Falcons Mock Offseason

[Zodiac]

Good evening guys, latest addition of my mock offseason (Note that I'm now contributing to a new Falcons Blog that is expected to be up in about two weeks, I'll be moving all my writing over there and that includes the mock offseasons.)

This is a post Senior Bowl mock so their will be players moving up and down dramatically and no it's not cause im on crack it's cause they performed well.

Let's start this with the "offseason" part

FA

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Curtis Lofton- This one will be tricky given David Harris' new deal, but the only other team that could desperately use him that bad is the Eagles, and well they're basically over the cap right now. (5 years- 42 Million; Back-Loaded)

Brent Grimes- This is one that is incredibly tough to predict right now, but thanks in part to our fanbase we're probably going to franchise him (More Details in the draft part.)

Todd McClure- He is older, while he's the leader of the line his play dropped off quite a bit last year, time to move on.

Harry Douglas- The best part of the whole Mike Mularkey situation is that Harry doesn't like MM so there is pratically no way in **** he's signing with Jax, and he never got a chance to perform (He was only on the field 55% of the time including ST snaps last year, really Mularkey who only has their slot WR on the field half the time?) so no other team will really be looking at him as high priority so we should be able to keep him for relatively cheap. (4 Years- 13 Mil; Even-Dist)

Eric Weems- He never gets a chance to return on kickoffs and might be the worst punt fielder in the game (Not that he fumbles a lot, but if you watch enough games you'll know what I'm talking about, only made it onto the field around 11% of the time.) Let him walk.

Michael Palmer- Younger kid who made his way as an UDFA, has shown some potential, worth keeping around as depth too. (Exclusive Rights he isn't going anywhere)

Antone Smith- Another Exclusive Rights Guy/Depth

Reggie Kelly- Old, Blocking TE; he's not really a threat in the recieving game, let him walk.

Kirk Chambers- Old, signed as injury depth earlier this year, let him walk.

Brett Romberg- Depth at Center, worth keeping for vet min.

John Abraham- I'm not sure what Abe will do he's older, he could very well retire, he's not going to get a lot of money, and there won't be a whole lot of suitors for him. Keep him (1 Year-4 Mil)

Thomas Decoud- This leaves us in a rock and a hard spot, as much as people hate him, this draft class blows at the Safety position, and aside from Michael Griffin there is no one worth it in FA (Laron Landry is an Injury Prone SS, note I said SS not FS.) (3 Years- 10 Mil; Back Loaded)

Kroy Biermann- He's young and has flashed at times, has a good motor he's worth keeping around due to versatility and depth. (4 Years, 13 Mil; Back-Loaded)

Kelvin Hayden- Injury prone, was mediocre when he did play, let him walk.

James Sanders- He's already out the door.

Vance Walker- Restricted Free Agent, good rotational player, better then Jerry; he's staying.

Mike Peterson- He's likely retiring.

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Cap Casualties

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Ovie Mughelli

Sam Baker

Stephen Nicholas

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Signings

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Ben Grubbs; OG- Did great with the Ravens, who will have their hands full with getting Ngata a new contract. (6 Years-48 Mil; Even-Dist)

Jared Gaither- Back Issues, but did great when given the chance with the Chargers, worth the risk given the current situation. (4 Years-22 Mil; Back Loaded)

Micahel Bush- Did great in backup and injury relief in Oakland, could be a viable replacement for Turner and could come relatively cheap (5 Years-28 Mil; Back-Loaded)

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Draft

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*Trade*

We'll take the Franchised Brent Grimes along with next years 2nd round pick and trade them to New England for the 28th overall pick in this years draft.

-Why this makes sense, New England is known for stock piling picks then trading them away for more pick or a veteran player, here we give New England a much needed positional player in Grimes (Belichek also likes proven veterans a lot more then younger guys) Along with a 2013 2nd round pick.

