Depth chart: Ray Edwards welcome to the ATL
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards would be a nice fit for the Falcons. (Associated Press)
BIRDLAND – With the draft over, here’s a look the Falcons 2011 projected depth chart.
We took in to account that there will be free agency and that the Falcons will take some hits along the offensive line. Right tackle Tyson Clabo is likely to get a big offer and will have to take it. Not sure about left guard Justin Blalock, but he wasn’t drafted by the current regime so he could also bolt.
They’ll be replaced by Mike Johnson at left guard and Jose Valdez at right tackle.
Of course, Julio Jones will start opposite of Roddy White at wide receiver. They just need to teach him the 9, 8 and 7 routes (go, post and flag) to start off. They can add the rest of the route tree on the fly. They didn’t get him to catch a bunch of bubble screens.
On the defensive side, I went ahead and signed Minnesota’s Ray Edwards. (It’s fun playing GM!!!). Here’s his bio.
He’s had 29 sacks in five seasons. He had eight sacks last season and 8.5 in 2009. The only thing that is troubling is that he’s from Purdue, a Big Ten school. (Thomas Dimitroff has yet to draft a player from the Big Ten.)
“Welcome to the club Big Ray,” said GM Led. “I need 10 sacks from you at least. I need you to introduce yourself to Drew Brees, Josh Freeman and Cam Newton. You don’t have to be gentle, either.”
Some of you want to get Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomougha, but after spending $57.5 million on Dunta Robinson and putting a first-round tender on Brent Grimes, it wouldn’t be prudent to do another mega-cornerback deal. Also, the team has to lock up Grimes at some point.
Nnadmi Asomougha is not likely landing in the ATL. (Associated Press)
So at nickel back, Christopher Owens is going to get a chance to step up. Also, there’s Dominique Franks and possibly a veteran free agent, who doesn’t cost that much, can be added.
The rest of the defense remains in place because I’m projecting the re-signing of Mike Peterson to play weakside on run downs.
Here’s a look at the projected 2011 depth chart:
FALCONS 2011 PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
QB – 1. Matt Ryan, 2. Chris Redman
RB – 1. Michael Turner, 2. Jacquizz Rodgers
FB – 1. Ovie Mughelli. 2. Jason Snelling
WR – 1. Roddy White, 2. Michael Jenkins and Eric Weems
WR – 1. Julio Jones, 2. Harry Douglas and Kerry Meier
TE – 1. Tony Gonzalez, 2. Justin Peelle and Michael Palmer
LT – 1. Sam Baker, 2. Will Svitek
LG – 1. Mike Johnson, 2. Jose Valdez
C – 1. Todd McClure, 2.Joe Hawley
RG – 1. Harvey Dahl, 2. Andrew Jackson
RT – 1. Jose Valdez 2. Garrett Reynolds
DEFENSE
RDE – 1. John Abraham, 2. Cliff Matthews
DT – 1. Jonathan Babineaux, 2. Vance Walker
DT – 1. Corey Peters, 2. Peria Jerry
LDE – 1. Ray Edwards, 2. Kroy Biermann
WLB – 1. Mike Peterson, 2. Coy Wire
MLB – 1. Curtis Lofton, 2. Akeem Dent
SLB – 1. Sean Weatherspoon, 2. Spencer Adkins
RCB – 1. Dunta Robinson, 2. Christopher Owens
FS – 1. Thomas DeCoud, 2. Shann Schillinger
SS – 1. William Moore, 2. Rafael Bush
LCB – 1. Brent Grimes, 2. Dominique Franks
SPECIAL TEAMS
KR – 1. Eric Weems, 2. Harry Douglas
PR – 1. Eric Weems, 2. Jacquizz Rodgers
P – 1. Michael Koenen, 2. Matt Bosher
PK – 1. Matt Bryant
LS – Joe Zelenka
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
150 comments Add your comment
ATL_98
May 6th, 2011
9:23 pm
and im referring to page 1 comments!! lol
Skeptical but Optimistic Jacket
May 6th, 2011
9:39 pm
Well, I like some of these “moves.” I like getting Edwards from Minny, think he can blossom with Abe drawing double teams on the other side. I also like our depth on the line with quality guys like Matthews, Walker, Biermann and even Jerry.
