An early look at the Falcons’ three-deep depth chart
Dominique Franks is projected win the return duties in the three-deep depth chart. (Associated Press/ Sue Ogrocki)
BIRDLAND – Falcons head coach Mike Smith is not going to release an “official” 2010 depth chart until training camp according to the team’s website.
But now that most of the major offseason moves have been made, we’ll set up the template for them.
Rookies aren’t handed anything in this early depth chart, except for rookie returner Dominique Franks, he was projected to win the kickoff and punt return jobs.
Sean Weatherspoon, the first round draft pick, is listed No.2 behind both Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas.
Here’s what’s in my notebook as the three-deep depth chart that I’ll take out to mini-camp next week:
THREE DEPTH CHART
OFFNESE
QB – 1. Matt Ryan, 2. Chris Redman, 3. John Parker Wilson.
Others: D.J. Shockley.
RB – 1. Michael Turner, 2. Jerious Norwood, 3. Jason Snelling.
Others: Antone Smith and Dimitri Nance.
FB - 1. Ovie Mughelli. 2. Jason Snelling, 3. Dan Klecko.
WR – 1. Roddy White, 2. Brian Finneran, 3. Kerry Meier
WR – 1. Michael Jenkins, 2. Harry Douglas, 3. Eric Weems
Others: Ryan Wolfe, Troy Bergeron, Tim Buckley, Brandyn Harvey and Andy Strickland.
TE – 1. Tony Gonzalez, 2. Justin Peelle, 3. Keith Zinger
Others: Leroy Banks, Colin Peek and Michael Palmer
LT – 1. Sam Baker, 2. Will Svitek, 3. Blake Schlueter
LG – 1. Justin Blalock, 2. Mike Johnson, Rob Bruggemann
C – 1. Todd McClure, 2. Brett Romberg, 3. Joe Hawley
RG – 1. Harvey Dahl, 2. Quinn Ojinnaka, 3. Jose Valdez
RT – 1. Tyson Clabo, 2. Garrett Reynolds, Blake Schlueter.
DEFENSE
RDE – 1. John Abraham, 2. Lawrence Sidbury, 3. Emmanuel Stephens
DT – 1. John Babineaux, 2. Vance Walker, 3. Thomas Johnson
DT – 1. Peria Jerry, 2. Corey Peters, 3. Trey Lewis
LDE – 1. Kroy Biermann, 2. Chauncey Davis, 3. Jamaal Anderson
Other: Dan Klecko, DT; Rajon Henley, DE; Trey Bryant, DT.
WLB – 1. Michael Peterson, 2. Sean Weatherspoon, 3. Spencer Adkins
MLB – 1. Curtis Lofton, 2. Coy Wire, 3. Bear Woods
SLB – 1. Stephen Nicholas, 2. Sean Weatherspoon, 3. Robert James
Others: Weston Johnson.
RCB – 1. Brian Williams, 2. Brent Grimes, 3. Chevis Jackson
FS - 1. Thomas DeCoud, 2. Matt Giordano, 3. Rafael Bush
SS – 1. Erik Coleman, 2. Williams Moore, 3. Shann Schillinger
LCB – 1. Dunta Robinson 2. Chris Owens, 3. Dominique Franks
Others: Dominique Daniels, CB; Gabe Derricks, S.
SPECIALS
KR – 1. Dominique Franks, 2. Eric Weems, 3. Harry Douglas
PR –- 1. Dominique Franks, 2. Eric Weems, 3. Harry Douglas
P – 1. Michael Koenen, 2. Matt Bryant, 3. Steve Hauschka.
PK – 1. Matt Bryant, 2. Steve Hauschka, 3. Garrett Lindholm.
LS – 1. Joe Zelenka, 2. Justin Drescher.
Any other projections? Will Spoon win the weakside or strongside spots? Who’s the odd linebacker out, Peterson or Nicholas?
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128 comments Add your comment
ROHOHO
April 30th, 2010
11:08 am
Bush was blamed for not being prepared for Katrina, why is Obama not being blamed for not being prepared for the oil spill??
Chucktown 38
April 30th, 2010
11:09 am
YES YES yeees this is the year the Falcons finally dump Shock for good.
truth
April 30th, 2010
11:10 am
Again…….why would it take some other teams has beens to get us into the playoffs when the Falocns were (in a few games) a field goal away from an 11-5 season and a trip to the playoffs.
Come on use the knoggin.
