Dimi/Smith have replaced over a third of the Falcons roster

[theProf]

Comparing the current final roster this year with the final roster at the beginning of last season, Dimitroff and Smith have already replaced 19 of the 53 roster players or 36% through new FA signings and draft picks as follows:

DEFENSE: 11 of 24 players, or 46%, as follows:

DEs: Fraser and Bierman

DTs: Moorehead and Jefferson

LBs: Lofton, Gilbert, and Wire

CBs: Jackson and Adams

Ss: Coleman and Decoud

OFFENSE: 7 of 26 players, or 27%, as follows:

QB: Ryan

RB: Turner

WR: Douglas

OT: Baker

OC: Stepanovich

TEs: Hartsock and Peelle

SPECIAL TEAMS: 1 of 3 exclusive ST players, or 33%, as follows:

PK: Elam

Note: Finneran, Snelling, Wilkerson, Grimes, Dahl, and Shockley were not on the final roster at the beginning of last year, but were already signed by the Falcons or signed during the 2007 season. Therefore, I don't consider any of these players to be new signings by Dimi and Smith. Although Grady Jackson was on the roster at the beginning of last season, he was released during the season, and resigned this season by Dimi. However, I did not include Grady because he was on the roster at the beginning of last season.

[miKevicK777]

yea this type of makeover to a team is unconventional

but it might have been very neccessary

[wordtobigbird]

i wonder what the turnover at miami is like in comparison.

[pzummo]

It's 7 new starters. All upgrades over what we had last year at those positions if you ask me.

[Bring It]

I'm actually surprised it wasn't more.............................like 45 - 50 %.

The past 3 to 4 years we had a mediocre roster with terrible team chemistry. In the NFL team chemistry is almost as important as raw talent.

When you have 53 guys who will run through a wall for the coach........................and each other, you've got a lethal weapon.

[theProf]

yea this type of makeover to a team is unconventional

but it might have been very neccessary

From a very recent article as follows:

"The Falcons' makeover began with some of the most accomplished players being cut or traded: Dunn, DeAngelo Hall, Alge Crumpler, Rod Coleman, Jimmy Williams and Wayne Gandy.

"It wasn't a matter of us coming in to wield a big stick and slash everyone just to make our mark," Dimitroff said. "It was about getting players who were system-specific players for us. Players who would fit into that mold, we would keep. Players we felt would not, we would part ways with."

Linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, safety Lawyer Milloy and defensive end John Abraham are the remaining leaders on defense. Roddy White, who had 83 catches for 1,202 yards and six touchdowns last year, is the top returning receiver.

Major concerns include an offensive line that is expected to include rookie left tackle Sam Baker as a starter and a secondary which includes young cornerbacks Chevis Jackson, Brent Grimes and Chris Houston.

The Vick scandal hurt ticket sales, but Dimitroff isn't trying to lure fans to the Georgia Dome with false optimism for a winning season.

"No, I think from the very beginning Mike Smith and I have talked about this team in terms of tenacity, fire on the field and passion and resiliency," he said.

"Our aim is not necessarily to focus on the amount of W's in the win column. It's more about knowing when the opponent steps off the field, they know that they've played a competitive, fiery football club. That is our goal this year, to really drive it home that we want to be a passionate, competitive, sort of a reckless playing football team."

http://savannahnow.com/node/564056

[theProf]

I'm actually surprised it wasn't more.............................like 45 - 50 %.

The past 3 to 4 years we had a mediocre roster with terrible team chemistry. In the NFL team chemistry is almost as important as raw talent.

When you have 53 guys who will run through a wall for the coach........................and each other, you've got a lethal weapon.

I read a very recent article that said Atlanta had replaced 50% of its roster. I didn't think that it could be that high in just one season, which is the primary reason why I did a little more research into Atlanta's roster turnover. I can get to over a third with my analysis and calculations, but not a half.

[theProf]

It's 7 new starters. All upgrades over what we had last year at those positions if you ask me.

(1) Ryan > Redman Yes, especially once Ryan gets a few games under his belt.

(2) Turner > Dunn Yes, especially for power running scheme.

(3) Baker > Gandy Yes. Baker young and upcoming, Gandy old and declining.

(4) Loftin > Brooking Possibly at the MLB position, since Brooking is better at weakside.

(5) Coleman > Crocker Yes, without a doubt.

(6) Jackson > Harris Yes. Was Harris the starting Nickle-Back last season, or was it someone else? No matter, Jackson is better than whoever started at NB last season.

(7) Douglas > Horn at slot-receiver Yes, without a doubt.

I take it that these are the seven new starters from the new regime that you are referring to?

[theProf]

i wonder what the turnover at miami is like in comparison.

Thanks to BlacksburgHokie for finding the following ESPN article:

From ESPN:

QUOTE

Sure enough, I later discovered the Dolphins lead the NFL in new blood. ESPN's John Clayton informed me 26 players, essentially half the roster, weren't on the team last year. They didn't experience rookie coach Cam Cameron and his proclamation that he wanted his players to "fail forward fast."