I think our LBs are suspect, except the monster of the middle Lofton. The other 5 are pretty pedestrian.
I would like to get another corner opposite Robinson so Grimes can be our nickel, but we don’t seem to have enough money.
As for offense, we’re looking good. I just hope we can sign Clabo……he’s been a great player on the OL for us.
We look improved, but we must get a guy like Edwards to complete the deal. And possibly an heir apparent to Mike Peterson.
I see that Rodgers pick is, in fact, a reaction to Norwood’s injuries. But does Julio Jones’ choice have anything to do with the inefficiency of Harry Douglas? Could we possibly deal him to get a 4th rounder back?
GHunt
May 6th, 2011
10:04 pm
Ray Edwards has bust written all over him. Can you say Peerless Price? As stated by several bloggers in this article, Edwards played along side of 3 all pro D linemen, he was the man least respected by the competition and he achieved average results.
The FA acquistion is Charles Johnson or stay pat at the position. Spend the money on a rush OLB and nickel back.
James
May 6th, 2011
10:22 pm
You left out Reggie Bush!!
cwltank
May 6th, 2011
10:31 pm
The Falcons will have to cut payroll if they are looking to upgrade their defense. I predict a few cuts and hopefully a few trades.
mgdawg
May 6th, 2011
11:04 pm
Grimes is an excellent corner, I think he outplayed dunta who got way more money, last year. Now as for nickel, is owens really the best we have? I personally thought after the greenbay game he should’ve been locked out and had all his stuff thrown out on the streets. That was the worse excuse for cornerback play that i have ever seen. Ray drew from what I hear would be a great move. I would really like to see us make one more big defensive free agent signee, but I don’t know who is available. Maybe a safety or atleast another nickel corner, which would be the cheaper option I think.
Whopper Dawg
May 7th, 2011
1:28 am
You got nothing at CB, Owens can’t cover a table and was ABUSED by Green Bay when he was in nickel. He doesn’t need to have a roster spot. Unfortunately, none of the other many CBs TD has drafted can play either. If Robinson or Grimes go down, you have a real problem and neither of those two are lock down corners.
South ga boy in the atl
May 7th, 2011
2:56 am
DOL is forgetting a couple of things when he talks about money already committed. We will pay JJ around 35-40 mil but he’s forgetting that we don’t pay the no 27 overall, a 2nd rd pick, a 4th rd pick, a NO. 1 and a NO. 4 next yr. At last yrs money the 3 picks would have cost us around 22 mil so that’s only an added 15 mil for Julio this yr. Then, even if there is a rookie wage scale, we would have about 10 mil we won’t be paying next yr for the 1st and 4th rd picks. In the long run Julio may cost 3-5 mil more in total money spent than what we would have spent anyway. 2nd DOL says, correctly, we spent 50 mil for Dunta last yr but that money, on an annual basis of course, is already figured into our bottom of the rung salaries for this past yr. It’s not future money. My point is that with 30 mil or so, on an annual basis, could buy Edwards, Namdhi, and resign Clabo and Grimes, prob not Nicholas though. You would be looking at an avg of 7.5 mil per man per yr. 1 or 2 maybe getting a little more and 1or 2 getting a little less. I don’t see why we can’t get at least 3 out of the 4 for sure. We NEED Clabo, Edwards, and Namdhi. If we got Namdhi then we could just resign Grimes to a 1 yr deal like Clabo and Dahl this past yr and see how he does one more yr before giving him a long term contract. It’s not like he’s an unrestricted FA so Falcons have the upper hand with him
headley lamar
May 7th, 2011
8:16 am
UGA has 732 all time wins. 3rd most in SEC history behind only Alabama and Tennessee.
Iowa has 580 Good for 7th in Big Ten History
Your analogy is way off.
