Falcons' draft splash looks like preemptive free-agency strike

[atljbo]

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Falcons' draft splash looks like preemptive free-agency strike

The Atlanta Falcons have put together a strong offensive line and running game, incubating young potential superstar quarterback Matt Ryan, but are prepared to move on with some adjustments to the right side of the line.

The Falcons, in making their free-agent projections, figure that two of their veteran free agents -- guard Harvey Dahl and tackle Tyson Clabo -- will garner hefty deals, according to league sources, and are prepared for contingencies for both leaving. General manager Thomas Dimitroff, a forward thinker and one of the best in the NFL at his craft, has been preparing for this possibility in recent years, adding depth on the offensive line through the draft, and the Falcons are confident they have versatile youngsters who could fill the gaps should free agency negate 40 percent of their starters along the line, as expected.

The Falcons, having made a bold splash to move into the top 10 of the draft to select receiver Julio Jones, are likely to be judicious about free agency when it opens. There are reservations about some of the perceived top free agents in this class, and, with this being a new labor agreement, it might make sense to let a year of the market play out some to determine how this system functions and to absorb all the rules and quirks.

They have spent big in recent years and feel good about their roster. Besides the offensive line, the Falcons are in good shape in terms of their own free agents. Some have linked them to premier corners on the market, but, according to league sources, the Falcons are focused on getting a new long-term deal for young corner Brent Grimes, and don't see value in the corner market for the way they utilize the position, and the team believes Dunta Robinson, a key acquisition a year ago, will continue to improve.

Atlanta could use another pass rusher -- a fact not lost on team officials -- but there too free agency is seen as an imprecise and suspect remedy. There are few proven pass rushers on the market, prices are expected to be quite high, and those available like Ray Edwards and Charles Johnson have some question marks with them as well. There is no definite fix there, and the costs associated with striking out on a high-end free agent are significant.

Don't overlook the impact of the first-round trade with Cleveland. Dimitroff had long ago assessed the free-agent market, and I suspect he determined it would not carry value at positions of need. The club was looking for another explosive player, a potential difference-maker, and knew it would not come with their pick deep in the first round.

So, rather than force a move or overspend for a pass rusher, they moved up, nabbing a receiver in Jones who could also help decide games and add explosive plays. If you can't find the right fit to disrupt the passer, then think outside the box and add someone who could help put points on the scoreboard.

Also, discussion continues internally as to whether the team could get something, anything, out of 2007 first-round pick Jamaal Anderson. The defensive end, who was inherited by this regime, has been a bust to this point (just 4.5 sacks in four seasons) and in the past coaches got him to bulk up hoping he could add strength. The Falcons might look to streamline him this year, getting him as light and quick as possible and seeing if maybe he can give them a speed-rushing element on third-and-long situations. If nothing else it's worth a shot, and it's not uncommon for players like that to find their niche later in their career.

Either way, the Falcons hope to be scoring even more points this season with Jones complimenting Roddy White, and sometimes, when looking at the big picture, perhaps the best defense is a really good offense.

I read some where that we want Blalock back... Blalock should come cheaper also.

Also a interesting DE option... Andre Carter (32 years old) ... He could be a short term answer while we get Sid and Biermann some snaps also... Another interesting thing is that Andre Carter was released so signing him with not mess with our potential compensatory picks... With the next year picks we gave up... I think TD is banking on some of those possible comp picks.

We will see what happens... I think we will go after Johnson but the panthers are willing to over pay for him to keep him

[Mr Pickle1]

I think we will give either Edwards or Johnson a mega deal. I don't buy this article at all. Blank is in WIN NOW mode.

[Finally]

Any talk of rehabbing JA98's game better be smoke and mirrors.

[I MUS WRITE]

Good Read.... I would like to get a better OT and pick up a solid corner in FA. I think Jose Valdez will replace Clabo and Johnson will be taking over for Dalh. CJohnson will most likely stay with the Panthers and Ray Edwards is just average IMO. 8 sacks with the Willams boys and Jared Allen drawing double teams, IDK about this guy.

Wouldnt mind getting another LB as well

[vel]

Pretty good article. I have believed we will let both Clabo and Dahl walk as they are older. Dahl isn't that good and should go to a team with a young QB to build a ground game. Clabo, at 30, is pushing his time left. Give me Blalock back and bring on the comp between Johnson, Reynolds, Valdez, and Andrews.

But we all know either RE or CJ is coming to the red and black. No point in speculating other wise. If neither do, Biermann better get ready.

[atljbo]

Any talk of rehabbing JA98's game better be smoke and mirrors.

yea... Not buying that either

Good Read.... I would like to get a better OT and pick up a solid corner in FA. I think Jose Valdez will replace Clabo and Johnson will be taking over for Dalh. CJohnson will most likely stay with the Panthers and Ray Edwards is just average IMO. 8 sacks with the Willams boys and Jared Allen drawing double teams, IDK about this guy.