The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons are tied for second with 20 new players apiece on their current rosters. The Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens have 18 newcomers each.

The rest of the AFC East underwent far less turnover. The New York Jets added 15 new players, the New England Patriots 14 and the Buffalo Bills 12.

The Dallas Cowboys have the fewest new players with eight. The San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints have added only 10.

The Dolphins' 26 new players include 11 rookies, fourth-most on rosters as of Monday. The Chiefs have 15 rookies, the Indianapolis Colts and Ravens have 12 rookies each.

Of the 43 players who started at least one game for Miami last year, 18 remain on the roster.

[theProf]

The following article indicated that Atlanta has 20 new players on the roster, whereas I calculated 19 new roster players signed by Dimitroff. I think the discreprency of 1 player is Harvey Dahl, who was not on Atlanta's roster at the beginning of the 2007 season. Dahl was signed in October of 2007, however he was not signed by Dimitroff. Hence, he was not included in my calculated total.

From ESPN:

QUOTE

Sure enough, I later discovered the Dolphins lead the NFL in new blood. ESPN's John Clayton informed me 26 players, essentially half the roster, weren't on the team last year. They didn't experience rookie coach Cam Cameron and his proclamation that he wanted his players to "fail forward fast."

The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons are tied for second with 20 new players apiece on their current rosters. The Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens have 18 newcomers each.

The rest of the AFC East underwent far less turnover. The New York Jets added 15 new players, the New England Patriots 14 and the Buffalo Bills 12.

The Dallas Cowboys have the fewest new players with eight. The San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints have added only 10.

The Dolphins' 26 new players include 11 rookies, fourth-most on rosters as of Monday. The Chiefs have 15 rookies, the Indianapolis Colts and Ravens have 12 rookies each.

Of the 43 players who started at least one game for Miami last year, 18 remain on the roster.

[Austrian_Falcon]

(1) Ryan > Redman Yes, especially once Ryan gets a few games under his belt.

(2) Turner > Dunn Yes, especially for power running scheme.

(3) Baker > Gandy Yes. Baker young and upcoming, Gandy old and declining.

(4) Loftin > Brooking Possibly at the MLB position, since Brooking is better at weakside.

(5) Coleman > Crocker Yes, without a doubt.

(6) Jackson > Harris Yes. Was Harris the starting Nickle-Back last season, or was it someone else? No matter, Jackson is better than whoever started at NB last season.

(7) Douglas > Horn at slot-receiver Yes, without a doubt.

I take it that these are the seven new starters from the new regime that you are referring to?

Nickel-CB and Slot-Receiver don't count as "starter" ... the 2 you're missing are Alge and DHall.

[innovativefx]

They year New Orleans had this much turnover - they went 12-4.

I think every move has been a good move. I cannot disagree with one of them.

We had some fan favorites that really were not on-the-field performers let go. Some of them hurt - but were necessary - to list a few:

Dunn

Crumpler

Hall

Stone

Each of these guys were good at one time - but one way or another have not been helping the team.

Dunn - he is just not a starter anymore - good 3rd down back.

Crumpler - over the hill. I miss him of 3 years ago.

Hall - Is not a team player - very talented but will rip the locker room apart - exactly what the Raiders are used to.

Stone - Average player - but just not real talented at coverage - somehow became a fan favorite despite not seeing the field much

[theProf]

Nickel-CB and Slot-Receiver don't count as "starter" ... the 2 you're missing are Alge and DHall.

I remember reading something attributable to Coach Smith, where he indicated that the players who started at the NB and the slot-receiver positions should also be considered as starters. I didn't figure that the original poster, who opined that the Falcons improved 7 starters, meant to include the TE or CB positions. It would be very difficult to say that Hartsock>Crumpler, or that Grimes>DLo, at this juncture. Thus, I thought the poster might be referring to improvement at the NB and Slot positions.

[theProf]

They year New Orleans had this much turnover - they went 12-4.

I think every move has been a good move. I cannot disagree with one of them.

We had some fan favorites that really were not on-the-field performers let go. Some of them hurt - but were necessary - to list a few:

Dunn

Crumpler

Hall

Stone

Each of these guys were good at one time - but one way or another have not been helping the team.

Dunn - he is just not a starter anymore - good 3rd down back.

Crumpler - over the hill. I miss him of 3 years ago.

Hall - Is not a team player - very talented but will rip the locker room apart - exactly what the Raiders are used to.

Stone - Average player - but just not real talented at coverage - somehow became a fan favorite despite not seeing the field much

Thanks for the input. Dimitroff and Smith certainly seem astute at evaluating players, especially in relation to the type of players that this team needs. They are really focusing on character, intangibles, and sheme/team fit. I have initially questioned some of their personnel decisions as to certain veterans released, FA signings, draft picks, and final roster selections. However, I am becoming more and more convinced that all of their personnel decisions are really wise and best for the team. Therefore, I am second-guessing them less and less each day.

[innovativefx]

In Dimtroff I trust.

We will be celebrating his hire for years.

[theProf]

In Dimtroff I trust.