UGA’s 732 wins are the 11th most in NCAA history. Just behind USC.
Iowa is 40th on that list.
Supes
May 7th, 2011
8:22 am
I have a feeling that Charles Johnson will be our “FA” DE acquisition not Ray Edwards.
Last year the dude played tough on a very bad team (Panthers), he’s motivated, always played tough in College here at UGA. Should be a good coming home, probably will cost less than Ray Edwards too.
As far as any other moves…I can see them getting a veteran CB, but not a top tier guy. Someone like a “Brian Williams” when we got him a couple of seasons ago on the cheap…
and how did this turn into a UGA/Iowa/Ohio State discussion? Just damn…this is a FALCONS blog!
headley lamar
May 7th, 2011
8:29 am
and how did this turn into a UGA/Iowa/Ohio State discussion? Just damn…this is a FALCONS blog!
Agreed but two points must be made.
1. UGA is not Iowa. Not by a longshot.
2. Georgia Football is far and away more popular in this state than the Falcons.
Those are just the facts.
headley lamar
May 7th, 2011
8:30 am
Forgot one
3. Anyone who thinks UGA and Iowa are the same has to have their knowledge of Football brought into question.
Robdawg
May 7th, 2011
8:59 am
Hey all yu knuckleheads, why don’t we go get Charles Johnson from Charlotte. Not only do we solve our DE position issues for the next 10 years, we set Charlotte back 10 years and bring a DAWG home. I believe he had double digit sacks last year on a bad Charlotte team. Put him opposite of Abraham and use Chauncey and Kroy as back ups. Anytime you get a chance to screw an inter division rival, you should jump on it. We might also have a chance to get the hit man, Thomas Davis, from Charlotte. He has been hurt and might come cheap. Another chance to bring a Georgia boy home. Most guys like the chance to play before their families. Would solve our LB issues. He is a violent hitter that creates turnovers. Also you are getting SEC quality athletes that are used to pressure situations and use to playing aginst the best.
Worm
May 7th, 2011
9:25 am
Thomas davis is available..Go get him to take peterson’s spot!
Winston
May 7th, 2011
10:09 am
As a lifelong UGA fan & graduate, I have to say I totally see what DOL was saying about the Iowa comparison. Looking at the conferences as a whole, both teams are in the lower-upper or upper-middle tier of their respective conferences. The year we should have even been considered for the BCS game we lost 2 games.
We’re consistently good, but to be great we have to catch lightning in a bottle (i.e. the Herschel Walker era and Cam with Auburn last year). We consistently lose to Florida and have all sat down the second week of January and watched 5 of our SEC brethren win a BCS title game.
If we don’t want to be the Iowa of the SEC, we need to solidify ourselves in the upper tier, to do that, we need to beat Florida more than once a decade. Until then, we are no more than the second best team in the second best division in the best conference in college football. While that still beats the s%^t out of being the Hawkeyes, DOL’s comparison was apt, no matter how aggravating it is.
Either way, GO DAWGS, GO BRAVOS, GO FALCONS, and GO BACK TO UNC MARVIN WILLIAMS!!!
Ziggy
May 7th, 2011
10:28 am
Baker and Valdez at tackle, hmm…..maybe it’s time to upgrade our backup at QB.
BirdDog
May 7th, 2011
10:55 am
Sorry but I don’t like the looks of that secondary at all. Owens showed in the playoff game that he is no NFL CB. They would be stupid to give Grimes a ton of money, he still got burnt more times than he made a play. Also, never been a Decoud fan, he is too soft. Robinson was a disappointment last year. I’m just not feeling it…
MaxxFalcon
May 7th, 2011
10:58 am
Hmmm No Sidbury, and Stephen Nicholas gone? There’s no way Matthews is over Sidbury on the chart, and there’s no way Mike Peterson starts at LB for us this year
BirdDog
May 7th, 2011
11:00 am
Robdawg, I agree with you and have been saying all along that Johnson from the Panthers is who they should sign. He has more production than Edwards over the past 2 years. Double digit sacks last year on a poor team. I say go get him!