Chucktown 38
April 30th, 2010
11:10 am
ROHOHO, just think about why. I know you know why.
truth
April 30th, 2010
11:13 am
and why forget the many key injuries we had. go back and look and the 1st of the season and see how Abe was able to get to the QB when Jerry was in. Come on, the Dolphine’s game when Abe was handing it to Long did not we think “holy cow Abe is gonna be sack crazy this year.”
WE DON’T NEED WHAT OTHER TEAMS ARE THROWING IN THE TRASH CAN!!!
DJ
April 30th, 2010
11:16 am
OUCH! I like everything TD has done since he’s been here however your framework seems to indicate that the major problem from 2009 won’t be addressed. So, 2010 looks good as long as we are not decimated by injuries.
If Spoon can handle NFL tight ends he will take the SLB spot – we will probably never hear that Tony Gonzales’ biggest contribution this year will be training this guy.
truth
April 30th, 2010
11:16 am
The Falcons orginization is finally building a team, we might as well get use to it.
DOL Student
April 30th, 2010
11:18 am
Could you write some AJC articles to explain some football language we hear all the time. For example, explaining 1, 3, or 4 technique for the DL (does one DT need to be more athletic than the other DL?). Tampa 2 pass coverage (is this what the Falcons use?). Other common terms. Thanks!
Hamp
April 30th, 2010
11:22 am
TD said that coach smith told JA to gain weight to get more snaps at DT. Yeah we did not get our beloved pass rushing DE out of him. But to give up on someone who is an ox and is not even 25 is crazy. Dude will be a Beast at DT by next year. Bet it up!!!
I am as disappointed as all of you are that he did not work out a DE after spending an 8 but be patient if he has not been cut yet it means that brighter minds than us think the dude has potential.
falconfan4eternity
April 30th, 2010
11:22 am
The Falcons never take enough chances. Like a gentleman said above its no reason we shouldnt be going after Osi U from the Giants, JA98 has been killing us for years not making plays. Ive been seeing teams inviting Darren Sharper to there facilities Falcons hello we need a game changing safety you shoulda been few of the many teams trying to steal him. Lets look at the draft, theres no reson we shouldnt of picked up Dez Bryant and get rid of mediocre Jenkins. We need to start taking more chances, especially in ayear where thers no cap!!!!
truth
April 30th, 2010
11:32 am
falconfan4etenity……..it’s comments like that that make me glad we do not have you as a GM.
Why would you want an AGEING safety? So he’s been invited…..so then why has he not been given a contract? The Falcons are building a team through the draft so we as fans will have a team to be proud of for years to come. Have you heard of the Patriots? Ok……that’s what our GM and coach is doing in Atlanta. Bring in “big names” year in and year out don’t build a successful team……see Dallas they have proved that for years.
Jeff
April 30th, 2010
11:45 am
This chart clearly shows the need for a good back up RB and WR, which we passed on, there are quite a few available FA oout there? We need to go get them.
The G
April 30th, 2010
11:50 am
Season Ticket Holder: Fans deserve better than 9-7 every year? It wasn’t that long ago all Falcon fans were begging for a 9-7 season every year! Your very statement proves that this organization is on the right track.
Hamp
April 30th, 2010
11:51 am
WE DON’T OR DIDN’T NEED DEZ BRYANT THE DRAFT IS OVER HE IS ON ANTOTHER TEAM GET OVER IT!
If you looked at our roster and thought that bryant was a greater need than Spoon than share with us what you are smoking so we can lose what little knowledge we have about football and become the quality of couch GM you are. It is ridicilous to keep calling for bryant. I wanted Graham also but that is life. Other than graham there is no question Spoon was the right pick for our scheme.
Hamp
April 30th, 2010
11:56 am
Cheese and crackers! I don’t understand what sport some of you are watching. It is mind blowing! Some of the comments on this blog.
chc4
April 30th, 2010
11:58 am
Our safety depth is scary.
blord
April 30th, 2010
11:59 am
ROHOHO
I think you hit the wrong message board. The only Bush we need to talk about here is Rafael Bush and the only reason we should discuss Obama here is if he is going to replace Jenkins as the #2 WR.
what
April 30th, 2010
12:03 pm
I love Spoon n Bush.
truth
April 30th, 2010
12:03 pm
GO FALCONS!!!!!
truth
April 30th, 2010
12:09 pm
I understand that it’s hard to trust this organization after all that has happened since it’s conception, but trust me they know what they are doing.
Row 3
April 30th, 2010
12:14 pm
blord..Thats too funny!