We will be celebrating his hire for years.

Just a word of caution. Almost everyone, myself included, were saying the same thing about Rich McKay during his first season as GM. McKay was probably better than his predecessors, but not as good as everyone thought he would be. Hopefully Dimitroff will find the long-term success as the Falcons GM that eluded McKay.

[theProf]

If Foxworth passes his physical, and the trade becomes official, then Dimi/Smith would have replaced 12 of 24 (50%) of the Defensive roster players and 20 of 53 (38%) of the total roster. This assumes that Atlanta will cut a DB signed by the previous regime, such as, Irons or possibly Harris, to make the roster spot for Foxworth.

[theProf]

If Foxworth passes his physical, and the trade becomes official, then Dimi/Smith would have replaced 12 of 24 (50%) of the Defensive roster players and 20 of 53 (38%) of the total roster. This assumes that Atlanta will cut a DB signed by the previous regime, such as, Irons or possibly Harris, to make the roster spot for Foxworth.

Well I just saw the following roster moves by Atlanta:

"FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons today completed a trade with the Denver Broncos, acquiring cornerback Domonique Foxworth for a 2009 seventh round draft pick, contingent on Foxworth’s playing time this season. Atlanta also claimed safety Jamaal Fudge off of waivers from Jacksonville and released cornerback Blue Adams and fullback Corey McIntyre."

I certainly thought Irons or Harris would have been cut before Blue Adams. Didn't think Atlanta would get down to only one FB, by cutting McIntyre either. I wonder if the Falcons are going to put Snelling at back-up FB and RB, or do they intend to sign another FB.

[slatapolsky]

Well I just saw the following roster moves by Atlanta:

"FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons today completed a trade with the Denver Broncos, acquiring cornerback Domonique Foxworth for a 2009 seventh round draft pick, contingent on Foxworth’s playing time this season. Atlanta also claimed safety Jamaal Fudge off of waivers from Jacksonville and released cornerback Blue Adams and fullback Corey McIntyre."

I certainly thought Irons or Harris would have been cut before Blue Adams. Didn't think Atlanta would get down to only one FB, by cutting McIntyre either. I wonder if the Falcons are going to put Snelling at back-up FB and RB, or do they intend to sign another FB.

Whoops. You just made a post without unnecessarily using "as follows". You may want to edit it a bit to make the language a bit more stilted and awkward.

[celtiksage]

Well I just saw the following roster moves by Atlanta:

"FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons today completed a trade with the Denver Broncos, acquiring cornerback Domonique Foxworth for a 2009 seventh round draft pick, contingent on Foxworth’s playing time this season. Atlanta also claimed safety Jamaal Fudge off of waivers from Jacksonville and released cornerback Blue Adams and fullback Corey McIntyre."

I certainly thought Irons or Harris would have been cut before Blue Adams. Didn't think Atlanta would get down to only one FB, by cutting McIntyre either. I wonder if the Falcons are going to put Snelling at back-up FB and RB, or do they intend to sign another FB.

McIntyre was a surprise, but not Adams. I thought Adams might have been a bubble player when we got down to the final 53. Now who is he going to replace on he practice squad is my question, because I certainly think that is where he is headed.

celtik

[theProf]

McIntyre was a surprise, but not Adams. I thought Adams might have been a bubble player when we got down to the final 53. Now who is he going to replace on he practice squad is my question, because I certainly think that is where he is headed.

celtik

Blue Adams is not eligible for the Practice Squad, as he already has three years of pro experience.

[LADBABY]

The front office is pulling out all the stops to find

people who can defend the forward pass. We have

not had that rated high enough in previous regimes.

McIntyre is a special teams player who plays fullback

and is a total unknown as a ball carrier. Snelling can

back up Ovie and also brings the dimension of running

the football. He also can play special teams. He is more

versatile.

Blue Adams seemed active in the games I saw but I

don't get to break down coach's tape.

[Ric Roc]

I'm beginning to worry about a disruption in team chemistry with all the changes lately...seems like some good guys were let go.

[LADBABY]

I'm beginning to worry about a disruption in team chemistry with all the changes lately...seems like some good guys were let go.

Smith knows a lot of the guys he has brought in and may think

they will improve chemistry. This is the ideal time to pick up some

talent on the cheap. It is almost as important to get this time of the

year right as it is the draft. It is a risk to some extent to dump a bunch

of guys you know, for some you don't know but I think that is being

tempered to some extent by bringing in people Smith has coached

before.

[FalconFanForLife]

Hey theProf, some really good analysis of the roster turnover, and all the changes in personnel. I too think we have largely upgraded the talent on the team, even though we lost some very good core players.

I am also getting a very good feeling about TD and all he has done so far. But I too thought that McKay was going to take us to the promised land, so even with all my enthusiasm, I will just remember that there is still much to be done before we turn this franchise around.

Our reality check will be coming this Sunday. Most fans are feeling very optimistic following preseason, but we all know the REAL football hasn't begun yet. The season will have some down moments for us I am sure, so everyone stay calm, and remember this is just year one of the rebuild needed here.