Not Necessarily My Mock Off-Season - But One I Could See Happening

[g-dawg]

OK, the picture is still very murky but becoming more clear after Friday's cuts of John Abraham, Michael Turner and Dunta Robinson.

Obviously those cuts created holes at DE, RB and CB.....

I like William Moore and Brent Grimes but not really dying for either to come back - for different reasons. However, I believe Falcons will bring both guys back.

I think Tony Gonzalez will stay retired - despite all the talk that he is coming back.

I also believe the Falcons are not as enthralled with bringing Sam Baker back as others think. No way are the Falcons going to give him a 5 yr, $38 million deal like the Giants Will Beatty. I believe the Falcons are high on Lamar Holmes and will sign Svitek for insurance.

I also believe the Falcons are attracted to Stephen Jackson, even though I don't like the move.

So, the purpose of this thread is to put together a mock off-season that I don't necessarily prescribe myself - but one that I could see happening. There are a few moves that maybe are more mine than what I think Falcons would do - but that are reasonable that Falcons could make. Here goes:

2013 Free Agency - $20mm cap room:

• Re-sign William Moore,SS - 4yrs, $20mm - $10mm guaranteed/$5mm/yr avg.
  
• Re-sign Brent Grimes,CB - 3yrs, $19mm - $9mm guaranteed/$6.33mm/yr avg.
  
• UFA Steven Jackson,RB - 2yrs, $8mm - $6mm guaranteed/$4mm/yr avg.
  
• UFA Sammie Lee Hill,DT - 4yrs, $18mm - $9mm guaranteed/$4.5mm/yr avg.
  
• Let Sam Baker, LT walk
  
• Re-sign Will Svitek, LT to back-up Holmes
  
• Re-sign Chris Owens, CB
  
• Re-sign Vance Walker, DT
  
• Re-sign Garrett Reynolds, RG
  

2013 NFL Draft:

#1-30) Tyler Eifert, TE-Notre Dame - solid young Tight End with upside and day#1 starter - great catching radius and can win jump balls. He's not Tony Gonzalez - but he's a very good tight end capable of a pro-bowl or two and will not be a bust pick.

#2-60) Khaseem Greene, OLB-Rutgers - this guy can be an immediate nickel package OLB and upgrade over Stephen Nicholas and could take over permanent starter status by season's end. This is a Mike Nolan "type" linebacker that can make plays rushing the passer and is very comfortable dropping into coverage.

#3-92) Tank Carradine, DE-FSU - this guy has the size, speed and toughness to be a very good defensive end at the NFL level - he tore his ACL in November which is the only reason I have him dropping to 3rd round - could go as early as the end of 2nd round but think this is a place where we might could still grab him.

#4-127) Joe Kruger, DE/OLB-Utah - this is Paul Kruger's brother. He is a hybrid type player that Mike Nolan could use effectively. Should be able to play sooner than Carradine and could really blossom with Nolan.

#4-133) Ace Sanders, WR-South Carolina - small explosive guy that can help with KR/PR duties immediately and eventually supplant the disappointing Harry Douglas as slot receiver.

5th rd) Rod Sweeting, CB-Georgia Tech - this guy has the size that MIke Nolan covets (almost 6 foot) and ball skills. This guy can be groomed to take over one of the corner spots in a few years when Asante/Grimes deteriorate.

6th rd) David Quessenberry, OT-San Jose State - young depth at offensive tackle. Probably stays on practice squad in 2013

[Knight of God]

I think that's pretty close, and I'm almost for certain that we take a TE at 30 with or without TG.

[Jaymadd]

I thought u were done bro. I also think they get a FA guard if they are starting Holmes at LT

[SwampyMux12]

I think that's pretty close, and I'm almost for certain that we take a TE at 30 with or without TG.

Yeah if Eifert is on the board at 30, we're taking him, and I completely agree with the pick. I would be estatic with a guy who could stretch out the middle of the field, I think it would make this offense drastically better.

I really think somewhere along the line we will be taking an RB as well.