DDawgDavis
April 30th, 2010
12:55 pm
Orlando, any word on MMA training with Randy Couture?? Glazer is blowing the Falcons up with this training he has Kroy and Sidbury on. Sounds like it should pay off huge and might explain why the Falcons shy’ed away from a DE. Jared Allen did the same training.
Also, any chance we sign a vet? We got a youth movement, but another strong voice with Pete and others would be great.
waynester
April 30th, 2010
1:01 pm
truth is on a roll here today–amen..
hamp is right on and
the G has really got it figured out…
Jeff, don’t worry–we picked up a couple of excellent WRs and another fresh RB in the draft and now have capable depth at both positions. Refer back to the G above and smile…
BIGDAwgfan
April 30th, 2010
1:05 pm
I like to talk about bush with anyone that will listen.
what!
April 30th, 2010
2:00 pm
Dawg fans are not capable of speaking bushanies.
DawgDad
April 30th, 2010
2:04 pm
Health, health, health. If they stay reasonably healthy this team is going to light some fireworks!
Depth, depth, depth. It’s now there at most positions, though still a bit green in places.
Character, character, character. Not a single person on this team jumps out as a “me” kind of guy ahead of the team.
Wins, wins, wins. These should pile up.
Nice going, AB! You have built the quality organization you dreamed of for Atlanta, and we appreciate it!
Falconaddict
April 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
If Franks is your returner, I’m guessing Weems gets cut. I can’t imagine they’d carry more than five receivers. The Wolfe kid looks interesting but probably needs to beat out Finneran or end up on the practice squad. My money’s on Finn.
truth
April 30th, 2010
2:29 pm
Preach it DawgDad!!!
I have been a fan since 1982 and let me tell ya I abd many others are loving this moment in our teams history.
Sorry but bandwagon fans don’t know where we are coming from and I hope they never have to from this point on.
Drew
April 30th, 2010
2:30 pm
peterson is the backup. nicholas had better stats last year. and he is faster, way faster. spoon will start game 1 like lofton. other than that the def looks pretty stout. if they stay healthy we make it to the playoffs, maybe even the super bowl. matty ice is going to have a breakout year. they will give the ball to snelling more, along with turner instead of headfirst norwood. also, an offense with 3 to 4 WR sets with douglas white and meier, and tony in the middle… wow, almost sounds like the colts unstoppable offense with wayne garcson collie and clark, but we have the better running game. i hope this all comes true or this draft looks bad for the brass.
Delbert D.
April 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
D-Led – How many unique names are on the 3-deep?
Big Fan
April 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
LDE – 1. Kroy Biermann, 2. Chauncey Davis, 3. Jamaal Anderson
A former first round pick from three years ago is number 3 on the depth chart behind Biermann who was pick in the later rounds of the NFL draft. Go figure. Jamaal Anderson = one hit wonder in the SEC to Falcons drafting Anderson on potential to NFL Bust!!!
Anderson robbed the Falcon with potential. Hell he did not have to use a Ski Mask to pull off this job.
JJBWgsu
April 30th, 2010
3:13 pm
Truth… your speaking the truth.
falconfan4eternity… Please dont ever refer to Darren Sharper as an “game changing safety” again, thanks
Im really excited about this team! Ive been a season ticket holder for two years now, and with a team like this i know I’ll be one for years to come!
Go Birds!!!
SKYROCK
April 30th, 2010
3:25 pm
Hey D.Led, kinda curious why Falcons never ran screen play’s with the running game we have.(Norwood when healthy,lol). Do you think we could see more of that this year. Seems like a great play to run in certain situations. Looking forward to start of the season. Like the depth also!! Thanks
allycks
April 30th, 2010
3:32 pm
This looks great. For once a Falcons team is starting to get depth at almost every position. Dimitroff and Smith are the kind of serious and open minded men you’d want running the business. It looks like they’re building a long-term winner.
steve
April 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Justin Blalock will get cut after training camp, I believe rookie Mike Johnson will win the LG spot.
Joe Hawley will beat out Brett Romberg for the backup C position and sit behind McClure for another yr.
Sean Weatherspoon will beat out Mike Peterson who lost a step late in the season.
The starting SS battle will be the most intriguing, last years William Moore up against Erick Coleman. Moore had first round talent, I’m excited to see what happens in camp.
