Atlanta Falcons: Roster trimmed down to 53 players
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dominique Franks, left, defends against wide receiver Eric Weems during one on one plays at training camp in Flowery Branch on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
In surprise moves, cornerback Dominique Franks and linebacker Spencer Adkins were released by the Falcons on Friday.
With a new defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan and secondary coach in Joe Danna, the dismissal of Franks is part of major renovation in the secondary.
Franks is the second cornerback from last season’s opening-day roster to be released. The team reached an injury settlement with Darrin Walls, who made the team last season as an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, when they cut down from 90 to 75 players.
Offensive line coach Pat Hill confers with (66) guard Peter Konz and center Tyler Horn during the first day of minicamp in Flowery Branch on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. (CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM )
Franks played in 11 games last season and made four starts. He finished with 17 tackles, three passes defensed and had two interceptions. He was a fifth round pick in 2010.
Behind cornerbacks Brent Grimes, Dunta Robinson and Asante Samuel, the Falcons elected to keep Christopher Owens and Robert McClain.
Behind starting safeties Thomas DeCoud and William Moore, the Falcons retained veteran safety Chris Hope and rookie Charles Mitchell. Shann Schillinger was placed on injured reserve.
Adkins, who started in the playoffs against the New York Giants for Stephen Nicholas, was a sixth round pick in 2009.
The team also waived wide receiver Drew Davis, linebackers Pat Schiller and Rico Council, center Tyler Horn, wide receiver James Rodgers, cornerback Peyton Thompson, cornerback Marty Markett, wide receIver Marcus Jackson, offensive tackle Bryce Harris, linebacker Jerrell Harris, safety Suaesi Tuimaunei, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, running back Dimitri Nance and defensive lineman Conrad Obi.
Veterans fullback Mike Cox and long snapper Joe Zelenka were released.
Wide receiver Kerry Meier was waived injured.
The team reached injury settlements with tight end LaMark Brown and tackle Andrew Jackson.
Schiller played at Northern Illinois and amassed 239 tackles over his four-year career. He had 19 tackles for loss, three sacks and eight passes defensed. He had a strong game against Jacksonville on Thursday as he led the defense with eight tackles, including one tackle for a loss.
“Pat Schiller played pretty good tonight,” linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. “I think he’s been getting better throughout the camp and he kind of showed that tonight.”
The Falcons are going to carry just five linebackers on the 53-man roster. Weatherspoon, Akeem Dent, Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson appear to be locks. The fifth spot will likely be filled by Robert James.
Horn started at center for the Miami Hurricanes. He was a second-team all-ACC selection.
Brown played at Minnesota-Mankato after transferring from Kansas State. He was the 50th rated wide receiver by ESPN draft analyst Kiper, but the Falcons played him at tight end.
Obi, 6-3, 290. a native of College Park who played at Grayson High, played at Colorado.
He appeared in 41 games during his career at Colorado and had a breakout season as a senior. In 2011, Obi started seven games and posted 31 total tackles (14 solo) with three passes defensed, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery.
He was signed as a free agent by Arizona after the draft, but was released.
Council played at Tennessee State and was named the Ohio Valley Conference preseason co-defensive player of the year. In 2011, he had a team-high 87 tackles (49 solo) with 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Council turned some heads in training camp with his striking ability and is likely one of the leading candidates for the practice squad.
“He’s a big, burly and thick guy,” linebacker coach Glenn Pires said. “He’s got to bring the wood. Those are his assets. He’s a big and strong guy. He’s physical in the run game. That’s what we want to get from him, getting downhill and playing physical.”
The Falcons must cut down from 75 players to 53 players by 9 p.m. today. We will be updating this file as we confirm the players released.
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146 comments Add your comment
Dat' Dude (Again)
August 31st, 2012
6:11 pm
Hey,D-Led,willyou be posting the list of 53 very soon?
50caliber
August 31st, 2012
6:14 pm
Glad Tim Toone made it! Not to brag but watched him in 1 practice and new he would make it.
John
August 31st, 2012
6:15 pm
So Jerrell Harris has made the 53 man roster? If so, I think he will be solid.
