The Atlanta Falcons should key on these targets for FA

[#1 pick]

These are the players Atlanta should target after focusing on the weaknesses of the team from the last three seasons.

1. A defensive playmaker- Atlanta was hoping they got this right when they drafted Sean Witherspoon from Mizzou. Spoon as coined was inconsistency. He was last on reads, average in coverage, inconsistency in run stopping, but was a sideline to sideline player. Lofton is too one dimensional, JA55 is aging and no one in the secondary truly impressed. I was most impressed with Dunta Robinson. He brought an different edge to the secondary. Intimidated WR's in their routes and was a very hard hitter. He had trouble with the zone defense. Grimes while a great in M2M coverage was bodied by bigger WR's, easily targeted, and his overall tape was inconsistent as well. He's more of an very good nickel guy than a true #2 CB. He is very clutch, has great jumping ability, and plays with a lot of heart. Moore showed promise and DeCoud showed ability as well. This is a major area of weakness.

2. The ability of the Defensive tackles and linebacker core- These two were the biggest issue I seen on film. Offensive lines did not truly respect the DT's and chipped each DE with regularity. The linebacker core was very average. Nicholas is average. Spoon looked lost but showed promise. Lofton is one dimensional. The Falcons need to look for a OLB who can coverage and run stop at a very good level. The DT's either need to improve or look to adding a run stopping who has pass rushing ability in the position. The most impressive was Babs who was mainly one dimensional specializing as a pass rusher. The rest were average or below average. Jerry is a boarderline bust at this point. He needs to produce.

3. The Secondary- I've spoken on Grimes and Robinson above. The rest just wasn't good either by tape or the numbers. Moore was the most promising. He looked like a potential pro bowl talent. DeCoud was very average on tape last year. The rest was below average. Owens looked bad as a nickel CB, he's not a nickel CB and should be a #4 CB for now. Franks showed a little promise. Williams was our best overall corner till he was injured. He was consistent and didn't make many mistakes like Robinson and wasn't physically dominated at times like Grimes. But age is really catching up to him and he doesn't have the physical talent to be a good CB in this league anymore.

Here are my main targets:

1. CB Nnamdi Asomugha(notes) – It is truly a rare thing when a player this good and who is this good of a person hits free agency.

-Nnamdi is a playmaker. He's not a ballhawk but he will shut down his side and one thing Oakland should have did more of was use Aso as a hover like Green Bay does with Woodson. It's one of the reasons why Clay Matthews improved so much each year. It puts so much pressure on the QB not knowing where an elite talent will be at all times. Atlanta needs a playmaker and he's the best on the board and likely in many years.

25. LB/DE Manny Lawson(notes) – Hasn’t become the kind of pass rusher the 49ers expected, but is also asked to do more things in coverage in the 3-4 scheme they have run until now.

-This guy is so gold for the 4-3. He is very good at coverage. Very good at run stopping. Average at pass rushing but do we really need a pass rusher at OLB with Spoon, no. Should be one of the top guys on the Falcons board. He's a massive upgrade over Nicholas for what we do and need at that position.

86. G Deuce Lutui(notes) – If he could keep his weight under control, Lutui could be a great player. However, he’s constantly pushing 400 pounds.

- If the Falcons lose Blalock and Dahl, he should be the top guy on the board. Can play both guard positions. Is very talented. Has weight issues but could be priced out of our range. Seems like Johnson is ready to step in and start at RG.

90. RB Ricky Williams(notes) – At age 33 and after 12 years of one of the strangest careers in NFL history, Williams will be a free agent for the first time. Man, what could have been.

-Why Ricky Williams. He is a smart RB. Cheap. Should able to replace Snelling and give us a solid #3 RB. I would also look at Mario Fannin who is an UDFA.

Those are my four top guys. A superstar defensive playmaker. A potential 4-3 pro bowler. A talented but struggles with weight guard. And a solid vet RB who is still somewhat productive who can catch, run, and block. Nnamdi and Lawson are by far the top guys, I see them as need signings.

Here are the guys I would let go or I shouldn't resign:

35. G Harvey Dahl(notes) – Like teammate Clabo, Dahl is a former undrafted guy who has made a career for himself. However, right guards are really not that hard to find.

- Mr. Nasty, but he's average and the backup is better from all prognostications.

Justin Blalock- I would prefer to resign him but he could be priced out of our range.

