Falcons 2017 roster: Position-by-position analysis of final 53-man roster

[theProf]

Falcons stand pat at right guard, Ra'Shede Hageman suspended

Matt Winkeljohn

The Atlanta Falcons parted ways with 20 players on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here’s a closer look at the final moves:

 

Most significant move: Fourth-year defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman has been an enigma since the Falcons drafted him in the second round out of Minnesota in 2014, and he continues to vex the Falcons after being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list Saturday. Hageman is suspended for domestic violence-related charges. His legal case concluded last month in metro Atlanta and the NFL continues to investigate. The duration of his suspension is to be determined.

 

Extra running backs: The Falcons kept five running backs, starting with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. It wasn’t a shock that free-agent fullback Derrick Coleman (Seahawks) made the squad to replace Patrick DiMarco, who left via free agency to join the Bills. Fifth-round draft choice Brian Hill did not have a good training camp or preseason, but Atlanta brass apparently continue to like the big guy’s potential. Former college free agent Terron Ward, who has shuttled between the practice squad and the active roster for the past two seasons, also made the team. For now. Ward, Hill or Coleman will have to play special teams.

 

Deep on the D-line: Even with Hageman’s suspension, the Falcons are left with a lot of defensive linemen, leaving the possibility that a trade may be considered, perhaps to acquire an offensive guard. In addition to starting D-linemen Grady Jarrett, Dontari Poe, Brooks Reed/Adrian Clayborn and Courtney Upshaw/Derrick Shelby, the team retains first-round draft choice Takk McKinley and Jack Crawford.

 

Released (12): S Marcelis Branch; OT Daniel Brunskill; WR Deante Burton; WR Reggie Davis; OL Cornelius Edison; WR Marvin Hall; DE J'Terius Jones; DE Chris Odom; TE Josh Perkins; RB Jhurell Pressley; DL Taniela Tupou; DT Joe Vellano.

Waived/injured (3): DE Martin Ifedi; LB Josh Keyes; QB Matt Simms.

Injured reserve (1): S Quincy Mauger.

Injury settlement (1): TE Darion Griswold.

Reserve/suspended (1): CB Jalen Collins.

Practice squad exemption (1): TE Alex Gray.

Reserve/commissioner exempt (1): Ra’Shede Hageman.

 

http://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/28556/falcons-stand-pat-at-right-guard-rashede-hageman-suspended

 

BTW the following players were released  on Friday, prior to yesterday's cuts:

FLOWERY BRANCH —

The Falcons made a trade for offensive line depth and started to trim their roster by releasing 14 players Friday.

The team cut offensive guard Travis Averill, center Larson Graham, cornerback Akeem King, wide receiver Anthony Dable, running back Kelvin Taylor, offensive tackle Andreas Knappe, linebacker Jack Lynn, wide receiver Josh Magee, defensive end A.J. Jefferson, cornerback Janor Jones, fullback Tyler Renew, offensive tackle D.J. Tialavea, quarterback Alex Torgersen and kicker Mike Meyer.

https://www.myajc.com/sports/football/falcons-cut-players/uGbk9Qha66rDrDrYc1I5qJ/

[Vandy]

5 hours ago, NeonDeion said:

You guys are crazy. All Nick Williams does when he gets in the game is ball out. There are some guys with more upside for sure. But Nick has proven over and over again that he's as reliable as they come when he gets the chance. If our top 3 WR go down I guarantee you don't want Davis filling the void. You want Williams. He moved the chains. 

LOL.

[Ovie_Lover]

5 hours ago, SkerFalcon8710 said:

It's the fact that you've been acting like a child for the last 10 hours over the cuts. And you're not using logic you're just being a d bag about everything anyone says. It's cool we know you have an agenda now and can disregard all further statements. Here's to brian hill and willians being inactive on game day 

Says Williams is better than two rookies because he has catches and they don't then calls me a d bag whenever I prove how stupid that is  ooookkkk

[Xfactor]

C'mon Davis better than Williams

Perkins is way better than Saubert who is hot garbage

Hill should not be on the 53 

[falconidae]

14 hours ago, falconidae said:

So far, people are complaining about the 3rd string TE, the 4th RB, the 9th DE, the 9th Olineman making or not making the team.