[dmo_dlo]

Carradine will not be there at our 2nd, let alone 3rd. There's an outside chance he won't be there for our first.

[g-dawg]

I could definitely get down with this pick if the pre-draft went down that way with Tony not coming back and we get a DE or DT in free agency.

I still would love Desmond Trufant in 1st round but he probably does not drop - if we re-sign Grimes while already having Asante and McClain - then I don't see corner as a top need this year - also would re-sign Chris Owens as he played better in 2012.

Do you think I'm "way off" on Carradine dropping? He's a major talent but coming off ACL in November, seems reasonable to me that he could drop to the end of the third round - maybe wishful thinking.

If we sign Steven Jackson (again not my preference), I think we don't take a RB in this draft.

[g-dawg]

Carradine will not be there at our 2nd, let alone 3rd. There's an outside chance he won't be there for our first.

you know he blew his ACL in November, right?

[Steampunk]

OK, the picture is still very murky but becoming more clear after Friday's cuts of John Abraham, Michael Turner and Dunta Robinson.

Obviously those cuts created holes at DE, RB and CB.....

I like William Moore and Brent Grimes but not really dying for either to come back - for different reasons. However, I believe Falcons will bring both guys back.

I think Tony Gonzalez will stay retired - despite all the talk that he is coming back.

I also believe the Falcons are not as enthralled with bringing Sam Baker back as others think. No way are the Falcons going to give him a 5 yr, $38 million deal like the Giants Will Beatty. I believe the Falcons are high on Lamar Holmes and will sign Svitek for insurance.

I also believe the Falcons are attracted to Stephen Jackson, even though I don't like the move.

So, the purpose of this thread is to put together a mock off-season that I don't necessarily prescribe myself - but one that I could see happening. There are a few moves that maybe are more mine than what I think Falcons would do - but that are reasonable that Falcons could make. Here goes:

2013 Free Agency - $20mm cap room:

• Re-sign William Moore,SS - 4yrs, $20mm - $10mm guaranteed/$5mm/yr avg.
  
• Re-sign Brent Grimes,CB - 3yrs, $19mm - $9mm guaranteed/$6.33mm/yr avg.
  
• UFA Steven Jackson,RB - 2yrs, $8mm - $6mm guaranteed/$4mm/yr avg.
  
• UFA Sammie Lee Hill,DT - 4yrs, $18mm - $9mm guaranteed/$4.5mm/yr avg.
  
• Let Sam Baker, LT walk
  
• Re-sign Will Svitek, LT to back-up Holmes
  
• Re-sign Chris Owens, CB
  
• Re-sign Vance Walker, DT
  
• Re-sign Garrett Reynolds, RG
  

2013 NFL Draft:

#1-30) Tyler Eifert, TE-Notre Dame - solid young Tight End with upside and day#1 starter - great catching radius and can win jump balls. He's not Tony Gonzalez - but he's a very good tight end capable of a pro-bowl or two and will not be a bust pick.

#2-60) Khaseem Greene, OLB-Rutgers - this guy can be an immediate nickel package OLB and upgrade over Stephen Nicholas and could take over permanent starter status by season's end. This is a Mike Nolan "type" linebacker that can make plays rushing the passer and is very comfortable dropping into coverage.

#3-92) Tank Carradine, DE-FSU - this guy has the size, speed and toughness to be a very good defensive end at the NFL level - he tore his ACL in November which is the only reason I have him dropping to 3rd round - could go as early as the end of 2nd round but think this is a place where we might could still grab him.

#4-127) Joe Kruger, DE/OLB-Utah - this is Paul Kruger's brother. He is a hybrid type player that Mike Nolan could use effectively. Should be able to play sooner than Carradine and could really blossom with Nolan.

#4-133) Ace Sanders, WR-South Carolina - small explosive guy that can help with KR/PR duties immediately and eventually supplant the disappointing Harry Douglas as slot receiver.