Justin Snelling- I love Mr. Snelling but he can be too expensive for us as a backup/3rd string RB. Would look to signing an UDFA (Noel Devine) who we just signed and moving Rodgers to backup RB.

Brent Grimes- This forum favorite player. I am not a big fan of his tape. He seems to be great in man coverage and average to below average in everything else. He can easily get beat and out positioned if the WR gets into his breaks which was often each year he's played. Seems to benefit from under thrown balls a lot. Which is a testament to his very good Football awareness. Just rates as a solid #2 and a very good nickel who has a ton of heart and intangibles to bare. For a team without a playmaker or a good secondary, he's expendable. I would focus my resources on Nnamdi Asomugha.

Michael Jenkins- He's not a slot WR. He will not be a #2. So where does he fit. He's paid too much to be a #4. He's a solid WR but will likely be cut.

Chauncey Davis- Solid pass rusher and a below average DE. He's clearly on the list of cap casualties.

Question Marks-

Jamaal Anderson - It's between him in Davis. I believe his ability to run stop and play both DE/DT will get him the nod over Davis.

Justin Peele- He is below average. It just depends who is cut when cap causalities hit the market.

Kerry Meier - It's all about Jenkins. If Jenkins is cut, he is on the team. If not, PS.

Baraka Atkins - Drafting Dent might hurt him and will someone take his place. Needs to show his value in the preseason.

Michael Koenen - Could be cut sign we drafted Bosher.

Edited July 26, 2011 by #1 pick

[Borat]

Manny Lawson, Johnson/Edwards/Jenkins, and a NB (could be Franks) would make our D ridiculous.

[#1 pick]

Manny Lawson, Johnson/Edwards/Jenkins, and a NB (could be Franks) would make our D ridiculous.

I don't see any pass rusher making our defense that good that's available. Johnson is going back to Carolina, he's their priority and have a lot of money than us or anybody. NB is an issue.

Edited July 26, 2011 by #1 pick

[Dharma Initiative]

There is a salary cap this year, so go ahead and cross Aso off of your list

[RyanINT+1]

I laughed when I scrolled down and saw aso's picture. So,u felt it was necessary to type out this long write up just to say wed be better if we signed the top free agents available.

[#1 pick]

There is a salary cap this year, so go ahead and cross Aso off of your list

20 mil available without cuts and restructuring deals. Take into account we can sign Nnamdi with heavy incentives like Matt Ryan deal. We have the cap for one elite player and two starters. Which would probably be Clabo and Lawson.

[Dharma Initiative]

20 mil available without cuts and restructuring deals. Take into account we can sign Nnamdi with heavy incentives like Matt Ryan deal. We have the cap for one elite player and two starters. Which would probably be Clabo and Lawson.

Yes, I'm sure the guy that is probably the best cornerback in the league would rather sign an incentive-heavy contract than a large guaranteed one....get real

[RyanINT+1]

Let's switch his position to de sign him to a minumum contract for 7 years and then switch his position back to cb so his rating goes back up. Sound good?

[#1 pick]

Yes, I'm sure the guy that is probably the best cornerback in the league would rather sign an incentive-heavy contract than a large guaranteed one....get real

You get real with the personnel. No playmakers. No linebackers who show any signs of coverage skills. We have to play Cover Two and and no real versatility. We cannot blitz. We cannot run stop and a consistent basis. I guess your real when it comes to the bend don't break system. Our defense plays off heart and the fact that the offense is all possession.

Edited July 26, 2011 by #1 pick

[vel]

I have yet to have this answered:

Why is Manny Lawson "good at coverage"? 16 PDs and 2 INTS in 5 seasons. 6 PDs and 1 INT last year. Is that really good in coverage?

[birdz4i]

i d rather just raid the panthers fa s. cj, marshall, anderson and king. stick it to a division rival, shore up the defense and pick up a decent te. granted i doubt they let them all get away.

[Julio Pwns]

Let's switch his position to de sign him to a minumum contract for 7 years and then switch his position back to cb so his rating goes back up. Sound good?

I wish I could +1 this a million times.

[#1 pick]

Let's switch his position to de sign him to a minumum contract for 7 years and then switch his position back to cb so his rating goes back up. Sound good?

