theProf Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Falcons 2017 roster: Position-by-position analysis of final 53-man roster Posted 43 minutes ago Kelsey Conway AtlantaFalcons.com FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2017 season. General manager Thomas Dimitroff has said all offseason that he believes this is “one of the most impressive” rosters he’s ever had, and now it’s complete. The club waived 13 players, waived/injured three players, reached an injury settlement with tight end Darion Griswold, placed safety Quincy Mauger on injured reserve, and placed cornerback Jalen Collins on the reserve/suspended list. Additionally, defensive lineman Ra’Shede Hageman has been placed on the Commissioner Exempt List. Here’s the full position-by-position breakdown of Atlanta’s 53-man roster: OFFENSE Quarterbacks: (2) o Matt Ryan o Matt Schaub Final thoughts: The reigning NFL MVP returns for his 10th season. Ryan completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 4,944 yards with 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in the 2017 season. Schaub, a trusted veteran who has 13 years of NFL experience, saw action in four games for the Falcons as Ryan’s backup last season. Running backs: (4) o Devonta Freeman o Tevin Coleman o Terron Ward o Brian Hill Final thoughts: Atlanta’s two-headed monster is back. The Falcons locked up Pro Bowl Devonta Freeman for the next five years and Tevin Coleman enters his third season with Atlanta. The duo teamed up for 200 total yards six times in the 2016 season. Freeman and Coleman combined for 2,482 yards and 24 total touchdowns last season. After a strong training camp and preseason, Terron Ward solidified the No. 3 running back spot. Ward played in five games for the Falcons, logging 31 carries for 151 yards. Hill, a fifth-round draft pick, was a significant contributor on special teams. Wide receiver: (6) o Julio Jones o Mohamed Sanu o Taylor Gabriel o Justin Hardy o Andre Roberts o Nick Williams Final thoughts: One of the most competitive position battles of training camp and the preseason was at wide receiver. Guys like Reggie Davis and Marvin Hall made a strong case for themselves – but in the end, the Falcons kept six receivers. Outside of Andre Roberts, who will be Atlanta primary return specialist, all of Atlanta’s receivers have at least one year in the offensive scheme. Jones and Sanu combined to catch 142 passes for 2,062 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016. Gabriel and Hardy were signifcicant contributors for the Falcons as well, combining for 11 touchdowns. Williams played in two games last season, catching five passes for 59 yards. Tight end: (3) o Austin Hooper o Levine Toilolo o Eric Saubert Final thoughts: Both Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo had impact roles in the Falcons’ offense in 2016. Hooper took over as the No. 1 tight end midway through the 2016 season and became one of Matt Ryan’s most reliable targets. In 14 games, Hooper caught 19 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Toilolo played in all 16 games for Atlanta last year, catching three passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Atlanta drafted Saubert in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Drake University. The Falcons waived Joshua Perkins who played in eight games for the team in 2016, catching three passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Fullback: (1) o Derrick Coleman Final thoughts: The Falcons signed Coleman in free agency this March. Coleman previously played for the Seahawks, where he played in 31 games for Seattle. Atlanta waived Tyler Renew, the other fullback the Falcons carried on the roster through the preseason. Offensive line: (9) o Left tackle: Jake Matthews, Austin Pasztor, Ty Sambrailo o Left guard: Andy Levitre, Sean Harlow o Center: Alex Mack o Right tackle: Ryan Schraeder, Ty Sambrailo o Right guard: Ben Garland, Wes Schweitzer Final thoughts: The Falcons returned all but one starter along their offensive line. Head coach Dan Quinn said the battle for the starting job at right guard between Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer would go all the way through the preseason, and Quinn has yet to name a starter. Harlow, Atlanta’s fourth-round draft pick, serves as one of the backup options at guard. Atlanta added depth at the tackle position by recently signing Austin Pasztor and trading with the Denver Broncos for Ty Sambrailo. DEFENSE Defensive line: (8) o Defensive end: Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn, Takkarist McKinley, Courtney Upshaw, Derrick Shelby o Defensive tackle: Dontari Poe, Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford Final thoughts: General manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons’ defensive line was the most improved from the end of the 2016 season, and as you can see, the unit is as deep as it’s ever been since Quinn has been head coach. The Falcons signed Poe and Crawford in free agency and drafted McKinley with their 2017 first-round pick. The unit also returns a healthy Shelby and Claybron, two players who missed significant time in 2016 with injuries. Linebacker: (6) o Vic Beasley Jr. o Deion Jones