D in Dallas
May 7th, 2011
12:26 pm
Look for Dent on the weakside, everyone forgets he was a weakside before UGA went to the 3-4. Owens will be fine as the nickel, but Grimes has to be moved inside on three receiver sets. That’s what they should have done against GB.
cwltank
May 7th, 2011
1:36 pm
I agree, Owens is an excellent nickle back. Most of his pick comes from the middle of the field.
Dent will start over Peterson and Falcons want sign a free agent DE. We will trade & cut salary to prepare for the future. The money is just not there to be agressive in free agency. Unless, we make a few trades.
nash
May 7th, 2011
2:28 pm
If the is a team that could be compared to Georgia it would have to be Mizzu. Lot of talent but can’t win in their conference for what ever reason. To compare the Dawgs to Iowa is just plain disrespectful.
Kramer
May 7th, 2011
2:33 pm
I just love all the experts on here who think they either have a future as an NFL GM or missed their calling. It is one thing to express an opinion, it is another to look like a total baffoon when you do. To those experts on here I am sure my opinion of you makes me look like a baffoon to you. That is because “experts” always think they are right. Trust me, TD knows more about building a team and doing his job then you do in your own current career.
GT GRAD
May 7th, 2011
2:40 pm
Dent will start at weakside LB (Peterson is too slow); I think their will be a learning curve for him, but he will develop into a very solid LB. Lofton, Weatherspoon & Dent will be solid at then3 LB positions.
I sincerely wish we could trade Turner for something worthwhile (draft picks and/or players) before every other team in the league realizes he is no longer the player he once was…….he peaked a few years back and has lost the little bit of speed/burst he used to bring. I think he is a liability (one trick pony with very little speed ==> the fact that he is too slow to run or catch balls outside of the tackle makes him too one dimensional). Defenses worry about runs up the middle and and our wide receivers………they are effective defending these concerns by blitzing, they can keep Gonzales in blocking to pick up the blitz, minimize runs up the middle and reduce the amount of time Matt Ryan has to throw the ball (time is required for WR to run deep routes which beat the blitz). A complete RB resolves this problem by getting to the outside, catching screen passes and making teams pay with LONG runs when we get past the blitzing players………Turner simply cannot fill this role OR atleast he has not proven this far in his career that he can fill this role )he does not possess the speed or solid hands to be effective in this manner)!!
It is time for him to go; however, I realize he will be a Falcon for atleast 2 more years (unfortunately). The problem is the Falcons have marketed him too hard AND we need more than just Snelling to replace Turner…………………….are there any RB available in free agency?? Anthony Allen (yes from GT) would have been a superb late round draft choice…..watch him play; he will be very solid for Baltimore over the next 8-10 years.
Ed
May 7th, 2011
3:37 pm
I think this team needs to address the cornerback spot opposite Dunta Robinson maybe pickup Drayton Florence or Nmandi. Brent Grimes could then move to the nickel corner spot where he would be even more of a playmaker. DE is a want in free agency but CB is a dire need in my opinion. Either way this is becoming more and more interesting now the players and owners need to agree on some sort of a deal so there can be football.
welikebaseball2
May 7th, 2011
3:44 pm
I find it amazing that you guys are acting like Edwards’ 8 sacks wouldn’t be an upgrade at LDE. Bierman gave us 3 last season. Couple with Abraham’s 10 or more, I’ll take a consistent 8 sacks from our LDE position all day. And no one is delusional enough to tag him as a Abraham replacement. I don’t know where you all are getting that from. Question: Is it realistic to expect 10 or more sacks out of both DE spots? If you think so…then, another question: How many NFL teams actually get that?
Chucktown38
May 7th, 2011
4:40 pm
DLed how about some undrafted free agents to look out for? Whats the buzz?
Steven A.
May 7th, 2011
4:43 pm
Vikings had a much better interior push than Falcons. Edwards 8 sacks will
not neccesarily transfer to Atlanta “Knuckleheads.”