Just Sayin.....
August 31st, 2012
6:16 pm
Thinking there will be some big name cuts in 2013 if they are 1 and done again.
Just sayin…..
Esquire
August 31st, 2012
6:16 pm
The Kerry Meier cut surprised me………….I thought his special teams play would get him on the 53.
Michael M.
August 31st, 2012
6:17 pm
So much for being shocked today……………………………….
Atlanta Falcons 75 to 53: Franks and Adkins Released in Stunning Moves | Scripting4You Blog
August 31st, 2012
6:33 pm
[...] nickelback and one of the front-runners for the punt return job this year, was released Friday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
Atlanta Falcons 75 to 53: Franks and Adkins Released in Stunning Moves | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
August 31st, 2012
6:40 pm
[...] nickelback and one of the front-runners for the punt return job this year, was released Friday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
Devoted Falcons Fan
August 31st, 2012
6:49 pm
We should have kept Franks and let Owens bounce…..that kid is suspect
What Pass Defense?!
August 31st, 2012
6:51 pm
The front office did not stand on ceremony or tradition putting this roster together. If my memory is correct, there are 16 players currently on the active roster that were not on it this time last year. Approximately 30% of the roster has been turned over in one year.
Flacons never learn
August 31st, 2012
6:52 pm
This rooster is full of Tommy Dummytroff misteaks.
Fist they did not cut that looser Perrier Jerry in fact they have his as a strater. How dum is that?
next they cheep shot artist Donto Roberson a head of Assanti Samaul. Roberson shoold be gone 2
I donjt see Finnermans name either he is 1 of the most shure handed riecevers out there.
Way 2 go Flacons
4 – 12…….No, 3 – 13
Michael M.
August 31st, 2012
6:52 pm
Had an email from nfl.com I subscribe to with a letter from the commissioner and some of it is as follows………………………….
The 2012 NFL regular season is about to begin, and it promises to be another exciting, competitive, and unpredictable year of football which NFL fans have come to expect every season.
Part of our responsibility in helping teams and players prepare for each NFL season is to make sure they understand and respect league policies and rules.
This year is no exception – bringing with it a clear, consistent, and renewed emphasis on enforcing our longstanding “bounty” prohibition.
Let me be clear: there is no place for bounties in football. No exceptions. No excuses.
The bounty prohibition forbids offering or accepting any reward – cash or otherwise – for on-field misconduct, plays that incentivize or result in injury to opposing players, or for performance against an opposing player, group of players, or team.
We will aggressively protect the health, safety and long-term livelihood of our players, both on the field and off.
The bounty prohibition plays an instrumental role in achieving that. And we are committed to holding every team, player and owner accountable.
We appreciate your interest and hope you enjoy the 2012 NFL season.
Roger Goodell
I just put pieces of it here …………………………………….better watch it cause they will be watching you…………….I am sure they will be some fines and borderline hits making the waves in the weeks and months ahead for sure……………………………………
Devoted Falcons Fan
August 31st, 2012
6:53 pm
Dieon Branch…we should probably go get that guy
terrell
August 31st, 2012
7:05 pm
Chris Cooley? Swagger? Wow!
Michael M.
August 31st, 2012
7:08 pm
Branch is 33 years old and if he was still on top of his game the Patriots would never let him go………
terrell
August 31st, 2012
7:15 pm
A Football life “The life of Tebow”? Are u kidding me?
Michael M.
August 31st, 2012
7:19 pm
Jet fans tickled me in that game the other night one second they was sreaming Teeeeeeeee bowwww and the second he screwed up they were booing him off the field, it was hilarious !
terrell
August 31st, 2012
7:34 pm
Branch can still play. Pats going with two TE’s(Gronk,Hernandez) and Brandon Lloyd(knows Mcdaniels system from St Louis . No room for Branch.
SirReal
August 31st, 2012
7:38 pm
Wow. Meier was injury waived? Well, what can ya say? I tell people all the time that NFL stands for Not For Long….I can see Turner’s last year this year and Antone Smith and Rogers being our RB by commitee. I’d honestly like to see Smith run with the ones…he hits holes with conviction. Glad he’s still with the team.