 

Think everyone should take a deep breath and remember what the team was like 3 years ago:

Starters:

Sjax RB, Stone C, Bierman DE, Goodman DE,  Solia DT, Bartu LB, Worrilow LB

Roster:

Arenas, Sam Baker, Carimi, Drew Davis, Gunn, Hawley, Holmes,  TJax,   Massiquoi, Konz, Magonga,   Martino, Moore, Bear Pascoe, Peters, Shembo,Antone Smith,  Umenyiora, ,Josh Wilson Yates                                 

                                                                                                                                      

If looking at the Falcons 3 years ago doesn't relax you, then look around the league. Rams best player is holding out and not in camp, Jets are in full tank mode, Ravens have lost , what, 7-8 starters to season ending injury, Cam Newton had surgery and hardly practiced the entire off season. -Cowboys are facing a fine from the league for the number of suspended players. Jets, Bills,SF, Jax, Rams, Cle ,Den, Chic, Hous, Minn, Indy, Mia, Balt, KC all have QB issues. Oak, Dal, Phil all have young QBs that they hope will make the jump to elite, That's half the league with iffy QB situations.

NYG, NO, LAC Ari all have old QBs that will probably not be there in 2-3 years.

 

You think the Falcons have problems because your favorite 6th WR didn't make the team? Try having Blake Bortles as your starter.

[Tim Mazetti]

12 minutes ago, falconidae said:

You think the Falcons have problems because your favorite 6th WR didn't make the team? Try having Blake Bortles as your starter.

Good post.

[jdawg4876]

I agree that both davis and hall have more upside. I also see value in keeping nick, he is good on ST has good hands and is gritty, I mean he was decleated against either the steelers or dolphins and held onto the ball. I thought ward would be cut the last 2 yrs running and he keeps proving me wrong and contributing so good luck young man.

[nolove4thecrook]

15 hours ago, SkerFalcon8710 said:

after weems absolute dumpster fire on PR/KR last year i will take a proven return man in roberts who showed big play ability in preseason outside of 1 muffed catch which was likely due to the giant Sphincter halo board.

You know what you maybe on to something. Maybe when we punt we play a brown ups or snickers ad and make the other team lose sight of the ball...

[Fernando C.]

10 hours ago, NeonDeion said:

You guys are crazy. All Nick Williams does when he gets in the game is ball out. There are some guys with more upside for sure. But Nick has proven over and over again that he's as reliable as they come when he gets the chance. If our top 3 WR go down I guarantee you don't want Davis filling the void. You want Williams. He moved the chains. 

If our top 3 WR go down I would like the guy with the upside to get playing time.. cause we are going nowhere without Julio, Sanu and Gabriel....

[Ovie_Lover]

2 hours ago, jdawg4876 said:

I agree that both davis and hall have more upside. I also see value in keeping nick, he is good on ST has good hands and is gritty, I mean he was decleated against either the steelers or dolphins and held onto the ball. I thought ward would be cut the last 2 yrs running and he keeps proving me wrong and contributing so good luck young man.

I see why we kept him but I'd rather have the younger guy with play making potential. He could have replaced Gabriel next year but now we have to decide between letting Gabriel walk and hoping to find someone else or paying him.

[jdawg4876]

Just now, Yo_Lover said:

I see why we kept him but I'd rather have the younger guy with play making potential. He could have replaced Gabriel next year but now we have to decide between letting Gabriel walk and hoping to find someone else or paying him.

maybe or maybe it will be hall, considering he hasnt been picked up yet on waivers and might make the practice squad or the browns may let davis walk. I like davis but I was more in on odom as a developmental piece bc im not as high on the d line depth chart as some. brooks reed looks to have taken a step back, hageman is a pipe dream before the (most likely)suspension and shelby and clayborn are unknowns to me after their injuries last yr.

[Ovie_Lover]

7 minutes ago, jdawg4876 said:

maybe or maybe it will be hall, considering he hasnt been picked up yet on waivers and might make the practice squad or the browns may let davis walk. I like davis but I was more in on odom as a developmental piece bc im not as high on the d line depth chart as some. brooks reed looks to have taken a step back, hageman is a pipe dream before the (most likely)suspension and shelby and clayborn are unknowns to me after their injuries last yr.

I feel we should have kept both but it's not my decision so whatever. But you best believe I'm gonna ***** about it 

[theProf]

20 hours ago, theProf said:

Odom will probably make the Falcons Practice Squad, if he makes it through waivers without another team claiming him.

Well Odom did not make it through waivers, as the Packers claimed him.

"Green Bay Packers claim DE Chris Odom on waivers

Chris Odom is the newest member of the Green Bay Packers.

According to the NFL transaction wire, Odom was claimed by the Packers off waivers after being waived by the Atlanta Falcons. Odom originally signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent from Arkansas State."

http://gnb.247sports.com/Bolt/Green-Bay-Packers-claim-DE-Chris-Odom-of-waivers--106886806

 

BTW WR Reggie Davis also got claimed off waivers by the Browns.