1st Round. 28th Overall Pick. Zach Brown; OLB, UNC. 6'1 238 LBs, 4.4 40. Yes you read that right, another OLB that runs a 4.4, last year it was Dontay Moch. This year it's Brown, the difference is Brown is a very polished prospect. Arguably the best Cover LB in CFB last year he also has the speed off the edge to rush the passer. His tackling needs some work, he's a bit undersized, but we've seen what our LB coach can do. All in all he reminds me quite a bit of Spoon, who was in a similar situation Brown was in. There are questions concerning Browns' maturity and mental aspect of the game, several people had the same questions for Spoon. Before the Senior Bowl Brown was considered an early-mid day 2 selection however he has performed well enough to become a late first rounder as well. Overall the kids has top 15 talent, but his mental aspect and size are going to push him down on the boards. Trust me with this pick our LB would be set for the next 5-6 years.

From NEPatriotsDraft

Strengths: Incredible speed, could run in the low 4.4′s – Ideal fit as a 4-3 Will, especially in a Tampa 2 system – Elite athleticism allows him to make plays all over the field – Reacts very quickly to the play developing – Could immediately be a special teams star – Should be able to run with and cover most TE’s – Has some good zone coverage skills as well, good awareness of the QB’s eyes and players in his zone – Has become much more productive this year – Team Captain.

Weaknesses: Could add some more bulk, but not too much – Still room for improvement diagnosing plays – Has a tendency to over-pursue at times.

2nd Round. 55th Overall Pick. Cam Johnson, DE UVA. 6'4 267 LBs. I had a very tough time here between deciding rather to slot us Johnson, Casey Heyward, or Vinny Curry. I decided that we needed a player on the end spot when Abe leaves. Cam Johnson really stood out to me during Senior Bowl practices, he had a great bull rush and swim move. Where as Curry I like his Speed Rush and Swim moves. Ultimately our divison is full of quarterbacks that can move up in the pockets and avoid rushers coming off the edge with a speed rush. Cam Johnson is more likely to push the T back into the quarterback then to come directly around the T. Another thing that factored into this decision is the height of Johnson, patting balls down at the line is a very underrated part of an NFL DE's game, and Johnsons' style of rush and size helps him knock passes down.

From NationalFootballPost

A solid, well put together lineman with a strong looking lower half and natural length for the position. He does a solid job coiling up into his stance vs. the pass game, keeping his base under him, back flat and a good -not-great- initial first step. He displays the ability to at least threaten the edge on his pass rush, but he's a little tight struggles to really drop his pad level around the edge. He will get upright and can easily be pushed past the play. Exhibits the ability initially to keep his pad level down, extend his arms and can be physical through contact when asked to fend his way off blocks. Can work the bull rush through, gain leverage and run his legs through contact into the quarterback. Exhibits a good motor. Showcased more of a counter at the Senior Bowl than I saw throughout on tape. Is a more sudden lateral athlete than given credit for, which could really open up his pass rushing arsenal if he continue to improve.

Improved as a run defender as a senior. He can create a snap at times into contact and uses his length well and violent hands to shed blocks. Exhibits solid hand placement, extends his arms well and can initially gain some leverage. When he does keep his pad level down he can hold his own at the point, he just lacks that explosive initial quickness to disengage. But will make plays off his frame because of "plus" awareness and motor. Once he does free himself, he has some range off his frame and good closing speed on the outside.

Plays fast in space and can keep his feet under him and drop off into coverage in zone blitz situations. Was banged up as a senior and needs to prove he can stay healthy.

Impression: A solid college defensive end who has never been much of a sack artist but there are some tools there. Showcases some fluidity in his drop and in coverage and has the ability to mature into a more sudden pass rusher. Will get looks in both a 34 and 43 front.