Wouldnt mind getting another LB as well

I'm not as high on Edwards as most are but im not going to discredit what the man do... Normally LDE's face 1 on 1 situations most of the time anyway... Also... Abe and Babs draws the same attention Allen and Kevin Williams draw.

My thing is i would not over pay for the guy... I would sign him for 5 - 7 mil a year but no more then that

[bighurt]

I think we will meet with Johnson, if we can sign him without over paying we will. I hope we don't jump on the Ray Edwards hype either. Maybe even consider a Jason Babin as another rushing threat.

[Peyton]

I hope TD hit on Johnson, Hawley, and Reynolds.

I don't understand what the Falcons plans are for OLB either, surprised there is so little talk about that.

[84White32Quizz]

Like TD said earlier in the offseason, Sid will get some PT this year so maybe they honestly believe Sid is ready to contribute and if Peria is 100 percent then it will be even easier for a speed guy like Sid to make an impact.

Sid may never turn into anything sepcial but I think a lot of us can agree that his speed alone will allow for him to get around 3 to 5 sacks. But imo even if the guy cant play the run we have been grooming him to rush the QB and I believe he is ready to have an 8 sack season. I believe that because in a rotation where he may not have to play run downs and can come in with his speed and fresh legs late in games he could be big.

But I have said it before, there is a lot to look forward to with this D, young guys getting more PT will do wonders for this D.

Edwards or Johnson wont hurt but TD wont overspend for them, I know some will say he did for Dunta but I dont believe he did.

[vel]

I hope TD hit on Johnson, Hawley, and Reynolds.

I don't understand what the Falcons plans are for OLB either, surprised there is so little talk about that.

Why do we need an OLB? If we bring back Nicholas then that's great. But I think if he walks, Spoon on the weakside would be more dangerous and let Pete/Dent/Adkins work the SLB spot.

[Peyton]

Why do we need an OLB? If we bring back Nicholas then that's great. But I think if he walks, Spoon on the weakside would be more dangerous and let Pete/Dent/Adkins work the SLB spot.

Nicholas and Peterson are both Free Agents. I don't think Nicholas wants to come back and I think it's time to move on from Peterson, that dude is oooooold.

Dent..Adkins....completely unproven commodity. If Adkins could play I think we would have seen something from him by now.

[FalconFanSince1970]

This is a year where TD's stock will rise or fall significantly. He's got to deal with:

-resigning 11 key free agents

-Julio's bull's eye season

-fixing the defense

-his past draft picks rising up

Gonna be interesting.

[84White32Quizz]

Nicholas and Peterson are both Free Agents. I don't think Nicholas wants to come back and I think it's time to move on from Peterson, that dude is oooooold.

Dent..Adkins....completely unproven commodity. If Adkins could play I think we would have seen something from him by now.

Well Coach Smith did say Adkins would have a chance to compete for playing time. I think Pete stays and Dent eventually takes over for him. I think we will see for a while a rotation of Dent and Adkins. I think Nic wont come back because we wont offer him what he wants because we have had a few years not to groom Adkins who has great speed into learning every facet of our coverage's.

[vel]

Nicholas and Peterson are both Free Agents. I don't think Nicholas wants to come back and I think it's time to move on from Peterson, that dude is oooooold.

Dent..Adkins....completely unproven commodity. If Adkins could play I think we would have seen something from him by now.

I think Pete comes back cheap and the man still plays. 1 year. He knows the defense and is consistent and doesn't get hurt. Helps develop the young talent.

Dent can play the run downs, which is the easiest thing for LBs when transitioning. Yea I am not banking on him nor Adkins but if Nicholas leaves they would have to play one of the two. I don't see the point in signing an OLB as they would probably cost more than Nicholas or be older.

[84White32Quizz]

This is a year where TD's stock will rise or fall significantly. He's got to deal with:

-resigning 11 key free agents

-Julio's bull's eye season

-fixing the defense

-his past draft picks rising up

Gonna be interesting.

I dont think he has to "fix" the defense, I think we may be looking at a situation where we let the young guys like Peria, Sid, Kroy, Spoon, Willy Mo, Owens, Franks, and Peters continue to come into their own.

[Knight of God]

link

I read some where that we want Blalock back... Blalock should come cheaper also.

Also a interesting DE option... Andre Carter (32 years old) ... He could be a short term answer while we get Sid and Biermann some snaps also... Another interesting thing is that Andre Carter was released so signing him with not mess with our potential compensatory picks... With the next year picks we gave up... I think TD is banking on some of those possible comp picks.

We will see what happens... I think we will go after Johnson but the panthers are willing to over pay for him to keep him

I like that as a Tier 3 option. Also Gholston.

[Statick]

"Also, discussion continues internally as to whether the team could get something, anything, out of 2007 first-round pick Jamaal Anderson."

D*mn.

Now I'm sad.

[FalconFanSince1970]

I dont think he has to "fix" the defense, I think we may be looking at a situation where we let the young guys like Peria, Sid, Kroy, Spoon, Willy Mo, Owens, Franks, and Peters continue to come into their own.