Here are my candidates that are on the roster bubble: G – Justin Blalock; WR – Brian Finneran; CB – Brian Williams; DE/DT – Jamaal Anderson
Coop
April 30th, 2010
3:54 pm
Projected opening day starters:
OFFNESE
QB – Matt Ryan
RB – Michael Turner
FB – Ovie Mughelli
WR – Roddy White
WR – Michael Jenkins
TE – Tony Gonzalez
LT – Sam Baker
LG – Justin Blalock
C – Todd McClure
RG – Harvey Dahl
RT – Tyson Clabo
DEFENSE
RDE – John Abraham
DT – Corey Peters
DT – Peria Jerry
LDE – Kroy Biermann
WLB – Michael Peterson
MLB – Curtis Lofton
SLB – Sean Weatherspoon
RCB – Chris Owens
FS – Thomas DeCoud
SS – Williams Moore
LCB – Dunta Robinson
SPECIALS
KR – Dominique Franks
PR – Dominique Franks
P – Michael Koenen
PK – Garrett Lindholm
LS – Joe Zelenka
Jay212033
April 30th, 2010
4:15 pm
One guy that might get a look at KR/PR is Tim Buckley this kid is an awesome athlete and has terrific vision. I see him as being a Josh Cribbs type player.
Jay212033
April 30th, 2010
4:19 pm
Also Ryan Wolfe looks far better as a receiving option than Weems, Finn and Meier. This kid runs good routes, has awesome hands and is a good blocker. He’s a sleeper for the 3rd/4th receiving option.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 30th, 2010
4:38 pm
I though Matt Bryant looked pretty good at kicker. Strong leg too.
Row 3
April 30th, 2010
5:04 pm
I’m with you on Matt Bryant, but a little training camp competition does the Soul good.
falcon fan
April 30th, 2010
5:24 pm
I agree with sirReal, Give snelling the #2 spot. I think he deserves a shot after last seasons performance. Pound the ball and find other ways to use Norwoods talent. Line him up as a slot reciever, or in the wildcat. I would love to see turner and snelling along with ovie in the backfield in a power running formation and just cram the ball down peoples throat. The old wishbone….that would be sweet!
chris taylor
April 30th, 2010
7:38 pm
Definately Falcons Fan, line them up just like you said in a double tight end set too. Block and shock tactic. You could also sneak a little play action out of it with Gonzalez, 2nd TE Peek/Zinger etc., and Snelling out of the back field. Thats 3 recievers and 2 RB/FB’s to pick up the run blitz on an obvious “You’re gonna eat this ball and like it!” play.
Pat
April 30th, 2010
7:47 pm
bierman is also the 3rd string PK
Origional Fan
April 30th, 2010
11:47 pm
I still think Meier was drafted to add a little bulk ( he’s not far off now) and take over fo TG in a year or two. Just speculating.
theriddler
May 1st, 2010
6:23 am
Not much chatter about our weak receiving corp. Gonzo/age WR/no depth. IMO you can’t have enough quality WR’s in this current style of pro ball. I’m old school and I don’t believe Run/D wins championships anymore. You’ve gotta throw it. I’ll buy into Douglas after a quality year back, but not until. I think it is a glaring weakness.
ugakev
May 1st, 2010
8:46 am
Two players i look forward to seeing and can really boost us this year. Harry douglas and dunta robinson
MikeT
May 1st, 2010
10:55 am
So basically, the Falcons drafted 0 starters. Bravo.
Wesley Brown
May 1st, 2010
11:57 am
I am excited about the Falcons and think we are building a perenial contender.This is the year to learn what caliber Matt Ryan will be, and I say he will be very good.
Our offense is going to excel and I think the table is set for a very good year for the Falcons. Reasonably weak schedule, Ryan’s break out year I hope, and the defense could be much improved with Jerry, Moore and Robinson hoepfully injury free and in the mix.
ROHOHO, those that divide us prosper. Think about what the politicians would feel if you and I were both outside their windows at the same time. Go Falcons. I can’t wait.
Wesley Brown
May 1st, 2010
12:00 pm
theriddler, you make a good point. IF, Turner stays healthy we can hide those weaknesses with Gonzalez and White. Maybe Douglas will be the possesion receiver we need. Receivers are a weakness no doubt. I think we can work around it though.
waynester
May 1st, 2010
12:36 pm
ROHOHO and Wesley Brown
The Falcons saw that what they’d been doing from the beginning wasn’t working and totally changed their approach to fixing the problem. The American people need to do the same. We’ve been trying the same 2 parties over and over since the beginning and now have to totally change our approach to solve the problem. Affixing blame is the easy part, ROHOHO–fixing the problem will require abandoning our old thinking and trying something new.