[Flying Falcon]

5 minutes ago, theProf said:

Well Odom did not make it through waivers, as the Packers claimed him.

"Green Bay Packers claim DE Chris Odom on waivers

Chris Odom is the newest member of the Green Bay Packers.

According to the NFL transaction wire, Odom was claimed by the Packers off waivers after being waived by the Atlanta Falcons. Odom originally signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent from Arkansas State."

http://gnb.247sports.com/Bolt/Green-Bay-Packers-claim-DE-Chris-Odom-of-waivers--106886806

 

BTW WR Reggie Davis also got claimed off waivers by the Browns.

The sky has fallen!!!! Woe unto us!!!

[papachaz]

21 hours ago, insertnamehere said:

They see hopes in him hopefully being good so they won't look crazy drafting both him and Saubert who was sorry too this pre-season. Saving face is all I can come up with.

If you think this staff kept ANYONE just to save face you're really really clueless about Quinn

[theProf]

Falcons reportedly sign 10 of their 11 practice squad players Sunday night

There’s one open spot, and we’ll have to see who it is.

 

by Dave Choate Sep 3, 2017, 7:48pm EDT

 

Per NFL Trade Rumors and others, the Falcons have filled ten of their 11 practice squad spots. Here’s who they brought aboard:

RB Jhurell Pressley

WR Deante Burton

WR Marvin Hall

TE Josh Perkins

TE Alex Gray

T Daniel Brunskill

DE J’Terius Jones

DT Joe Vellano

DT Taniela Tupou

S Marcelis Branch

This is an interesting group. I had Tupou making the practice squad for months, but ultimately backed off because J’Terius Jones and Chris Odom were playing so well. The Falcons lost Odom to the Packers, though, and they only have Grady Jarrett and Dontari Poe as full-time defensive tackles on the current roster. Vellano and Tupou give them depth there.

Pressley is a solid running back who can fill in if the Falcons lose any of their four current running backs, Branch is a developmental safety prospect, Hall will probably be the first receiver up if there’s an injury, Burton’s depth, Perkins is a still-developing tight end prospect, and Gray is an international player. This means the Falcons are one player short of filling their whole squad.

The most interesting player on this list, to me, is Daniel Brunskill. He got a lot of run in the preseason and did not play well, but he was an excellent tackle in college and may be able to eventually play guard, as well. The Falcons clearly liked his skill set enough to keep him around, and I’m hopeful he’ll develop accordingly.

Any guesses for that last spot?

https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2017/9/3/16250398/falcons-reportedly-sign-10-of-their-11-practice-squad-players-sunday-night

[theProf]

On ‎9‎/‎2‎/‎2017 at 5:59 PM, theProf said:

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.

 

Falcons release defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman

Posted 55 minutes ago

Matthew Tabeek Digital Managing EditorAtlantaFalcons.com

Falcons opt to move forward without the defensive tackle after a thorough investigative process

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons have decided to part ways with defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman.

The team released the following statement on Monday:

"The Atlanta Falcons today terminated the contract of Ra’Shede Hageman, who was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Sept. 2. The organizational decision to move forward without Hageman was made by the Falcons after a thorough investigative process by local authorities."

The NFL placed Hageman on the Commissioner’s Exempt List as a result of domestic violence-related charges filed by prosecutors in DeKalb County, Ga., following a March 2016 incident. The criminal proceeding concluded in late August, and the league’s investigation remains pending.

The Falcons drafted the former University of Minnesota standout in the second round (No. 37 overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Hageman played in 12 games last year and started four of them. He was credited with two sacks, 11 tackles and seven assisted tackles. Hageman started 15 games and played in 44 games during his three seasons in Atlanta.

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-release-defensive-tackle-Ra’Shede-Hageman/d1e076c1-7511-4425-bfa7-518dd7e67d78

[theProf]

Falcons sign former Packers linebacker Jordan Tripp, add Jamil Douglas to practice squad

Posted 2 hours ago

Kelsey Conway AtlantaFalcons.com

A day after losing LaRoy Reynolds to the IR, the Falcons sign linebacker Jordan Tripp to fill up the open roster spot. They also added a guard to the practice squad.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- With an open roster spot, the Falcons signed linebacker Jordan Tripp , a former fifth-round pick. The team also filled the final spot on its practice squad by signing guard Jamil Douglas .

After being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2014, Tripp played in 13 games in his rookie season. The team also signed guard Jamil Douglas to the practice squad, completing the practice squad roster.

