Is there something wrong with Stephen Nicholas?

[Kayoh]

I've been seeing a lot of people on here really promoting us drafting OLB Aaron Curry. I have to wonder, what's wrong with Stephen Nicholas taking over for Keith Brooking on the weak side? He's a really great player. He's always making plays both on special teams and when he gets his reps on defense. So, I ask, why spend a high draft pick on a player at a position that we're already set at?

[Norwood32]

I am wondering this as well.

[Scott24Falcons]

Nicholas hasn't seen enough of the field. We really don't know what we have in him. The problem is that with the success we've had thus far, we're not in a position to sit Brooking more and let Nicholas take his place. If we were a 1-5 team, we'd probably be seeing a lot more of #54.

[Happy Mondays]

Ok although ive answered this same question in two different threads already ill do the same here.

Brooking has been far from amazing so far this season, as Mike Smith has already said every spot on the roster is an open competition through out the seasonno one has their spot safe if they are not peforming of that there is no question. Now as I have already said Brooking has not been playing well so with an open competition in place why has Nicholas not stepped up and made that spot his??

Nicholas has also been backing up Boley lately as the SLB now I have no doubt he could also play WLB but if he is capable of taking over from Brooking why not have him as the backup WLB instead so when he does get snaps on the feild he is more familiar as the WLB.

I have a feeling that Nicholas is better suited coming off the bench with fresh legs and making impact plays, If he was able to play the majority of the snaps in the NFL he should have been able to replace the ageing Brooking.

Now for Aaron Curry, he is the consensus #1 OLB this draft, he is big and tall and still has good speed for his size, at 6-3" 247 pounds and runs a 4.6, he is able to play both WLB and SLB (our Coaching Staff loves guys who can play multiple positions). he doesn;t miss tackles is nice in coverage returning 3 INT's for TD's last season, and I would consider him the better OLB than both Rivers and Mayo last year.

Now think about Our LB core, Curry Lofton Boley, nowthat is a great group to have in the Cover two, I wouldn't want to spend a first round pick on a Safety as I don't think they are great value in the first, There really isn't a DT worth the first round pick although Cody could be considered. I wouldn't have a problem with Orakpo in the first I just prefer Curry over him slightly and I wouldn't want to pick up another young CB in the first. I also wouldn't look towards the offensive side of the ball either as Ithink the defence needs to be upgraded fast if we want to be able to make it to the playoffs next season.

So there you have it my reasons why I want Curry in the first

[Kayoh]

I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a stud pass rusher or CB and then just Nicholas at WLB than a stud WLB and then get stuck with a 2nd/3rd round CB filling in for Grimes and Abe still being the only guy on our line that can generate a true pass rush.

[Happy Mondays]

Like I said above I have no problem with orakpo in the first, my personal opinion is that Curyy is just an oustanding talent and leader that I personally wouldn't want to pass up. Now as for a CB in round one I have a big problem with, we already have enough young CB's on our roster to pick another in the first round I would look to a veteran CB in FA if we where going to add to our grouop.

[krammmit]

good ? i think that alot has to do with brooking being a leader and able to get the younger guys where they need to be simply because of the fact that hes been here for a long time.

[Happy Mondays]

good ? i think that alot has to do with brooking being a leader and able to get the younger guys where they need to be simply because of the fact that hes been here for a long time.

Milloy is perfectably capable of that he really is the leader of the team period,

[chifalc]

Ok although ive answered this same question in two different threads already ill do the same here.

Brooking has been far from amazing so far this season, as Mike Smith has already said every spot on the roster is an open competition through out the seasonno one has their spot safe if they are not peforming of that there is no question. Now as I have already said Brooking has not been playing well so with an open competition in place why has Nicholas not stepped up and made that spot his??

Nicholas has also been backing up Boley lately as the SLB now I have no doubt he could also play WLB but if he is capable of taking over from Brooking why not have him as the backup WLB instead so when he does get snaps on the feild he is more familiar as the WLB.