o LaRoy Reynolds o Jermaine Grace o De’Vondre Campbell o Duke Riley Final thoughts: The Falcons are fast and physical across the board, but perhaps the position they upgraded their speed at the most this year is at linebacker. Quinn said the competition at linebacker through training camp and preseason was one that particularly stood out to him. Cornerback: (6) o Desmond Trufant o Robert Alford o Brian Poole o C.J. Goodwin o Blidi Wreh-Wilson o Deji Olatoye Final thoughts: Atlanta decided to keep six cornerbacks – a position that depth has proved to be critical at. After finishing the season on IR, Trufant returns as the No. 1 cornerback. The Falcons also locked up Trufant and their No. 2 cornerback, Alford, for the forseeable future. Second-year cornerback, Poole, showed that he’s more than capable of carrying the load as the Falcons’ nickel corner. Goodwin, Wilson and Olatoye all have experience in Atlanta’s defensive system and provide depth at cornerback. Safety: (5) o Keanu Neal o Ricardo Allen o Damontae Kazee o Sharrod Neasman o Kemal Ishmael Final thoughts: Atlanta returns both their starters at free safety and strong safety in Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen. Sharrod Neasman has proved to be a quality backup, seeing action in three games for the Falcons in the 2016 season. The Falcons drafted Kazee out of San Diego State in the fifth round of this year’s draft. Kazee primarily played cornerback in college, but the Falcons plan to feature him at free safety. Special teams: (3) Kicker: Matt Bryant Punter: Matt Bosher Kick returner: Andre Roberts Punt returner: Andre Roberts Long snapper: Josh Harris Holder: Matt Bosher Final thoughts: The only new addition to this unit is Roberts who the Falcons signed in free agency this year. Roberts previously played for the Detroit Lions where he was the starting punt and kick returner. While in Detroit, Roberts returned two punts for touchdowns and has recorded 2,047 yards and one touchdown in his eight-year career as a kick returner in the NFL. http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/Falcons-2017-roster-Position-by-position-analysis-of-final-53-man-roster-/284efb29-8d3d-4203-a420-55f966b26eaf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ovie_Lover Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 (edited) If this is the actual roster then **** them for keeping Nick Williams, Eric Saubert and Brian Hill. Edited September 2, 2017 by Yo_Lover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romfal Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 wtf is up with Shede Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeg272 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 7 minutes ago, Yo_Lover said: If this is the actual roster then **** them for keeping Nick Williams, Eric Saubert and Brian Hill. And goodwin. Unfortunately saubert looked the best of our depth tes. Especially in the last game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monolith2001 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 No risks taken in this roster. Not even one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconBlood23 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 8 minutes ago, Yo_Lover said: If this is the actual roster then **** them for keeping Nick Williams, Eric Saubert and Brian Hill. I know they didn't look impressive at all this pre-season but I still have hope for them, I hope you do too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peyton Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 I don't think they kept the best 53 but i don't guess it matters if the top 30 stay healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRUju2111 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 So Hageman is gone? Hes been looking good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
likeriver Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Surprised Harlow's still on the list. Guess Quinn and TD really believe in developing draft picks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fernando C. Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Nick Williams??? I wanted Hall .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
likeriver Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Just now, TRUju2111 said: So Hageman is gone? Hes been looking good Nah, he's on commissioner's exempt while he handles his DV case (I think that's the issue). When it's over he can return to the active roster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GATXBOI Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 I could see them doing it to get value from their draft picks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vandy Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 5 minutes ago, Romfal said: wtf is up with Shede https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/9/2/16247426/rashede-hageman-placed-on-commissioner-exempt-list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shank Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 What happened to Odom!