5th rd) Rod Sweeting, CB-Georgia Tech - this guy has the size that MIke Nolan covets (almost 6 foot) and ball skills. This guy can be groomed to take over one of the corner spots in a few years when Asante/Grimes deteriorate.

6th rd) David Quessenberry, OT-San Jose State - young depth at offensive tackle. Probably stays on practice squad in 2013

This I like, as long as they can play in New Jersey outdoors in Feb.....

[thomas11bravo]

ok to me except the 4th rd. 133 pick .... i think we need defense and Tyrann Matheiu fits better but overall not bad

[DonDaLuvMaker]

I could definitely get down with this pick if the pre-draft went down that way with Tony not coming back and we get a DE or DT in free agency.

I still would love Desmond Trufant in 1st round but he probably does not drop - if we re-sign Grimes while already having Asante and McClain - then I don't see corner as a top need this year - also would re-sign Chris Owens as he played better in 2012.

Do you think I'm "way off" on Carradine dropping? He's a major talent but coming off ACL in November, seems reasonable to me that he could drop to the end of the third round - maybe wishful thinking.

If we sign Steven Jackson (again not my preference), I think we don't take a RB in this draft.

I read reports that scouts where raving over him being a better pass rushing prospect than his FSU teammate Werner and they believe that he can play both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB.

I also saw somewhere that he is ahead of schedule when it comes to his knee healing.

[Jaymadd]

I read reports that scouts where raving over him being a better pass rushing prospect than his FSU teammate Werner and they believe that he can play both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB.

I also saw somewhere that he is ahead of schedule when it comes to his knee healing.

He won't be able to contribute this year so I understand what gdawg is saying. He is just like lattimore

[g-dawg]

I read reports that scouts where raving over him being a better pass rushing prospect than his FSU teammate Werner and they believe that he can play both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB.

I also saw somewhere that he is ahead of schedule when it comes to his knee healing.

I have YET to EVER here a report that said someone coming of ACL is "behind schedule" in their recuperation. its NEVER happened. Agents/Players always say they are "ahead of schedule" - always, always, always.....

having said that, he might not be available.

[Knight of God]

Yeah if Eifert is on the board at 30, we're taking him, and I completely agree with the pick. I would be estatic with a guy who could stretch out the middle of the field, I think it would make this offense drastically better.

I really think somewhere along the line we will be taking an RB as well.

That makes me nervous about defense. I have the feeling that its going to be a long way til we get to Sept.

[DonDaLuvMaker]

I have YET to EVER here a report that said someone coming of ACL is "behind schedule" in their recuperation. its NEVER happened. Agents/Players always say they are "ahead of schedule" - always, always, always.....

having said that, he might not be available.

True

His stock has risen despite not being able to workout at the moment though.

[dmo_dlo]

you know he blew his ACL in November, right?

I do but still he's been on major rise, and that's before working out. He says he's trying to work out before draft (unlikely) and I think he will not make it to mid second. I won't be surprised if he is drafted late first.

[muskokas finest ©]

I thought u were done bro.

I thought so too. Friday's cuts were like a can of spinach for gdawg.

[takeitdown]

I like this overall. Would definitely sign a cheap tall FA receiver in this case (just a 1M guy who can catch over linebackers) and try to draft a late round RB. We need to be developing young talent on O from the midrounds.

I like that you took a FA DT and a couple of guys who can aid pass rush. My biggest concern coming out of that offseason would be lack of diversity on offense (if we didn't grab tall WR/potential RB) and the right guard problem.

[g-dawg]

I thought so too. Friday's cuts were like a can of spinach for gdawg.

exactly......

[g-dawg]

I like this overall. Would definitely sign a cheap tall FA receiver in this case (just a 1M guy who can catch over linebackers) and try to draft a late round RB. We need to be developing young talent on O from the midrounds.

I like that you took a FA DT and a couple of guys who can aid pass rush. My biggest concern coming out of that offseason would be lack of diversity on offense (if we didn't grab tall WR/potential RB) and the right guard problem.

if Falcons sign SJAX to go along with Quizz/Snelling - there is no room on the roster for a 4th RB considering Bradie Ewing is coming back at fullback.