I have a feeling that Nicholas is better suited coming off the bench with fresh legs and making impact plays, If he was able to play the majority of the snaps in the NFL he should have been able to replace the ageing Brooking.

Now for Aaron Curry, he is the consensus #1 OLB this draft, he is big and tall and still has good speed for his size, at 6-3" 247 pounds and runs a 4.6, he is able to play both WLB and SLB (our Coaching Staff loves guys who can play multiple positions). he doesn;t miss tackles is nice in coverage returning 3 INT's for TD's last season, and I would consider him the better OLB than both Rivers and Mayo last year.

Now think about Our LB core, Curry Lofton Boley, nowthat is a great group to have in the Cover two, I wouldn't want to spend a first round pick on a Safety as I don't think they are great value in the first, There really isn't a DT worth the first round pick although Cody could be considered. I wouldn't have a problem with Orakpo in the first I just prefer Curry over him slightly and I wouldn't want to pick up another young CB in the first. I also wouldn't look towards the offensive side of the ball either as Ithink the defence needs to be upgraded fast if we want to be able to make it to the playoffs next season.

So there you have it my reasons why I want Curry in the first

Perhaps you are wrong and SMith, the footbnall coach who has been judging players for an awfully long time, especially defensive players, thinks Brooking is the best option there? NAh, THAT couldn't be it. It doesn't fit your little myth.

[Falcon Fanatic]

Milloy is perfectably capable of that he really is the leader of the team period,

I believe that Milloy's DUI will end up with him not being with us next year. That being said personally I would rather resign Milloy for the next year or two instead of using a high draft pick this next draft on a safety. I also hope Brooking will accept a pay cut / restructure and gradually move him from starting thus giving Nicholas playing time to see what the guy can do. That would keep us from having to draft a LB in the next draft and remember Robert James (our 5th rounder from this past draft) will be off the injured reserve and we can see what he can do as a backup. The only free agent from another team I hope we try for next year is Chris Gamble from the Panties and resign our free agents (Boley, Babineaux, Milloy, Koenan, and Davis).

[mattryan222222]

Nicholas hasn't seen enough of the field. We really don't know what we have in him. The problem is that with the success we've had thus far, we're not in a position to sit Brooking more and let Nicholas take his place. If we were a 1-5 team, we'd probably be seeing a lot more of #54.

I like Curry but atleast Nicholas has seen an NFL Field

[KRUNKuno]

first of all........you dont bench a team captain on a team that needs captains, vets, and leadership. Brooking is this despite his drop in production.

2nd of all......nothing is wrong with Stephen Nicholas. he does see tha field more than people notice.

3rd of all.......drafting Aaron Curry would be a waste of a first round pick. a 1st round OLB is one of tha last things we need. Curry is good, but honestly we dont need him.

[g-dawg]

I too am a "Draft Curry" participant.......

scary thing is, last time one sole player got so much support from Falcons board to be drafted it was...........Jimmy Williams - ekkkkkkk!!!!!!!

[falcon82]

first of all........you dont bench a team captain on a team that needs captains, vets, and leadership. Brooking is this despite his drop in production.

2nd of all......nothing is wrong with Stephen Nicholas. he does see tha field more than people notice.

3rd of all.......drafting Aaron Curry would be a waste of a first round pick. a 1st round OLB is one of tha last things we need. Curry is good, but honestly we dont need him.

If I'm right, that didn't happen too often so far, but I AGREE.

Brooking is the leader that the team needs right now, we have so many young ppl on the field that we need every veteran we can get. He might not be a Pro Bowler anymore, but he's still playing solid ... some people on the forum praise other players for playing "solid" (Dahl, Clabo, ...) and then bash others for doing pretty much the same. I do think tho that we should rotate him out on passing downs and get Nicholas in, because of his speed.