Mystikal
May 7th, 2011
5:17 pm
Hey D-Led,
Any idea what undrafted players you think might make good additions to the squad?
I’d like to see S Joe Lefeged, DB Jerrard Tarrant, WR Ricardo Lockette and TE Schuylar Oordt
tyger
May 7th, 2011
6:08 pm
2011 Depth Chart
Offense
QB – Ryan, Redman, Parker
RB – Turner, Snelling, Norwood, Rodgers
WR- White, Douglass, Free Agent
WR – JJones, Weems, Meier
FB – Mughelli, Free Agent
TE – Gonzalez, Pelle, Palmer
OT – Clabo, Reynolds, Svitek
OG – Dahl, Jackson
C – Hawley, Jackson
OG – Johnson, Valdez, Free Agent
OT – Baker, Free Agent
Defense
DE – Abraham, Davis, Sidbury
DE – Edwards, Bierrman, Matthews
DT – Babineaux, Walker, Lewis
DT – Peters, Jerry
OLB – Weatherspoon, Adkins, Free Agent
MLB – Lofton, Dent, Wire
OLB – Peterson, Free Agent
CB – Robinson, Frank, Free Agent
CB – Grimes, Owens, Free Agent
FS – DeCoud, Bush
SS – Moore, Schilling, Free Agent
Offensive Notes…
1. WR Jenkins out, traded for draft picks.
2. Clabo stays, Blaylock goes…OL suspect as is.
3. Unimpressive Baker needs healthy veteran backup.
4. McClure retires during camp.
5. Norwood re-signs incentive laden contract.
Defensive notes…
1. Edwards is nice addition.
2. Jamal Anderson traded for picks.
3. Davis, Sidbury, Bierrman excellent reserves.
4. Peterson thumper and playmaker lives on.
5. Spoon unimpressive, Dent, Adkins and FA get shots.
6. Owens, Frank unproven; Vet/Rookie FA CB needed.
7. Vet S help wanted.
welikebaseball2
May 7th, 2011
7:02 pm
Steven A.: Okay…so…how do you know the 8 sacks WON’T translate? And…are you assuming our interior push won’t improve? By the way, Bierman only had 3 sacks, even with a pro bowler taking most of the attention at the other end position. So…I’m assuming you agree we need an upgrade at LDE. If so, who do you prefer we add? If your answer is Charles Johnson, who would you go after if we can’t get him?
SAINTS LSU
May 7th, 2011
9:32 pm
Don’t forget about the Saints in FA Great draft & FA here we come hard to stop Brees & a running game & adding more to Greg Williams D super bowl bound
Daniel
May 7th, 2011
9:40 pm
I have Dent backing up Peterson and Wire backing up Lofton
Falcons fan
May 7th, 2011
11:15 pm
DOL You really want to start a war with UGA fans? I know you are not that bright from reading your lame blog, but are you really that dumb? You always struck me as a nice enough guy though your writing leaves a lot to be desired. Surely you have noticed your blog usually gets the least hits despite the fact you are covering the team with the most success.
Maybe I’m reading too much into your little smart ass spat with DawginLex but if you are so eager to jump on OhioSt’s tip carry your silly little ass there and worship that cheating program daily. You will not be missed in the least and the AJC could replace you with a high school kid.
listen man
May 8th, 2011
2:01 am
sacks aint everything….5th in points 10th rush defense….22nd PASS DEFENSE….16th toatal d…..u have to keep that in mind…..WE HAVE TO GET BETTER AT WHAT WE WASNT GOOD AT A YEAR BEFORE AND STOPPING THE PASS WAS WHAT KILT US….CANT ARGUE THAT CAUSE ITS A FACT!.
Thunderbird Falcon
May 8th, 2011
6:56 am
I like Grimes, but if they can sign the Raider CB, go and get him. He is an awesome player. Grimes is good, but not as good as that dude.
DE in free agency is still #1 priority though.
mtgummibear
May 8th, 2011
8:35 am
Steven A. has a point. I have Montana connections so have watched Biermann very closely and I don’t think he will ever be a Pro-Bowler, but he could really benefit from a better interior push by the D-Tackles.