3rd Round 87th Overall. Phillip Blake C, Baylor. 6'2 312 LBs. Blake is a physical specimen at Center, very big and very strong. He stands up almost any bull rush that an opponent tries on him. His pass blocking technique is good, but could use improvement. During the Senior Bowl he played next to Ben Jones at G and handled himself well in space, which many cited as his main weakness, he is suprisingly quick. Another point against Blake is he will be 26 before the season begins, however in the NFL Centers usually play until they are 34 or 35 years old so we should be able to get quality time out of him.

from National Football Post

A big bodied offensive lineman with a thick trunk and base. Has the ability to sit into his stance and play with his base under him. However, when he needs to fire off the snap and get into blocks in the run game will get straight-legged off the snap, negating his natural power into contact. Has the ability to still create movement as he keeps his base down, but has a hard time creating consistent power through the play and will fall off blocks because he lacks ideal balance. Plays quick in tight quarters but, isn't a guy who can pull routinely, and reach defenders down the field. However, when trying to get around defenders and seal at the line or chip and hit a second target in the area, he's very effective.

Does a much better job keeping his pad level under him in the pass game. Can sink his hips, sit into his stance and anchor vs. the bull rush. Gets himself into some trouble at times not shooting hands quickly off the snap and will allow defenders to gain inside leverage. Recovers well from the lower half and can re-anchor. However, when he can get a hold of defenders he's very tough to disengage from. But, when he has to mirror in space he lacks ideal lateral range, struggles to shuffle and slide and will give up penetration. Keeps his head on a swivel, but displays only average awareness and lacks the lateral quickness/make up speed to re-direct and pick up a backer if slow to locate him.

Impression: Possesses natural power and if he can play with his base under him a bit better in the NFL the guy will routinely create off the snap in the run game. Needs to play in a power based offense, but with some time has a chance to fight for playing time.

5th Round Pick 151st Overall. Omar Bolden, CB ASU. 5'11 195 LBs, 4.4 40. Bolden is a guy that would be in the conversation as a 2nd or 3rd round corner except for the fact that he tore his ACL his senior season. He'll have to check out medically first and formost, but the guy is a legit turn and run corner, has some of the smoothest hip flips I've seen and has good closing speed as well as the frame to jam well enough. However he still needs work on his technique and due to the injury will need some extra time to get caught back up with the pace of the NFL game.

From National Football Post.

A little on the short side, but is solidly built and has the frame to play either on the outside or in the slot. Is a naturally gifted athlete with impressive fluidity in the hips and burst out of his breaks. Does a decent job sitting into his drop off the line keeping his base down, and when asked to drive on throws under him or re-direct, there's an obvious closing burst to his game. Opens and closes his hips effortlessly when changing directions and if he maintains his balance he's extremely tough to separate from in man. Possesses good ball skills, undercutting throws and can be dynamic with the football in his hands. Is a threat on special teams as he possesses very good speed and lateral quickness to make a man miss and accelerate. Displays good straight-line speed, has the ability to make up for a false step and looks like a legit low 4.4 guy.

However, he needs to continue to improve his overall footwork and technique in coverage. Has a tendency to get upright the longer he has to sit into his drop. Is fidgety with his footwork hopping out of his breaks and has a hitch in his transition in order to catch himself down the field. Needs a couple of steps in order to get back up to speed because of it and will let receivers get behind him. To his credit he has the speed to get himself back into the play, but struggles with balance again when asked to re-set his feet and high point the football. Isn't overly physical and needs to do a better job creating more of a bump into contact, especially down the field. Too often receivers can be physical with him out of their breaks and separate as they knock him off the ball. Shows flashes of tackling in the run game, however too often takes bad angles toward the ball carrier and comes flying in out of control or is sealed on the edge by bigger receivers. Displays natural click and close ability in zone coverage, takes good angles and has a natural feel for the game when the ball is in the air, but at times is a bit reactive in zone.

Missed the 2011 season due to a knee injury, will need to check out medically.

Impression: The skill set is there for this guy to be a starter in the NFL. Needs to play a little stronger and has to clean up his footwork in order to stick, but gives you some versatility to play inside and out on a defense.

6th Round 183rd Overall. Chris Owusu, WR Stanford. 6'2 200 LBs 4.48 Speed.