What?
August 31st, 2012
8:05 pm
Worst update ever. Completely confusing and all over the place. How about this?:
1) These guys are on the team.
2) these guys got cut or waived or reached an injury settlement.
Atlanta Falcons: Here’s a look at the 53-man roster | Atlanta Falcons
August 31st, 2012
8:13 pm
[...] Falcons trim down to 53-man roster; Adkins, Franks, Meier and Zelenka cut [...]
tidog
August 31st, 2012
8:37 pm
How is it possible a guy with a bad hamstring (Chris Owens) and hasn’t played much if any at all is a better keep than a non injured (Dominique Franks). Really Chris Owens really.
Bird Brain
August 31st, 2012
9:07 pm
What a dumb move keeping Chris “Burnt Toast” Owens while staying off the field with a bad hamstring so that he didn’t get burnt with Nolan watching the preseason games. Owens lack of cover talent is the main reason that Ryan is 0-3 in the playoffs. So lets keep him to ensure that we go 0-4?
Just Sayin.....
August 31st, 2012
9:35 pm
Bird Brain
Ryan is 0-3 because he melts under pressure. The defense did their job last playoff game.
Esquire
August 31st, 2012
9:45 pm
Kerry Meier waived injured……………..is there a difference?
The Real Rick
August 31st, 2012
10:05 pm
I’m a little surprised they took smith over nance. Both are good but nance seemed to be more explosive…..I’m sure that was a tough call….
Layinlow
August 31st, 2012
11:04 pm
Funny how you deleted my post from earlier when I knew the 53 man roster had been released before you did you stupid monkey. When all the fans were waiting on your lazy azz to do your job and I came on here and told them where the already released info was at and you had to delete it so you wouldn’t look too stupid I guess. Your the worst falcons reporter of all time!
WS
August 31st, 2012
11:31 pm
They kept Chris Owens because he can play ouside. He is not a slot corner. He is also good on specials teams. Have you forgotten that he ran down Sproles and Percy Harvin last year to save Touchdowns on kickoffs. Franks or I don’t think any other falcon has Owens speed.
I have never saw anyone run down Harvin or Sproles, other than Owens. If you can do that, they will find a place on roster for you.
TalkReal
September 1st, 2012
3:11 am
I think Davis would be better than cone in the long run. He seems more like julio were as cone was compared to finneran. Not impressive. Cutting Pat Schiller was the biggest mistake in my opinion, and they should just cut Meier,I mean seriously what are the falcons waiting for and why are we still waiting. He’s not special and we want and need special. I cant way to see the new product this season. Pshhh. Not kidding at all when I say I am the harshest critic around. And thats why I am die hard.
jc_dawgs
September 1st, 2012
10:15 am
I’m wavering between 9-7 and 10-6 for this team this year. I had originally penciled in the KC game as a loss. But…given the Chief troubles…I think the Falcons can win this game. I think Smith will work hard on correcting the road opener woes that has befuddled this Falcon team. Last year 30-12 at Chicago and the year before when we could not beat a Pitt team with there backup qb.
I think 10-6 is staring this team in the face. I’ll take it!
Surg
September 1st, 2012
10:16 am
Heard Jeff Demps got cut because of a phony knee injury… I still think we should pick him up would love to have his speed on our team.
FalconPride66
September 1st, 2012
1:33 pm
Who is going to be the long snapper? Mud Duck?
FalconPride66
September 1st, 2012
1:35 pm
Uh … “FalconsNeverLearn” … Finneran retired … did you not get that memo???
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September 1st, 2012
1:43 pm
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NCAA Coach
September 3rd, 2012
12:35 pm
Layinlow – I agree 100%. When an article appeared a few weeks ago & the picture that was attached was of two players from 2010, I said “this is lazy azz sloppy reporting”. And the try to defend it.
DOL is better than that, but not on that day.
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Falconsrightwing
September 4th, 2012
4:20 pm
I hate to say that we have just the same defense we have had last year we lost to Giants….Giants?
Whattha hell!!!
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September 5th, 2012
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