Following Tripp’s time in Miami, he has since made stops in Jacksonville (2014-2015), Seattle (2016) and Green Bay (2016-17). Coming out of the University of Montana, Tripp ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash and posted a 37-foot, 5-inch vertical at the NFL Combine in 2014.

This move comes a day after the Falcons placed linebacker LaRoy Reynolds on injured reserve.

Douglas was drafted by the Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. He spent all of 2015 and part of 2016 with the Dolphins, playing in 17 games with six starts before being placed on the team’s practice squad.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad in October of 2016.

Atlanta’s roster now sits at 53 players.

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/Falcons-sign-former-Packers-linebacker-Jordan-Tripp-add-Jamil-Douglas-to-practice-squad/2f8b3056-2c8f-4721-aec1-9e32e25af7c4

[theProf]

Some info on roster signee LB Jordan Tripp

Falcons have signed LB Jordan Tripp (6-3, 234) to a one-year contract according to league source. Has spent time with both the Packers and Seahawks recently and has played in 34 career games with two starts. Was great on special teams for Packers last season and was preseason special teams captain. Falcons placed LaRoy Reynolds on IR yesterday with pectoral injury but he could return midseason. Expect Tripp to be in running for backup middle linebacker to Deion Jones.

Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer

 

Miami Dolphins[edit]

Tripp was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round (171st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.^[7] He was released by the Dolphins on September 5, 2015 during final roster cuts.^[8]

Jacksonville Jaguars[edit]

On October 10, 2015, Tripp was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.^[9] Tripp earned his first career start on December 13, 2015 against the Colts and recorded four tackles.

On September 3, 2016, Tripp was released by the Jaguars.^[10]

Seattle Seahawks[edit]

On September 5, 2016, Tripp was signed to the Seahawks' practice squad.^[11] He was promoted to the active roster on October 3, 2016.^[12] He was placed on injured reserve on December 3, 2016.^[13] He was waived on December 9, 2016.^[14]

Green Bay Packers[edit]

On December 14, 2016, Tripp was signed by the Green Bay Packers.^[15]

He re-signed with the Packers on March 15, 2017.^[16] He was waived on September 2, 2017.^[17]
 

^{A pre-draft scouting report:}

Analysis

Strengths

Triggers fast downhill vs. the run. Diagnoses quickly and is around the ball a lot. Outstanding motor, intensity and effort. Extremely competitive. Very tough. Outstanding weight-room work ethic. Sculpted with very minimal body fat. Elected team captain. Exceptional character. Emergency long snapper (started all four years). Has a special-teams temperament. Takes the game very seriously. Athleticism was on display at the combine -- paced linebackers with a 3.96-second short shuttle, recorded a 6.89-second 3-cone drill and vertical jumped 37 1/2 inches.

Weaknesses

Has short flappers and gets stuck on blocks. Can do a better job using his hands to stack and shed. Plays a bit too out of control. Tightness shows up in space trying to break down and secure open-field tackles (misses too many). Wound tight in coverage and not quick to redirect (allows separation).

Draft Projection

Rounds 5-6

Bottom Line

A tough, determined, competitive overachiever capable of earning a job as a backup linebacker and special-teams performer. -Nolan Nawrocki

Pre-draft[edit]

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	Arm length	Hand size	40‑yd dash	10-yd split	20-yd split	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad	BP
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	234 lb (106 kg)	30 3⁄4 in (0.78 m)	9 5⁄8 in (0.24 m)	4.67 s	1.64 s	2.73 s	3.96 s	6.89 s	37 1⁄2 in (0.95 m)	10 ft 0 in (3.05 m)	22 reps

[theProf]

Info on Practice Squad signee OG Jamil Douglas:

 Douglas was selected by the Dolphins in the fourth round, 114th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 regular-season games as a rookie with six starts. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Dolphins as part of final roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad the next day.^[3][4] He was promoted to the active roster on September 29, 2016, however he was released the following day and was re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on October 13, 2016.^[5]

On October 18, 2016, Douglas was signed to the Patriots' practice squad.^[6]

On February 7, 2017, Douglas signed a futures contract with the Patriots.^[9] He was waived on September 2, 2017.^[

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	Arm length	Hand size	40‑yd dash	10-yd split	20-yd split	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad	BP
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	304 lb (138 kg)	33 in (0.84 m)	10 in (0.25 m)	5.25 s			4.75 s	7.99 s	29 in (0.74 m)	9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)	28 reps
All values from NFL Combine,[2]