Well that's the standard message board response. Same for the Oline. If neither of those units rise up then TD's stock will fall. Hopefully the message board is right.

[Mr Pickle1]

And this is why TD panic and made one of the dumbest moves this franchise will ever see by forgoing the PROCESS him and Smitty have stressed to move up in draft and get a upgrade at 2wr and a possible 1 wr down the road . There are soo many other directions TD could have went to improve the team without making such a bold move and mortgage part of the teams future. We could have looked in free agency and looked to upgrade the 2wr . We also could have stood in rounds 1-3 and let TD do what he supposedly does best and SCOUT players..Any moron could traded away half the teams draft and next to move up and get a top tier player. the Truly great GMS find stars in middle rounds

ooooooooo wait has TD proven he can find stars in middle round ?

Chevis Jackson DB Louisiana State

Harry Douglas WR Louisville

Thomas DeCoud DB California

Robert James LB Arizona State

Kroy Biermann LB Montana

Thomas Brown RB Georgia

Wilrey Fontenot DB Arizona

Keith Zinger TE Louisiana State

Christopher Owens DB San Jose State

Lawrence Sidbury Jr. DE Richmond

William Middleton DB Furman

Garrett Reynolds T North Carolina

Spencer Adkins LB Miami (FL)

Vance Walker DT Georgia Tech

do i need to keep going

I have decided to own you. I do this for humanity, and for my own pleasure.

K. Biermann(**** of a pick in the 5th round)

H. Douglas has shown a lot of promise

V. Walker is a **** of a pick in the 7th round. We got some good play out of him last year.

G. Reynolds is probably our starting RT next year.

T. Decoud is a quality starting FS.

What about:

Curtis Lofton? 2nd round probowl caliber MLB

Willy Moore? 2nd round baller at SS

Corey Peters? Quality rookie starter at NT, 3rd rounder

You're post was one of the poorest I've ever seen. Please try to improve.

[KANE337]

It was a good read up until the paragraph of Jamal Anderson. He has obviously not paid any attention to his career if he thinks the Falcons can salvage him a speed pass rusher on 3rd and long situations. That is Kroy's role.

[kiwifalcon]

link

I read some where that we want Blalock back... Blalock should come cheaper also.

Also a interesting DE option... Andre Carter (32 years old) ... He could be a short term answer while we get Sid and Biermann some snaps also... Another interesting thing is that Andre Carter was released so signing him with not mess with our potential compensatory picks... With the next year picks we gave up... I think TD is banking on some of those possible comp picks.

We will see what happens... I think we will go after Johnson but the panthers are willing to over pay for him to keep him

Hey JBO do you think Mathias Kiwanuka is a possibility for the Falcons I'm not sure if he's UFA or RFA do you think this guy would be another good option at LDE for us as I no the Giants covert this guy but with them drafting JPP last year and with Tuck and Umenyiora maybe Kiwanuka is a guy we could snaffle from them.

[kiwifalcon]

should I continue to own you Mr Pickle n cheese

Harry Douglas show signs ? when did he do that last year ? in 3 seasons he has how many catches > I know I know he came off a injury ..WHAT TD draft pick hasnt gotten injured

Weatherspoon a OLB with 1st round pick which is almost laughable .. ooo he got hurt last year to ..what else is new

Why didnt you name the DBS the great Scout TD drafted

Chevis Jackson.................... :wacko:

Chris Owens....................... you watch playoff game ?

Wilrey Fontenot ?

William Middleton.......lol

your response PICKLE

And through all those supposedly bad draft selections the Falcons were the 3rd most winningest team in the regular season since TD has taken over have made the play-offs twice 2 outta those 3 years,made the Falcons relevant again liked Mr.Blank promised.Was voted by his peers Exec of the year 2 outta those 3 years also.

I saw your posts and your only looking at one part of what TD has done himself and Mr Blank have rebuilt this franchise and made it into a consistent winner which is more than I can say for any other GM we have had in its recent history.

So when it comes to TD and what he has done for this franchise I trust his judgement over any disgruntled message boarder.

[Snelling44]

I can't understand for the life of me why people think Reynolds is any good or that he is good just because he'll likely be the starter at RT by default if Clabo leaves. Btw I thought Valdez would get a chance over him? Either way I don't understand how that makes him a good player. Jamaal Anderson got to start, does that mean he was good? No.

[triggerman]

I can't understand for the life of me why people think Reynolds is any good or that he is good just because he'll likely be the starter at RT by default if Clabo leaves. Btw I thought Valdez would get a chance over him? Either way I don't understand how that makes him a good player. Jamaal Anderson got to start, does that mean he was good? No.

are you stupid or what?

reynolds is bossy because he is starting for the FALCONS.........a premiere franchise.

you must be Mr. Right or Dtan.

go back to your Panty's boards

-GONE

[Snelling44]

are you stupid or what?

reynolds is bossy because he is starting for the FALCONS.........a premiere franchise.

you must be Mr. Right or Dtan.

go back to your Panty's boards

-GONE

Screamingggg