RBs are "microwavable" meaning the rooks can hit the ground running - with SJAX in the fold, Falcons could wait at least 1 more year before taking another RB.

as far as WRs go, Falcons already have a couple of decent young tall WRs (6'0"+) in Drew Davis and Kevin Cone. I'm adding short/quick Ace Sanders to go with HD - depth there is fine.

[muskokas finest ©]

2013 NFL Draft:

#1-30) Tyler Eifert, TE-Notre Dame - solid young Tight End with upside and day#1 starter - great catching radius and can win jump balls. He's not Tony Gonzalez - but he's a very good tight end capable of a pro-bowl or two and will not be a bust pick.

No love for Joseph Fauria anymore?

Would rather trade back than go TE. A team with Roddy White, Julio Jones and a supposed great QB doesn't need the best TE in the draft.

[takeitdown]

if Falcons sign SJAX to go along with Quizz/Snelling - there is no room on the roster for a 4th RB considering Bradie Ewing is coming back at fullback.

RBs are "microwavable" meaning the rooks can hit the ground running - with SJAX in the fold, Falcons could wait at least 1 more year before taking another RB.

as far as WRs go, Falcons already have a couple of decent young tall WRs (6'0"+) in Drew Davis and Kevin Cone. I'm adding short/quick Ace Sanders to go with HD - depth there is fine.

Relying on Drew Davis and Kevin Cone as your depth (and step up players) in a pass first offense is folly. These aren't quality 4th rounders developing, they're roster marginalia.

I'm in favor of getting rid of Snelling or using his as FB. 1st round RBs hit the ground running, but 4th rounders don't. They're a crapshoot. So, you take one every couple of years until one hits. The key to getting a 4th round RB is you have to take a few swings. The vet gives you time for one to pan out.

Personally, I'd rather get a cheap RB in FA, combined with a cheap WR (someone who lets us be viable when Roddy or Julio need a breather or are hurt) and keep more options to the offense. D line heavy on D early, and midround talent on O.

3rd round receivers and 4th round RBs can flourish in this offense. They just have to be able to beat LBs consistently. But if they can't do that, they're of no value. If we go in the season with the same WR corps, I'll be very disappointed. Upgrading the DL is mandatory but will be hard and expensive. Upgrading the pass catchers is as easy as a 2m receiver, decent TE, late round tall cluth receiver. It's cheap and easy and no reason not to do it.

[takeitdown]

No love for Joseph Fauria anymore?

Would rather trade back than go TE. A team with Roddy White, Julio Jones and a supposed great QB doesn't need the best TE in the draft.

Actually agree with this. We don't need elite pass catchers. We need a lot of pass catchers. I'd rather have a 1-2m TE, 1-2m tall WR, 1-2m RB who can catch, and 1-2M shifty WR than one guy who costs as much as all those (feel free to substitute 3-4th rounder for 1-2m guy). We have the elite guys to take the coverages. Now we just need the "quality" guys who can take advantage of it.

Spend the high picks on D and OG. For the next 2 years.

[cportcuz]

I love this but I would change Steven Jackson to Bradshaw and add Osi or Bennett

[muskokas finest ©]

Actually agree with this. We don't need elite pass catchers. We need a lot of pass catchers. I'd rather have a 1-2m TE, 1-2m tall WR, 1-2m RB who can catch, and 1-2M shifty WR than one guy who costs as much as all those (feel free to substitute 3-4th rounder for 1-2m guy). We have the elite guys to take the coverages. Now we just need the "quality" guys who can take advantage of it.

Spend the high picks on D and OG. For the next 2 years.

Yeah, we need those extra 7ths to take a flyer on a player like Marquess Wilson, while grabbing as much defensive talent as Nolan can stomach.

[thanat0s]

Personally, I could learn to like everything on the list. It's the best offseason I've seen so far. Good work, g.