Bierman is never going to be a bull rusher, he depends on his speed as an outside rusher, but too often opposing quarterbacks are able to step up in the pocket to avoid the speed rushers.
I guess bottom line is I’m afraid Edwards would only be a marginal upgrade at a pretty high price, but I know Falcons need to find SOME way to get more sacks. There’s no doutb about that.
Samuel
May 8th, 2011
10:29 am
You can put together Jenkins and a few other players to get a defensive end. Who coupled with Abraham can get the league to have to seriously game plan for.
Squirming Falcon Fan
May 8th, 2011
11:41 am
For this team to be considered a S. Bowl contender we must sign Charles Johnson for LDE , sign the corner from the Raiders, and then retain both Clabo and Grimes. Anything less and we struggle to reach last years win total. The Saints and Tampa Bay both had super drafts and will be hard to beat unless we make this kind of statement in free-agency.
RB
May 8th, 2011
12:24 pm
Sidbury must be having problems learning the playbook. I thought for sure he would be a stud DE. DOL are you holding back info on us? What’s the skinny on Sidbury?
Adrian
May 8th, 2011
12:44 pm
Ok this is what I think needs to be chnaged; Koenen isnt coming back, Dent will be Mike P’s back up and I think Micheal Jenkins will be Julio’s back up.
texasbirdfan
May 8th, 2011
12:53 pm
That’s 48, who are the other 5 on a 53 man roster?
Runnin With The Dawgs
May 8th, 2011
7:54 pm
D.O.L. — I didn’t see J. Norwood mentioned in your depth chart. What is your take on him for this season, and his future as a Falcon?
garcia
May 8th, 2011
10:03 pm
Judging from what I have seen, this is the way I would configure our new OL.
LT: Baker – LG: Johnson – C: McClure – RG: Valdez – RT:Clabo.
With the Cowboys drafting Smith in the first round, I think that we will be able to keep Clabo. I think that this line up allows the new guys to get bracketed by veterans. The following season, Hawley steps into McClure spot.
I like Ray Edwards, but to be honest, I would prefer to use the money on Nmamdi. Sign him, play him on the outside with Grimes on the other side. . Dunta is a smart, savvy guy with extreme toughness; he belongs at Nickle.
I believe in Sidbury and Bierman. I’d like to see what they can do this season.
DR. FALCON
May 8th, 2011
11:30 pm
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE FEMALE FALCON FANS OUT THERE! GOD BLESS! BY THE WAY, GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
DR. FALCON
May 8th, 2011
11:34 pm
I LOVE THE RAY EDWARDS PU D, LED! THOMAS DIMITROFF HAS PROVEN THAT HE ‘S NOT AFRAID TO STICK HIS NECK OUT AND BE AGGRESSIVE! IT WOULD APPEAR THAT WE ARE GOING AFTER THE RING THIS YEAR, HARD!
DR. FALCON
May 8th, 2011
11:38 pm
RAY EDWARDS WOULD BE A NICE PICK-UP. WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE THAT RUN THIS YEAR, EVEN COAXING TONY GONZALEZ OUT OF RETIREMENT! WE CAN’T KEEP HOPING SIDBURY AND BIERMAN WILL STEP UP! THEY’VE HAD 2 YEARS TO DO IT. WELCOME RAY EDWARDS! BY THE WAY, MIKE JENKINS NEEDS TO BE SHOWN THE DOOR!
Here We Go Again Flacons
May 9th, 2011
4:30 pm
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 6th, 2011
10:14 am
Here We Go Again – No sir. They drafted Michael Jenkins position.
So the Falcons gave up that much 2 repalce a # 2 WR?
Section242
May 10th, 2011
10:15 am
So what happened to Sidbury Anderson and Davis on DE depth chart? Certainly one of them will be ahead of a 7th round draft choice.
Atl_slim
May 10th, 2011
11:35 pm
Thank God you didn’t put Anderson in the lineup. He is a waist of space.