Alabama’s Rolando McClain is set to visit Falcons
Will Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain (25) be clapping it up in the Falcons huddle next season? (Associated Press)
BIRDLAND – The Falcons have spent a great deal of the offseason trying to fix the secondary.
They signed cornerback Dunta Robinson to a six-year, $57-million contract. They brought in coach Tim Lewis to basically coordinate the secondary. They traded cornerback Chris Houston to the Detroit Lions.
With the draft inching closer, it’s become clear that the linebacker unit will receive some attention during the NFL draft, which is set for April 22, 23 and 24.
On Monday, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain is set to visit the team. He revealed that he will visit the Falcons, Jacksonville and the New York Giants on Sirius radio on Tuesday while chatting with Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News and Jim Miller.
The Falcons are allowed to bring in 30 players for pre-draft visits. They can bring in an unlimited number of local players.
In most of the Mock Drafts, McClain is slated to be off the board when the Falcons pick with the 19th selection in the first round.
This visit clearly falls under the team’s due diligence policy.
McClain is 6-foot-3 3/8, 254-pounds and is considered a middle linebacker prospect. He would not seem to be a good fit for the Falcons, who have been pleased with the play of Curtis Lofton.
The Falcons have also held private workouts for Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and Texas Christian linebackers Daryl Washington and Jerry Hughes.
There are also some internet reports that Penn State linebacker Sean Lee has a private workout scheduled with the Falcons.
The Falcons currently have six linebackers on the roster. Here’s how they performed last last season:
Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas (54) discusses the importance of keeping fit with kids. (By PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM
Lofton – Led the team in tackles with 160 tackles (118 solo tackles, 42 assists). He had four tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
Stephen Nicholas – Was fifth on the team with 82 tackles (59 solos, 23 assists). He had three sacks, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also led the team in special teams tackles with 13.
Mike Peterson – Was second on the team with 140 tackles (97 solos, 43 assists). He had one sack, seven tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, one interception, six passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
Spencer Adkins – Flashed some speed on special teams late in the season. Had three special teams tackles. Was active for five games as a rookie.
Robert James – Spent most of last season on the practice squad before being activated to the roster on Dec. 29.
Coy Wire – Made 14 tackles (eight solos, six assists). He had two quarterback hurries, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He added nine tackles on special teams.
What’s up with all of this attention for the linebacker position? Could Lofton move outside to make room for McClain? Would the Falcons be smart to shift to the 3-4 to accommodate Lofton and McClain in the middle?
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97 comments Add your comment
silky slimm
March 31st, 2010
12:17 pm
think about it walker , texas ranger dimtroff traded back into the second rd to get sam baker i think he gonna draft graham or weather in the first round use one of those third rd pick and a player to the patirots to move back into the second rd to get a wr. they have three pick in the second round he can make that happen with them he buddy buddy with them
IceFan
March 31st, 2010
12:30 pm
Marcus,
Harry Douglas WILL BE our underneath/slot guy. We can use him like Wes Welker.
I don’t think we can have too many downfield, physical, big receiving targets for Matty Ice.
What I REALLY want is a stud, pro-bowl left tackle so we can move Baker to right, but I don’t see that happening.
If we go defense though, I’m sold on Spoon
Walker, Texas Ranger
March 31st, 2010
1:08 pm
I think Dimitroff would trade a 3rd this year and a second next but Pats trade for 1st rounders and I don’t think we want to give up our first. I do like the idea of trading up and getting back in the second round but since we have the comp. pick.
Walker, Texas Ranger
March 31st, 2010
1:10 pm
I think the Falcons have got to consider a TE. D Led is so sold on Pouncey cause McClure is retiring, well I think Gonzo will be done as well. Maybe get Hernandez in the 2nd with a trade up?
