best accomplished with a pass rushing front 4. Depending on your CB’s, safeties and LB’s to maintain coverage until DE’s like JAnderson and DT’s like GJackson can get to the QB just doesn’t work.

The question is, how much will our staff rely on coaching and scheme to get the job done, and how much will they rely on talent. Those two issues will determine who and what we draft and where we draft them.

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There is a olb that might not be drafted by the name of willie wilams this guy has stop being knuttulhead. why am i putting this out here is he pro day was better then aaron curry and runs a4.5 40 i hope falcon pick he up in 6.

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