Atlanta Falcons to scout top 5 CBs at NFL combine

Heading into the NFL scouting combine, it is reasonable to conclude that the Falcons will take a cornerback with the 19th or 20th pick in the draft. (BTW: The coin toss is Friday.)

Several of you all want a pass rushing defensive end. Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham was the selection in Mock Draft 1.0 last Friday.

But there is some cornerback homework to complete.

Also, if the Falcons believe that better coverage would have given John Abraham that extra second to get to the

quarterback, then they’ll settle for better coverage. Kroy Biermann flashed at times and if they believe that Lawrence Sidbury is ready to take off, then they’ll go cornerback.

I  asked Mike Mayock, who’s set to anchor part of the more than 30 hours of live coverage of the combine on the NFL Network,  about Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox on the conference call on Tuesday. He  offered up his top five corners. Here they are:

1. Joe Haden, Florida: He’ll be long gone by the time the Falcons pick.
2. Kyle Wilson, Boise State: It looked like he was headed to Atlanta during the Senior Bowl. But his stock is rising.
3. Devin McCourty, Rutgers: He’s been working out in Naples, Fla. Has turned in some sub 4.4 times in the 40-yard dash. His twin brother Jason was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round last season. Mayock likes the toughness he displayed at the Senior Bowl.
4. Patrick Robinson, Florida State: Athletically, he’ll test out as the best cornerback. Teams don’t like his film, which shows his lack of tackling prowess. “He’s not a trained killer,” Mayock said. Clearly, not a Mike Smith type of guy.  You’re probably safe in scratching off  your list.
5. Jerome Murphy, South Florida: This kid is pretty interesting. He’s big at 6-1, 195 and he’s got the cool name, Jerome! Mayock was going nuts about his physical nature and how he tangles up wide receivers in press coverage. Played in 52 games over his career.

COMBINE WORKOUT SCHEDULE: The following is the scouting combine workout schedule at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Players start arriving for physicals, team and media interviews today and Thursday.):

Friday, February 26 – Kickers, punters, special teams

Saturday, February 27 – Offensive linemen, tight ends

Sunday, February 28 – Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs

Monday, March 1 – Defensive linemen, linebackers

Tuesday, March 2 – Defensive backs

FALCONS IN THE COMMUNITY

MOORE AND SIDBURY TO VISIT COAN:  Falcons William Moore and Lawrence Sidbury, along with Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders will participate in the Sammye E. Coan Middle School Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The players and cheerleaders will serve as hosts of the Quiz Bowl which consists of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students competing for the crown of Quiz Bowl Champion by answering various black history questions.

REYNOLDS TO VISIT CANCER PATIENTS: Offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds and his teammates will be visiting with cancer patients at the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The players will be joined by Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and will participate in video and board games.

BACK TO THE COMBINE

MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH – SOME RADAR LOVE

We gave you the Small School list of 10 players to watch earlier in the week. Here are 10 more “under the radar” players to watch:

1. Rahim Alem, DE, LSU: An underrated pass rusher. LSU had him dropping into coverage a lot last season. One NFL team has a third round grade on him.
2. Brandon Lang, DE, Troy: Appeared to be headed to the University of Georgia at one point. But the Tucker
   

   Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech.

   High product ended up at Troy. It’s a deep draft at his position. Had 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

3. Cameron Sheffield, DE, Troy: From Portal High. Had 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks for the Trojans.
4. Cody Grimm, LB, Virginia Tech: The son of Arizona Cardinals assistant head coach Russ Grimm. The former walk-on turned into a solid player.
5. Max Hall, QB, Brigham Young: Nephew of former Dallas Cowboy quarterback Danny White.
6. Verran Tucker, WR, California: A big receiver at 6-2, 195 with good speed. Needs some polish with his route running, but turned some heads at the Shrine Bowl before going down with a hamstring injury.
7. Marshall Newhouse, OL, Texas Christian: Nephew of former Dallas Cowboys fullback Robert Newhouse. His dad, John Newhouse played at Houston on three Cotton Bowl teams in 1977, 1979 and 1980.
8. Colin Peek, TE, Alabama: Transferred from Georgia Tech after Paul Johnson arrived with the option-attack.
9. John Jerry, OL, Mississippi: The brother of Falcons defensive tackle Peria Jerry.
10. John Skelton, QB, Fordham:  He’s huge at 6-5, 258 pounds. Passed for a school-record, 3,708 yards last season.