Big XII
March 31st, 2010
1:12 pm
I wish you SEC guys would get over yourselves. SEC players are never as good in the NFL as they were in college.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 31st, 2010
1:17 pm
Walker, Texas Ranger — Not a fan of league rankings. They are rather arbitrary. Skills player would be a luxury pick at 19. Pretty certain it’s defense and everything points to linebacker. Can’t imagine them taking a player with “issues” at 19. TD doesn’t do the best available thing. He’s a “needs base” purist. He’d make an exception in right circumstance. Don’t think the Rutgers kid qualifies.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
March 31st, 2010
1:18 pm
Don’t worry about it…. McClain will be long gone before #19 – I would say he will go between 10 and 15.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 31st, 2010
1:21 pm
Big XII — At least the SEC plays REAL FOOTBALL. That spread mess that everybody runs in the BIG 12 is a disgrace to the game. It’s an admission that your team can’t line it up and run the ball down somebody’s throat. In the SEC, they play BIG BOY football.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 31st, 2010
1:23 pm
WALKER — Another thing in Peterson’s defense, he was playing outside for the first time in several seasons. His outside instincts may have been a bit rusty. Not making any excuses, but just saying . . .
SPS
March 31st, 2010
1:43 pm
I’d grab Taylor Mays, and make him an OLB. He’s 2 inches taller than Spoon, and only 9 pounds lighter. He can make up the weight difference by August. Soooo much more speed, and he was born to hit. The knock on him is that he is a poor cover safety, but he might be a great cover OLB. It’s a simpler position to play – he should pick it up quickly.
silky_slimm
March 31st, 2010
1:43 pm
d led i really beleive they gonna do this two scinero 1 st round weatherspoon or graham. They gonna trade back up into the second rd get one of the patriots second round pick send them a third round and a player go back in get a reciver in the second round it may cause them to give a one of those thrid round pick and maybe a player snelling or jenkings to go with it what you think
1time
March 31st, 2010
1:45 pm
“I wish you SEC guys would get over yourselves. SEC players are never as good in the NFL as they were in college.” BIG XII where have you been when the National Championships come up against the SEC. Look at the NFL and tell me SEC don’t represent all over the league. Like DOL said, SEC plays real football!
DOL what happened to your lovefest with Pouncey? What changed your opintion to LB? I personally think OLB or DE, it the pick is not there, then maybe trade back and pick up Pouncey and possibly a 2nd from someone wanting their man if Spoon or Graham or a top OL is not there for us, besides Pouncey. What you think?
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
March 31st, 2010
1:45 pm
I read where the falcons are working out a center named Tennant . If we are going after a center it needs to be Pouncey , when is tennant projected anyway ?
1time
March 31st, 2010
1:49 pm
If Spoon is not there, I also like Taylor Mays at OLB. I was thinking the same thing silky slimm.. He would be our Brian Urlacher except on the outside, for years to come along with Lofton, Wire, Nichols and any future prospects.
silky_slimm
March 31st, 2010
1:54 pm
thank you 1time for once somebody see what im talking about lol you alright with me and i like the ideal of taylor mays at olb we need speed at the lineback spot and he can still play safety at times if injury would occur
Paddy
March 31st, 2010
2:16 pm
Great posts by all. Fun and entertaining reads today. Keep it up guys! Wish I had something to add but you have said it all. Maybe next time?
Dan
March 31st, 2010
2:28 pm
I know he is annoying but kind of missing SORRY??? First pick will be SEAN WEATHERSPOON LB MISSOURI, Third round pick JOHN JERRY Guard OLE MISS and JD WALTON Center BAYLOR, 4th round pick GREG HARDY Defensive End OLE MISS, 5th round SAM YOUNG Tackle NOTRE DAME and LEIGH TIFFIN K ALABAMA
Dr Richard Handler
March 31st, 2010
2:40 pm
If you move to a 3-4 look what do you do with Abraham? Not sure if he can be an OLB in that scheme. I’m sure D-led will figure it out and coach ‘em up.