As far as the draft goes ... people get so focused on "draft a OLB in the first", "draft a S in the first", "draft a X in the first", it's getting out of hand. It's not like we have only one hole to fill, we have to pick smart, look at positions that are deep and draft those positions later ... and if a offensive playmaker falls to us, it might even be smarter pick BPA in round 1, even if I think number 1 priority should be to fix OL and DL, since games (and championships) are won and lost there.

I don't expect us to become a contender next year, maybe that's why I'm not that focused on one position. We were left with pretty much nothing after last season, it will take another offseason (the one in 2010) till we might be there, but there's also always the possibility that we draft a "bust" early and get set back.

[Happy Mondays]

Perhaps you are wrong and SMith, the footbnall coach who has been judging players for an awfully long time, especially defensive players, thinks Brooking is the best option there? NAh, THAT couldn't be it. It doesn't fit your little myth.

That is exactly what I am saying, If Brooking is actually outplaying Nicholas and keeping Nicholas from taking his spot then what makes people think Nicholas is actually ready to be an every down LB in the NFL, I don't know what myth you think im writing about there is nothing I said that wasn't true there

[Happy Mondays]

If I'm right, that didn't happen too often so far, but I AGREE.

Brooking is the leader that the team needs right now, we have so many young ppl on the field that we need every veteran we can get. He might not be a Pro Bowler anymore, but he's still playing solid ... some people on the forum praise other players for playing "solid" (Dahl, Clabo, ...) and then bash others for doing pretty much the same. I do think tho that we should rotate him out on passing downs and get Nicholas in, because of his speed.

As far as the draft goes ... people get so focused on "draft a OLB in the first", "draft a S in the first", "draft a X in the first", it's getting out of hand. It's not like we have only one hole to fill, we have to pick smart, look at positions that are deep and draft those positions later ... and if a offensive playmaker falls to us, it might even be smarter pick BPA in round 1, even if I think number 1 priority should be to fix OL and DL, since games (and championships) are won and lost there.

I don't expect us to become a contender next year, maybe that's why I'm not that focused on one position. We were left with pretty much nothing after last season, it will take another offseason (the one in 2010) till we might be there, but there's also always the possibility that we draft a "bust" early and get set back.

Brooking may be playing Solid but people act like Nicholas is the next great LB on our team when in reality they have only seen him play a few snaps, I am going what Smith said at the start od the season "This is an open competition no spot is safe, every spot is up for grabs" this means Brooking aswell now I know the younger players may look up to him but remember we also have Abe Milloy and Grady as veterans on the defence for the younger players to look at for plays and leaership ect and it is always Milloy leading in the locker room and before the games not Brooking.

I really don't think we need to fix the Oline early on in the draft as they have been playing very well so far, and this is coming from Andre Smith's biggest fan, The only Dlineman I would want in round 1 would be Orakpo or maybe Cody but I don't expect him to declare. Like I have said before Curry is just a personal preferance of mine I don't think we need to do everything we can to get him all I am saying is if he is there I personally wouldn't want to pass on him. Picking BPA when your defence needs so much work is not smart Matt Millen tried that with the Lions and well yea, it didn't work out to well for him.

I think we have a decent shot at the playoffs last year and replacing Brooking with a stud WLB that can cover on third and short (Ike Hilliard) would go along way to helping our defence stop people from scoring.

[falcon82]

Gonna split this up.

Brooking may be playing Solid but people act like Nicholas is the next great LB on our team when in reality they have only seen him play a few snaps, I am going what Smith said at the start od the season "This is an open competition no spot is safe, every spot is up for grabs" this means Brooking aswell now I know the younger players may look up to him but remember we also have Abe Milloy and Grady as veterans on the defence for the younger players to look at for plays and leaership ect and it is always Milloy leading in the locker room and before the games not Brooking.

I agree, people tend to praise backup-players even without them getting much playtime and I don't like it either.