He's not signing a 7 year deal, no other team will offer that. The Jets are another team in the market for another CB and they have 10 million less than we do. You guys are content with average. They will be exposed this year. The offense should move the ball a lot faster and the teams they are playing v. are really good offensively this year plus you have to take into account we don't have a #1 round pick next season either.

[RyanINT+1]

This gut is going to get paid 15+ million a year.... he's not worth it, and we couldn't afford it even if we wanted

[#1 pick]

I have yet to have this answered:

Why is Manny Lawson "good at coverage"? 16 PDs and 2 INTS in 5 seasons. 6 PDs and 1 INT last year. Is that really good in coverage?

Have you watched him play? Read his scouting report. His coverage is very good. This statement beyond is offensive. Look at Revis and Aso numbers and compare it to D. Hall. I guess D. Hall is superior in coverage.

His footwork is really good in coverage. He's smart. Very fast. Ran a 4.4 at the combine and probably is the fast LB in the NFL. Very athletic on tape. Just a very good overall football player.

[#1 pick]

This gut is going to get paid 15+ million a year.... he's not worth it, and we couldn't afford it even if we wanted

He's worth every penny. If you don't think a defensive playmaker makes a difference on defense. Look at Dallas without Ware. The Jets without Revis. The Steelers without Polamalu. I wouldn't think twice about especially seeing how the defense overachieved last year and they were even any good after overachieving.

Edited July 26, 2011 by #1 pick

[vel]

Have you watched him play? Read his scouting report. His coverage is very good. This statement beyond is offensive. Look at Revis and Aso numbers and compare it to D. Hall. I guess D. Hall is superior in coverage.

His footwork is really good in coverage. He's smart. Very fast. Ran a 4.4 at the combine and probably is the fast LB in the NFL. Very athletic on tape. Just a very good overall football player.

How is it offensive? I have been asking why everybody wants him and hadn't gotten a response. There aren't highlights of him on youtube so I thought I'd ask the people who keep bringing him up. No I haven't watched the 9ers play or key on him when he played us. All I can go off is stats and they don't impress me but obviously there is something that is impressing multiple people on here

[#1 pick]

How is it offensive? I have been asking why everybody wants him and hadn't gotten a response. There aren't highlights of him on youtube so I thought I'd ask the people who keep bringing him up. No I haven't watched the 9ers play or key on him when he played us. All I can go off is stats and they don't impress me but obviously there is something that is impressing multiple people on here

My bad. I took what you said the wrong way. He was in a 3-4 defense when his skill-set is one of a 4-3 guy. He's probably in the market of 5-6 million per yr with good incentives and looking only to play in the 4-3 as a OLB. His stats were far less impressive than his game tape.

From the players I listed, here are the possible suitors:

Aso- Wash, ATL, NYJ, TB which is putting out feeders for Joesph, and HOU. cost- 12-16 mil with great incentives.

I really think it's going to come down to us and NYJ. We both are attractive. It would cost us a pretty penny considering we have Dunta with a big deal as well but we can always restructure in time.

Lawson- ATL and DET with good incentives

Williams- A lot of teams. 1-1.5 mil with average incentives.

Not sure about Lutui. He might be too big for our style as well.

Edited July 26, 2011 by #1 pick

[#1 pick]

I forgot to mention we need to resign Clabo and cut Norwood.

[kiwifalcon]

Forget Aso he isn't coming to the ATL if the Falcons are going to spend money for godsake lets stop the madness and pay a DE that will eventually replace Abe.Our system is based on pass pressure Grimes will be fine what we have to concentrate on defensively is getting more pressure from our front 4 on a more consistent basis and Aso won't do that.I am praying for Charles Johnson I think he's the piece to the puzzle that is missing defensively and he'll probably be in the 8-12 mill per range so if we spend $$$$$ god please let it be at DE no where else.

[#1 pick]

Forget Aso he isn't coming to the ATL if the Falcons are going to spend money for godsake lets stop the madness and pay a DE that will eventually replace Abe.Our system is based on pass pressure Grimes will be fine what we have to concentrate on defensively is getting more pressure from our front 4 on a more consistent basis and Aso won't do that.I am praying for Charles Johnson I think he's the piece to the puzzle that is missing defensively and he'll probably be in the 8-12 mill per range so if we spend $$$$$ god please let it be at DE no where else.