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
March 31st, 2010
2:43 pm
Spoonman is still the man–unless he’s off the board. If he’s not there, this is where T.D. earns his money. I trust him.
phoenix falcon
March 31st, 2010
2:44 pm
Big 12 football is like the DH in baseball…..it don’t belong. the falcons need defense, they have plenty of weapons on off. i’m hoping it’s spoon, they need to get more pressure from the front 7.
J
March 31st, 2010
3:33 pm
I think McClain moves to OLB on the strong side. Lofton hasnt proven he can really run with WRs or even TEs. McClain can play pass coverage
phoenix falcon
March 31st, 2010
3:35 pm
D Led, if S Earl Thomas from Texas is still there at 19, how do the falcons pull the trigger? i don’t see how they can’t , he ran a 4.37 40, and he hits like Ronnie Lott, he might be big enough to convert to LB.
Your thoughts………….
Bart Kowski
March 31st, 2010
3:44 pm
McClain looks sort of like a young L.T. in that photo. Thanks for posting Nicholas’ stats. Some bloggers on here have dissed him like he’s a dog, or something. He’s solid.
Seattle Falcons Fan
March 31st, 2010
3:51 pm
SI.com says- The Falcons crossed cornerback off the top of their need list when they signed Dunta Robinson, so now they can target help at outside linebacker or defensive end. I’ve had Graham locked into the Patriots at No. 22, but you know anyone Bill Belichick likes, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is going to like as well
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/03/16/mock.draft.2/index.html#ixzz0jmlgpkMz
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription
Seattle Falcons Fan
March 31st, 2010
3:58 pm
I like Spoon or Graham in the first and with our second third round pick we should take Matt Tennant
chris taylor
March 31st, 2010
5:04 pm
I like Spoon or Graham. If those guys are gone….i just saw some video clips of Taylor Mays. This dude can really knock the crap out of people, hits real hard. You have to wonder if he has ok coverage skills as a safety, does that translate to good or great coverage as an OLB? If our main guys are gone is this guy worth #19? IS TD the kind of GM to take that risk or does he stick to a strict player board?
chris taylor
March 31st, 2010
5:15 pm
I like Earl Thomas too whoever that was talking bout him. I am a little biased as that was my position in HS and believe they can determine so much on the field. Dude is fast and a ballhawk. Definately gonna be a star for someone.
bird
March 31st, 2010
5:17 pm
WE NEED A PASS RUSH ENOUGH SAID.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 31st, 2010
5:34 pm
EXHIBITION SEASON SCHEDULE RELEASED
Date Opponent Time TV
TBD vs. Kansas City TBD WXIA
Thursday, August 19 vs. New England TBD FOX National
TBD at Miami TBD WXIA
Thursday, September 2 at Jacksonville TBD WXIA
TBD — To be determined
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 31st, 2010
5:46 pm
silky_slimm — I don’t think they are trading back. I do think they’ll try to get into the second round somehow.
1time — The evidence (all of these visits) scream of a linebacker. But McClain, Kindle and Spoon could all be gone and Pouncey will be the man. Got to think outside of the box. Not really feeling the Graham pick.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN — Tennant has a mid-round grade on him, 3-4-5.
mystikal
March 31st, 2010
7:17 pm
DOL, I feel you about how the linebacker situation, and Pouncey most likely being the pick. If Paul-Pierre is still on the board though(in theory), you really think we’d pass on him? Where we know Jamal Anderson had some shortcomings athletically coming in, Pierre-Paul does not, what do you think?
chris taylor
March 31st, 2010
7:26 pm
We know we need some more pass rush, thats part of the reason we were 28th against the pass. Even if we get our guy at the OLB position how do we know that will improve our pass rush, dont forget BVG is still calling the shots. If we can come up with a few different blitz schemes with our existing personel maybe, got to have that playmaker in the LB core just wouldn’t count out a DE if we think we can get back in the early 2nd rd and maybe get Hughes.
chris taylor
March 31st, 2010
7:37 pm
TD is like the “Rain Man” of the draft, he does the #’s and heavy calculation and usually makes his picks on fundamentally sound guys with evidence to back it up. Can’t see them taking JPP in the first. Just not enough there to make an educated decision on him.