Do I think Nicholas COULD become a good NFL player? Yes

Do I think he should play full time right now? No

I think he has talent, but throwing him into the fire with us playing pretty well would be stupid, he should play (like on passing downs) but he's not your every down player right now, but Brooking has a year left on his contract, I doubt we will cut him, so you can give Nicholas more and more playtime and hope that he steps up.

I think we have a decent shot at the playoffs last year and replacing Brooking with a stud WLB that can cover on third and short (Ike Hilliard) would go along way to helping our defence stop people from scoring.

I don't think a WLB solves our defensive problems. We just don't get a consistent pass rush and because we have problems stopping the run. Our problems start up front and the further back (DL - LB - Secondary) you get, the bigger the problem seems to be just because we don't get that rush or because our LBs and our Secondary has to bite on pretty much every well-executed play-action because our Front 4 can't stop the run.

I have real problems judging our LBs and our Secondary because of this, the only thing that bothers me is that we miss tackles, mistime jumps, get stupid penalties,... but I can't really say they play as bad as some people here think.

My priority would be:

-) 1 space eating/run stopping DT

-) 1 DE (might not need that if JA98 develops)

-) 1 RT

-) 1 WLB

-) 1-2 CBs

-) 1 WR

-) 1 S (but I think we'll resign Milloy or get somebody in FA)

-) 1 TE (very good blocker that can also catch the ball)

But like I said, if you get the chance to get somebody that makes your team a lot better (let's say we can get Crabtree or Andre Smith), I'd draft him, even if it's not the biggest need.

I think the when you draft, you'll always have to balance what you need with what's available, and if you get the chance to get somebody special, you should take him, even if it's not that big a need.

The only Dlineman I would want in round 1 would be Orakpo or maybe Cody but I don't expect him to declare.

I'd add Hardy, but I'm not sure if he declares.

[Happy Mondays]

Gonna split this up.

I agree, people tend to praise backup-players even without them getting much playtime and I don't like it either.

Do I think Nicholas COULD become a good NFL player? Yes

Do I think he should play full time right now? No

I think he has talent, but throwing him into the fire with us playing pretty well would be stupid, he should play (like on passing downs) but he's not your every down player right now, but Brooking has a year left on his contract, I doubt we will cut him, so you can give Nicholas more and more playtime and hope that he steps up.

I don't think a WLB solves our defensive problems. We just don't get a consistent pass rush and because we have problems stopping the run. Our problems start up front and the further back (DL - LB - Secondary) you get, the bigger the problem seems to be just because we don't get that rush or because our LBs and our Secondary has to bite on pretty much every well-executed play-action because our Front 4 can't stop the run.

I have real problems judging our LBs and our Secondary because of this, the only thing that bothers me is that we miss tackles, mistime jumps, get stupid penalties,... but I can't really say they play as bad as some people here think.

My priority would be:

-) 1 space eating/run stopping DT

-) 1 DE (might not need that if JA98 develops)

-) 1 RT

-) 1 WLB

-) 1-2 CBs

-) 1 WR

-) 1 S (but I think we'll resign Milloy or get somebody in FA)

-) 1 TE (very good blocker that can also catch the ball)

But like I said, if you get the chance to get somebody that makes your team a lot better (let's say we can get Crabtree or Andre Smith), I'd draft him, even if it's not the biggest need.

I think the when you draft, you'll always have to balance what you need with what's available, and if you get the chance to get somebody special, you should take him, even if it's not that big a need.

I'd add Hardy, but I'm not sure if he declares.

I have no prblem with Nicholas being allowed to develop I don't want him thrown into the fire, but from what I have seen maybe he ould be better suited to being an impact player of the bench. I have a feeling Brooking retires after this season which is why we could have a problem at the WLB if we are going to "put all our eggs in one basket" with Nicholas hopeing he is capable of starting in the NFL when we don't know what he can really do yet.