Per National Football Post. A well-built wide out prospect with a strong frame and physical element to his play. Is tighter in the hips, but displays enough short area quickness off the line and with good use of his hands to keep defenders from getting into his frame and avoiding the press. Knows how to keep himself clean and will get physical vs. the jam. Is a natural starter who accelerates quickly down the field and can create initial separation behind defenders. Possesses good ball skills and awareness when asked to locate and run, is willing to go up and high point the play and is above average for his size in jump ball situations. Displays a real savvy about his game as well, does a nice job stemming his route, using subtle head/shoulder fakes to set up routes and keeps corners off balance. Really sells the double move and accelerates quickly once he gains a step. Displays a good feel for zone coverage as well, works to find soft spots and plucks away from his frame.

Can be dangerous after the catch. Isn't real shifty in tight areas and lacks the wiggle to routinely breakdown defenders and make a man miss. However, he runs hard, plants his foot in the ground with natural balance -even at full speed- and can explode toward daylight. Lacks elite top end speed, but runs well, looks like a 4.45-4.5 guy. Isn't the most fluid of sharply breaking route runners. Is routinely forced to gear down, chops his feet in order to gain balance and doesn't create much separation. Doesn't waste much space out of his breaks and is a sharp route runner, just doesn't have much of a burst when looking to gain initial separation.

Adds some special teams play as a kick return man. Sets up blocks well, is a good decision maker and runs hard to daylight. Isn't a dynamic make you miss athlete, but takes care of the football and is a solid return option.

Impression: A bit of an linear athlete. However, is a natural pass catcher with good straight-line speed and a real savvy about his game. Will find a way to contribute to an NFL receiving core as a solid secondary option.

7th Round. Kheeston Randall, DT Texas. 6'5 295 LBs. From National Football Post (Note im using NFP on the later round because I personally haven't gotten a chance to go in-depth with the late round guys, and NFP is a great tool and source.)

Scouting Report:

A tall, long armed prospect who displays impressive bend and flexibility sitting into his stance. Lines up all over the Texas D-line, but mostly at the nose and displays the initial get off burst to routinely threaten gaps inside. Does a nice job keeping his base under him, pad level down off the snap and displays the lateral quickness to cross the face of lineman and work his way through contact. Looks natural dropping his shoulder when trying to fight his way up field and possesses the lower body strength to surge through contact. Demonstrates good range in pursuit, looks a bit tight when asked to breakdown, but has the length to routinely wrap up. Can take on blocks and anchor in the run game. Awareness at times runs hot/cold, will be late off the ball at times and struggles to consistently find the football inside. Possesses a naturally strong frame and can hold his own even vs. the double when trying to anchor initially. However, will get upright through the point and overwhelmed at times. Has a long set of arms and strong hands and exhibits the natural power to simply toss blockers aside when trying to shed. Fails to shoot his hands quickly off the snap and routinely gets his hands outside the frame of defenders. Is still learning to shed through contact. However, is so long, powerful and athletic that he can maintain balance and just fight his way through the block down the line in pursuit.

Is an athletic guy vs. the pass game who can threaten gaps inside and cross the face of defenders. But isn't a natural pass rusher at this stage. Doesn't have any kind of an arsenal in order to shed/keep himself clean. Is a linear rusher only who needs to win with his first step in order to be successful knifing his way into the backfield. Has the skill set to develop, but has a long ways to go working his hands and feet in sync in order to win inside vs. the pass.

Impression: Can bend for his size, but isn't a natrual pass rusher and struggles to disengage. Best chance to start looks as a 34 DE. Reserve at best inside

Edited January 30, 2012 by Zodiac

[Guest Negatorris]

We need a pass rusher.

[TheRidder]

Too unrealistic wont happen why try to predict something that is basically impossible to predict?

Edited January 30, 2012 by ryantlanta

[Zodiac]

Too unrealistic wont happen why try to

I wouldn't say the trade is completely unrealistic, players have been tagged and traded before.

The thing is the Pats really need a CB, Bill likes veteran guys and draft picks. Bill and TD are good friends so it may get done quicker, and it still leaves the Patriots with a first round pick. (They have two this year.) Also at #28 overall your basically picking from fringe guys/2nd rounders.