He's not really going to be available. Plus, the need for a DE is overstated on this site. It's not really that weak. You have one very good player in JA55. Of course he's older but then you have Bierman, Sidbury, Matthews, and JA98. Those guys have some potential or at least they are decent. I don't see a replacement for JA55 sans Johnson and Carolina will prioritize him.

The front four issues was more DT than DE. If anything address the DT but like DE, the answer just isn't available. We can sure up the defense by creating a strength at LB and in the secondary which is actually weaker than our DL. For all the talk the DL gets, the LB core is below average and the secondary is average. The DL core is solid, not good but solid. Too much hate goes at the DL way. I would much rather get an impact player who makes everyone job easier than anything else on defense and it's not even 60/40. It's 99.99% in that regard.

[koolkat]

i d rather just raid the panthers fa s. cj, marshall, anderson and king. stick it to a division rival, shore up the defense and pick up a decent te. granted i doubt they let them all get away.

You don't have enough cap space or money to compete with us for our FA.

[#1 pick]

You don't have enough cap space or money to compete with us for our FA.

I could see you guys paying him 10-12 mil a year making him probably the 2nd highest paid FA this year.

If TD is really smart like he was on draft night practically saving our future from being the Saints, Bucs, and Kats b**ches. He will have Nnamdi in Flowery Branch by 1pm ET.

[kiwifalcon]

He's not really going to be available. Plus, the need for a DE is overstated on this site. It's not really that weak. You have one very good player in JA55. Of course he's older but then you have Bierman, Sidbury, Matthews, and JA98. Those guys have some potential or at least they are decent. I don't see a replacement for JA55 sans Johnson and Carolina will prioritize him.

The front four issues was more DT than DE. If anything address the DT but like DE, the answer just isn't available. We can sure up the defense by creating a strength at LB and in the secondary which is actually weaker than our DL. For all the talk the DL gets, the LB core is below average and the secondary is average. The DL core is solid, not good but solid. Too much hate goes at the DL way. I would much rather get an impact player who makes everyone job easier than anything else on defense and it's not even 60/40. It's 99.99% in that regard.

I disagree I actually don't see a replacement for JA55 anywhere on our roster.I see Biermann as situational guy at best JA98 plays better inside than at End and isn't a pass rushing threat,Sid well has flashed but hasn't been consistent enough to be a credible threat,Mathews well he'll be just part of the rotation I'm not counting on him really but being a solid STer.

I think with regards to our DT's they had a down year last year Peters is solid at the Nose Babs will be fine the only question mark for us is PJ if he steps up and forfills what his ability promises DT won't be a problem.

Pass Rush from the left side is the weakness of our front 4 and if they can't get that soughted this FA period with whoever I don't see anyone on our roster who will get the consistent pressure JA55 gets on the other side and in my eyes this is the problem.

Edited July 26, 2011 by kiwifalcon

[#1 pick]

I disagree I actually don't see a replacement for JA55 anywhere on our roster.I see Biermann as situational guy at best JA98 plays better inside than at End and isn't a pass rushing threat,Sid well has flashed but hasn't been consistent enough to be a credible threat,Mathews well he'll be just part of the rotation I'm not counting on him really but being a solid STer.

I think with regards to our DT's they had a down year last year Peters is solid at the Nose Babs will be fine the only question mark for us is PJ if he steps up and forfills what his ability promises DT won't be a problem.

Pass Rush from the left side is the weakness of our front 4 and if they can't get that soughted this FA period with whoever I don't see anyone on our roster who will get the consistent pressure JA55 gets on the other side and in my eyes this is the problem.

I never said we have a replacement for JA55. I said there isn't one on the team or in FA. Biermann is a starting level DE but is just a solid DE. JA98 is rotational as are the others outside of JA55. Matthews looks good on tape but who knows until he starts playing. He looks like a steal to me.

The DT's were horrible. Babs is an one demoniacal pass rusher who is very good at that by the way. Peters is rotational. Jerry is a boarder-line bust, and the others are backups at best.

Pass rush from the left side could be improved by better LB coverage and better secondary coverage. Biermann is a good pass rusher. He's getting chipped by the RT and RG because the DT like Peters can't create pressure. Easy to blame KB looking at stats but tape said otherwise. I don't see anyone who isn't a very good DE like JA55 getting pressure when the rest of your defense just isn't any good. A bunch of smart guys and they play with a lot of heart but let's be real. The offense saved the defense from looking like the GB game on a weekly basis.

Edited July 26, 2011 by #1 pick