Of course I don't think a WLB is going to solve all our defensive problems, but we have Abe and Babs that actually have been pretty good this year Grady isn't expected to be great against the pass he is our Run stuffing DT and JA has yet to prove he can rush consistentaly, So in reality we need to find a big NT that can collapse the pocket and either JA steps up or we find someone who can. Now like I said Orakpo would be a great pick I just prefer Curry as an overall player. And I would not want to spend a first round draft pick on big NT, considering there are many that can do this in the later rounds.

Crabtree really did impress me yesterday big and strong has very good hands and has decent speed, but I don't paticulary want to spend a first round pick on a WR which would be a luxury as we do have bigger needs although I wouldn't complain if TD decided to draft him. But like I said if you don't have a great defence and you go and pick an offensive skill player you could quickly be the Detroit Lions there should have been no way Millen was allowed to spend 4 first round picks on WR's.

I am pretty sure I read somewhere Greg Hardy had some personal issues that caused him to fall out with his HC, I may be wrong about this but I'm pretty sure I read that about him somewhere. I don't paticulary want to pick guys that have had issues in College as with the money they get in the NFL it rarely makes them change into saints.

[Happy Mondays]

Just for the record this Philly game is the reason why I want booking replaced by Curry, terrible terrible game

[head busta from augusta]

Perhaps you are wrong and SMith, the footbnall coach who has been judging players for an awfully long time, especially defensive players, thinks Brooking is the best option there? NAh, THAT couldn't be it. It doesn't fit your little myth.

Or it could be whenever you are returning a perennial pro bowler to his natural position you are not as quick to pull the trigger in replacing him with a second year player. But hey that could be a myth also.

[head busta from augusta]

I have no prblem with Nicholas being allowed to develop I don't want him thrown into the fire, but from what I have seen maybe he ould be better suited to being an impact player of the bench. I have a feeling Brooking retires after this season which is why we could have a problem at the WLB if we are going to "put all our eggs in one basket" with Nicholas hopeing he is capable of starting in the NFL when we don't know what he can really do yet.

Wouldn't you be doing the samething by drafting a guy out of college?

Of course I don't think a WLB is going to solve all our defensive problems, but we have Abe and Babs that actually have been pretty good this year Grady isn't expected to be great against the pass he is our Run stuffing DT and JA has yet to prove he can rush consistentaly, So in reality we need to find a big NT that can collapse the pocket and either JA steps up or we find someone who can. Now like I said Orakpo would be a great pick I just prefer Curry as an overall player. And I would not want to spend a first round draft pick on big NT, considering there are many that can do this in the later rounds.

Can't say JA98 is not improving before our eyes.

Crabtree really did impress me yesterday big and strong has very good hands and has decent speed, but I don't paticulary want to spend a first round pick on a WR which would be a luxury as we do have bigger needs although I wouldn't complain if TD decided to draft him. But like I said if you don't have a great defence and you go and pick an offensive skill player you could quickly be the Detroit Lions there should have been no way Millen was allowed to spend 4 first round picks on WR's.

We have another wr who is showing promise H. Douglas and if and L Robinson gets health that is two other talents that we can develop. Remember it took R White three years until he started to show promise.

I am pretty sure I read somewhere Greg Hardy had some personal issues that caused him to fall out with his HC, I may be wrong about this but I'm pretty sure I read that about him somewhere. I don't paticulary want to pick guys that have had issues in College as with the money they get in the NFL it rarely makes them change into saints.

[head busta from augusta]

I have no prblem with Nicholas being allowed to develop I don't want him thrown into the fire, but from what I have seen maybe he ould be better suited to being an impact player of the bench. I have a feeling Brooking retires after this season which is why we could have a problem at the WLB if we are going to "put all our eggs in one basket" with Nicholas hopeing he is capable of starting in the NFL when we don't know what he can really do yet.

Wouldn't you be doing the samething by drafting a guy out of college?

Of course I don't think a WLB is going to solve all our defensive problems, but we have Abe and Babs that actually have been pretty good this year Grady isn't expected to be great against the pass he is our Run stuffing DT and JA has yet to prove he can rush consistentaly, So in reality we need to find a big NT that can collapse the pocket and either JA steps up or we find someone who can. Now like I said Orakpo would be a great pick I just prefer Curry as an overall player. And I would not want to spend a first round draft pick on big NT, considering there are many that can do this in the later rounds.