[jfalconsp]

I wouldn't say the trade is completely unrealistic, players have been tagged and traded before.

The thing is the Pats really need a CB, Bill likes veteran guys and draft picks. Bill and TD are good friends so it may get done quicker, and it still leaves the Patriots with a first round pick. (They have two this year.) Also at #28 overall your basically picking from fringe guys/2nd rounders.

I know you mentioned it, but man keeping Decoud as our starting safety is not an option IMO. Would also rather spend the 8-9 mil from Grubbs on a better pass rush and then grab an OG in round 2.

[Zodiac]

I know you mentioned it, but man keeping Decoud as our starting safety is not an option IMO. Would also rather spend the 8-9 mil from Grubbs on a better pass rush and then grab an OG in round 2.

The fact is better pash rush isn't going to make the O better, niether will continiuing to use Reynolds/Hawley/Whoever.

I put a DE in there. I mean there is no way we go for Mario Williams, and we just signed Edwards so we can rule out Avril and Mathis.

Markelle Martin would be the best FS available at that point and he is an in the box safety. This defense did well in spite of Decoud's ****** coverage, basically with Brown on the team Decoud will probably be on OTT or Double team duties, Brown is that good in coverage. The guy could probably blanket Jimmy Graham.

[jfalconsp]

I hear ya. To me Decoud was just our biggest weakness on the defense all season. Ik Griffins the best out there as far as FS goes, I feel like we need to go after him even though he gives up some plays as well. This FS class in the draft is weak from what I hear so no reason to use our 2nd on it.

Id trade in Decoud, Grubbs, and Biermann for Mathis and Griffin.

And then I'd be comfortable with someone like Osmele in the 2nd as a RG.

Edited January 30, 2012 by jfalconsp

[vel]

You get a first rounder back and then spend it on an OLB, one position that may be the LEAST pressing need. Not to mention, with this scenario, our starting corners and DRob, Franks, and Owens. I will pass

[Master Exploder]

Brown and Spoon would be sick. Who would play SLB? Spoon?

I don't hate the idea, but I don't see much of a point in keeping Lofton in this scenario.

[vel]

Brown and Spoon would be sick. Who would play SLB? Spoon?

I don't hate the idea, but I don't see much of a point in keeping Lofton in this scenario.

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/falcons-resign-olb-stephen-nicholas--532696.html

[Zodiac]

You get a first rounder back and then spend it on an OLB, one position that may be the LEAST pressing need. Not to mention, with this scenario, our starting corners and DRob, Franks, and Owens. I will pass

I think Owens gets an unfair rub around here, the guy is a good corner on the outside, it's the slot where he struggles.

DRob I agree, but Franks is a great outside corner as well I could easily see him starting over DRob, especially now since the staff that pushed for DRob are gone.

Sure it may be the least pressing, but hey we have 2 Great LBs, why not go ahead and add the 3rd and never worry about it again for 5-6 years? That's my view on the situation

Edited January 30, 2012 by Zodiac

[Knight of God]

Pretty good, though not your best one. I really don't like the idea of another DT in that size range.

[Zodiac]

Brown and Spoon would be sick. Who would play SLB? Spoon?

I don't hate the idea, but I don't see much of a point in keeping Lofton in this scenario.

Brown and Spoon are both OLBs. Brown doesnt have the size to play inside, and im not quite sure Spoon has a good enough grip on the D to be the call/audible man.

To be fair this front 7 depth chart for next year looks pretty good IMO.

Abraham/Sidbury/Matthews

Edwards/Johnson/Biermann

Babineaux/Jerry/Randall

Peters/Walker/Randall

Also Johnson could bulk up to around 275 and kick inside as well as outside and perhaps play 5 tech too. So great versatilty with him.

Brown/Adkins

Lofton/Dent

Weatherspoon/James

Not the greatest on the DLine, but like I said Johnson has a good motor along with bull rush and moves and when he bulks up to the NFL you can kick him anywhere.

Abe while old is still Abe, Sidbury has flashed quite a bit, and Babs is still solid.