Link: Ro to visit Falcons - TideFans.com
March 31st, 2010
8:01 pm
[...] Alabama’s Rolando McClain is set to visit Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Not sure there is a good fit here and the Falcons would have to trade up to get him. But the [...]
TEAMPLAYER
March 31st, 2010
8:43 pm
What are the Falcons going to do about a kicker?…I noticed that position has not been addressed.
TEAMPLAYER
March 31st, 2010
8:53 pm
Look for Alex Brown to be released by the Bears and when that happens I do believe the Falcon will jump on him…….
TEAMPLAYER
March 31st, 2010
10:25 pm
Enter your comments here
IB Sports Producer
March 31st, 2010
10:44 pm
I really like the offseason moves the Falcons have been making. Our defense, especially our secondary needs a lot of attention, and it looks like their making the right decisions. GO FALCONS!
Sports Blog:
http://ibsportsblog.blogspot.com
Big O
March 31st, 2010
11:47 pm
DOL. I also heard TD’s comments about staying in the first round. But as I listened to TD, it sounded to me that he dwelled to long on the subject and oversold his opinion. He sounded as though he felt the need to go to extra pains to be sure everyone understood he wouldn’t consider trading down.
I think he might be able to get Jerry Hughes with the Chief’s very early second round pick.
mez
April 1st, 2010
10:24 am
McClain would have no problem playing OLB
RGO67
April 1st, 2010
10:54 am
Any news on the workout with McClain?
ATL Observer
April 1st, 2010
11:07 am
McClain would definitely be an upgrade, IMO. But it does still seem like people are favoring Weatherspoon. There’s always a crapshoot element to this, but either would be fine by me!
fanATicaL
April 1st, 2010
11:51 am
I would agree if Alex Brown is released from the Bears.I just dont see us missing on this oppotunity. Also that move gives us more freedom to be creative at the 19 pick.Just the addition of Dunta and Alex upgrades our defense.We are not that far from the grail.Our rushing defense improved dramatically the last 3 games of last season.Coverage and pass rush equally improves our pass defense.The creation of depth helps us sustain a season. With Sidbury,Beirrmen and Wire;with another season under thier belt.The comeback kids Moore,Jerry,Douglass,Coleman as impact players.Gaining a reciever to push Jenkins.A Oline center to play behind Mcclure.All is gravey to ensure our dominance in our division.
Mike C
April 2nd, 2010
12:53 pm
Taylor Mays could make a good Falcons defense great. He has expressed an interest in and somewhat resigned to the idea he prospects better in the NFL as LB than safety. The Falcons are in the unique position of having a solid veteran to help develop Mays at his own pace. Not rushed to start Mays can play special teams until the coaching staft are comfortable replacing Peterson. USC moved close to the line on 1st and 2nd downs then into centerfield on obvious pass plays. He could serve the same role as LB not to mention he physically well suited to cover tall fast TE’s. Once he makes the conversion the Falcons defense will be scary.
Horned Frog
April 3rd, 2010
12:12 am
I am a TCU alum living in Dallas and have always loved the Falcons. I went to most of the home games last year and TCU’s defense is just SICK. Those guys fly to the ball. I would be ecstatic if we landed Hughes or Washington. Hughes will be more of a rush linebacker. He’s too undersized to play DE, but he’s a bigtime talent. Played RB in highschool. Darryl Washington is your classic prototypical LB. He is mean and VERY fast. It seemed like he was always in the middle of big plays last year. Both of these guys are studs.
ATL
April 5th, 2010
3:36 pm
I don’t know how anyone who watched the Falcon games could so easily want to replace Nicholas. Nicholas is by far the best LB in coverage. He was 5th on the team in tackles and he wasn’t even an every down LB because the DC was running that stupid nickel defense because the corners were so bad they couldn’t cover anyone man to man. Nicholas can even come off the edge and people want to replace the guy, that’s crazy.
CB969
April 11th, 2010
1:56 am
97th!