Can't say JA98 is not improving before our eyes.

Crabtree really did impress me yesterday big and strong has very good hands and has decent speed, but I don't paticulary want to spend a first round pick on a WR which would be a luxury as we do have bigger needs although I wouldn't complain if TD decided to draft him. But like I said if you don't have a great defence and you go and pick an offensive skill player you could quickly be the Detroit Lions there should have been no way Millen was allowed to spend 4 first round picks on WR's.

We have another wr who is showing promise H. Douglas and if and L Robinson gets health that is two other talents that we can develop. Remember it took R White three years until he started to show promise.

I am pretty sure I read somewhere Greg Hardy had some personal issues that caused him to fall out with his HC, I may be wrong about this but I'm pretty sure I read that about him somewhere. I don't paticulary want to pick guys that have had issues in College as with the money they get in the NFL it rarely makes them change into saints.

I have no prblem with Nicholas being allowed to develop I don't want him thrown into the fire, but from what I have seen maybe he ould be better suited to being an impact player of the bench. I have a feeling Brooking retires after this season which is why we could have a problem at the WLB if we are going to "put all our eggs in one basket" with Nicholas hopeing he is capable of starting in the NFL when we don't know what he can really do yet.

Wouldn't you be doing the samething by drafting a guy out of college?

Of course I don't think a WLB is going to solve all our defensive problems, but we have Abe and Babs that actually have been pretty good this year Grady isn't expected to be great against the pass he is our Run stuffing DT and JA has yet to prove he can rush consistentaly, So in reality we need to find a big NT that can collapse the pocket and either JA steps up or we find someone who can. Now like I said Orakpo would be a great pick I just prefer Curry as an overall player. And I would not want to spend a first round draft pick on big NT, considering there are many that can do this in the later rounds.

Can't say JA98 is not improving before our eyes.

Crabtree really did impress me yesterday big and strong has very good hands and has decent speed, but I don't paticulary want to spend a first round pick on a WR which would be a luxury as we do have bigger needs although I wouldn't complain if TD decided to draft him. But like I said if you don't have a great defence and you go and pick an offensive skill player you could quickly be the Detroit Lions there should have been no way Millen was allowed to spend 4 first round picks on WR's.

We have another wr who is showing promise H. Douglas and if and L Robinson gets health that is two other talents that we can develop. Remember it took R White three years until he started to show promise.

I am pretty sure I read somewhere Greg Hardy had some personal issues that caused him to fall out with his HC, I may be wrong about this but I'm pretty sure I read that about him somewhere. I don't paticulary want to pick guys that have had issues in College as with the money they get in the NFL it rarely makes them change into saints.

[Happy Mondays]

Did you not just watch the Eagles game if Nicholas can't beat out brooking we have a serious problem at WLB Brooking couldn't even run down a FB that used to be a DT. Brooking was terrible today he must be replaced, and if Nicholas can't beat his tired old legs out we are in trouble.

Every year teams put their hopes on first round picks, I would rather put my hopes in Aaron Curry a stud OLB rather than a 4th round draft pick that has yet to beat out Brooking.

Now I wrote that about Jamaal before the game and he again improved today and showed how valuable he is in stopping the run as when he went out we just failed to Stop the run all together. I really don't think we need to spend our first round pick on Orakpo now

So in essence, go get Aaron Curry.

[Mr. Offseason]

id be just fine with aaron curry after the game today. jesus christ...

im not 100% sold on jamaal yet, especially because he got hurt today (just as hes getting going too... i really hope it doesnt stop the progress hes been making). but im very happy that he seems to be playing better now.

[Scott24Falcons]

Jamaal looks like a totally different player out there. I hope we get him back at 100% for the Oakland game.