The LB corp would be crazy though.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Zodiac

[Zodiac]

Pretty good, though not your best one. I really don't like the idea of another DT in that size range.

Randall is a project/depth player. I like the potential with him but he is a very raw player in terms of pass rushing and run defense at this point

[Knight of God]

Randall is a project/depth player. I like the potential with him but he is a very raw player in terms of pass rushing and run defense at this point

I love the OLB pick, I saw him last night. He is like Patrick Willis but OLB version. Would change things on defense. Nah Randall doesn't bring anything too different than what we have. Need a plugger more than anything. Still, its your drafts that made me open my mind to trades in mocks.

[Zodiac]

I love the OLB pick, I saw him last night. He is like Patrick Willis but OLB version. Would change things on defense. Nah Randall doesn't bring anything too different than what we have. Need a plugger more than anything. Still, its your drafts that made me open my mind to trades in mocks.

I wouldn't say that exactly, along the lines of weight yea Randall isn't anything different, but the guy has long arms and is athletic for his size. If he could develop halfway decent moves he could be a solid player, but like I said extremely raw.

[pzummo]

We just signed Nicholas in 2011 before the previous season. I can't see how we would save anything on the cap by cutting him. He got $6m guaranteed and his entire contract averages $3.5m per season.

[Zodiac]

We just signed Nicholas in 2011 before the previous season. I can't see how we would save anything on the cap by cutting him. He got $6m guaranteed and his entire contract averages $3.5m per season.

Save the space for next year when Matt's contract is up, I would've put Robinson on their but I don't feel like catching flak for cutting him either.

It all depends on how the FO feels, for me Nicholas is to 1 dimensional and gets hurt a bit to much for me. They might keep him as a backup they might not. I'm not entirely sure.

[X-Man21]

Props on the post and it seems possible for a 28th pick considering that the Pats were next to last in the league against the pass and we are aging at the pass Rush department. Now on the implication that the OLB should get drafted for the Hybrid I think the best NT should be the next pick at 55 and vice versa, or potentially available talent at the CB spot (i.e. Brandon Boykin) just as long as we can pick up the best talent available.

[benny]

i like every other pick and have similar picks in mymock, except for the 1st round trade pick. i just dont understand why we would trade another future pick to add another linebacker? thats the only somewhat strong part of our defense. if we moved into the first, id want it to either be an olineman, dlineman, or CB.

[Zodiac]

i like every other pick and have similar picks in mymock, except for the 1st round trade pick. i just dont understand why we would trade another future pick to add another linebacker? thats the only somewhat strong part of our defense. if we moved into the first, id want it to either be an olineman, dlineman, or CB.

Simply if Brown pans out we could have the best LB corp since the 2000 Ravens.

Brown is going to be first round talent falling into the late first due to concerns about his mental aspect of the game and size.

Where as from Oline and Dline we'd be picking from 2nd round talent. CB may or may not be first round talent there's a lot of depth this year at that position.

[Zodiac]

Props on the post and it seems possible for a 28th pick considering that the Pats were next to last in the league against the pass and we are aging at the pass Rush department. Now on the implication that the OLB should get drafted for the Hybrid I think the best NT should be the next pick at 55 and vice versa, or potentially available talent at the CB spot (i.e. Brandon Boykin) just as long as we can pick up the best talent available.

The thing is Brown is what we used to call a "tweener" now we call them scheme diverse. His speed makes him a legit pass rushing threat off the edge and he can drop and play coverage extremely well, so he could play outside in both schemes.

[delaigle]

Just 1 Question--for real

I have read somewhere that you can't trade a franchized player was that wrong?

You franchize Grimes and then trade him

Which is correct?

[Zodiac]

Just 1 Question--for real

I have read somewhere that you can't trade a franchized player was that wrong?

You franchize Grimes and then trade him

Which is correct?

I'm pretty sure you can If I remember V-Jax was lobbying for a trade when he got tagged

Edit:You can, Cassel was tagged then traded to the Chiefs.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Zodiac

[Zodiac]

bump for anyone who didnt get to see yesterday