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRUju2111 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Just now, likeriver said: Nah, he's on commissioner's exempt while he handles his DV case (I think that's the issue). When it's over he can return to the active roster. Thanks I just seen the thread on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted September 2, 2017 Author Share Posted September 2, 2017 8 minutes ago, Romfal said: wtf is up with Shede I think it is a Domestic Violence issue with Hageman. Players placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List do NOT count against the team's 53-man roster or the team's salary-cap. The following was an article when Josh Brown got put on the Commissioner's List for domestic violence. "What is the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List? NFL.com Published: Oct. 21, 2016 at 04:26 p.m. The NFL placed Josh Brown on the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List on Friday a day after it reopened its domestic violence investigation into the Giants kicker. Brown was notified of the move in a letter from Adolpho Birch, NFL's Senior Vice President of Labor Policy and League Affairs. In the letter, Birch goes over some of the guidelines Brown must adhere to under the Commissioner Exempt List. While on the list, Brown cannot practice or attend games, and is allowed at the Giants' facility for meetings, individual workouts, therapy and rehabilitation and other permitted non-football activities if permitted by the franchise. Brown will continue to receive his normal salary and will be eligible for all the benefits he qualifies for under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Here's a full description of the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List directly from the NFL Player Personnel Policy Manual: The Exempt List is a special player status available to clubs only in unusual circumstances. The List includes those players who have been declared by the Commissioner to be temporarily exempt from counting within the Active List limit. Only the Commissioner has the authority to place a player on the Exempt List; clubs have no such authority, and no exemption, regardless of circumstances, is automatic. The Commissioner also has the authority to determine in advance whether a player's time on the Exempt List will be finite or will continue until the Commissioner deems the exemption should be lifted and the player returned to the Active List." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000725141/article/what-is-the-reservecommissioner-exempt-list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoomGoesTheDynamite Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Wanted Davis, Hall, and Odom to make it. Guess we'll just have to trust DQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted September 2, 2017 Author Share Posted September 2, 2017 6 minutes ago, Shank said: What happened to Odom!? Odom will probably make the Falcons Practice Squad, if he makes it through waivers without another team claiming him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconfansince66 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 7 minutes ago, Fernando C. said: Nick Williams??? I wanted Hall .... Yeah, and I also liked what Davis showed as well. I'm wondering if Williams' may not be eligible for P.S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTBF54 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 12 minutes ago, Fernando C. said: Nick Williams??? I wanted Hall .... Apparently they view him as a better ST player so he made the cut........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caponine Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 18 minutes ago, Monolith2001 said: No risks taken in this roster. Not even one. Hill is a risk, definitely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caponine Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 How did hill make it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted September 2, 2017 Author Share Posted September 2, 2017 18 minutes ago, theProf said: I think it is a Domestic Violence issue with Hageman. Players placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List do NOT count against the team's 53-man roster or the team's salary-cap. The following was an article when Josh Brown got put on the Commissioner's List for domestic violence. Tom PelisseroVerified account @TomPelissero 20 minutes ago Replying to @TomPelissero NFL notified Hageman of exempt list decision weeks ago, source said. So, not a surprise to him or team when it became effective today. NFL confirms Ra'Shede Hageman's exempt list placement is related to incident 18 months ago. Case wrapped recently. League probe ongoing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socalriseup Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 im down with keeping nick williams, matt has chemistry with him. im pissed we wasted a spot on hill and would have preferred perkins over saubert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTBF54 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Eric Saubert is the one guy I can see getting replaced after the cuts from other teams..... He can go to the PS and most likely not get picked up by another team........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.