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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Combine, QBs and D-Hall
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m heading to Indianapolis Wednesday night for the NFL scouting combine where hundreds of college players, pro coaches scouts, agents and media members will convene to conjure tales about the next great and over-hyped players.
It’s actually a pretty great experience, especially watching reporters, like myself, waiting in hallways to ambush team officials to get their assessments of players.
Agents are there en masse not only to look after their newly signed collegiate clients but to broker their pending free agents. Free agency starts Feb. 29 and even though deals can’t “officially” be discussed then, they are broached to some depth days ahead of time.
My colleague, D. Orlando Ledbetter, and I will be blogging a few times a day through the weekend to let you know the latest developments. Most will be Falcons’ related but we’ll also try to keep you in the loop on national stories, such as if a player opts not to participate or arrives with a mysterious cast on his leg.
As for the Falcons, I had a pretty lengthy conversation with GM Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith this week about the team’s plans. They would not be specific about what they plan to do in free agency and the draft; however, signs are that more player cuts are coming to create more salary cap room.
Dimitroff said that the cost of free agent offensive linemen is more than he imagined but he said he’s re-adjusted his thoughts to that, signaling a veteran guard or tackle could be pursued in free agency.
The Falcons have to find a left tackle in the draft or free agency to replace Wayne Gandy, who was cut. A right guard also could be brought in, either to replace starter Kynan Forney, whose future with the team is not a lock; or to be groomed to replace him. Forney is in the last year of his deal.
Atlanta also has to replace Alge Crumpler, who was cut last week. Depending on how the tight end is used will determine how that is addressed but it would seem a free agent — either a starter or rotational backup — would be signed.
Injuries also could determine what the Falcons do and Smith said contingency plans are in place.
That said, don’t be shocked to see Grady Jackson brought back at nose tackle because Trey Lewis, who has season-ending knee surgery, might not be back in time for training camp. RT Todd Weiner also is recovering from season ending knee surgery and if he has a setback or is slow to recover, Atlanta needs depth at that spot.
The Falcons are expected to re-sign tackle Tyson Clabo, who is an exclusive rights free agent — he can only negotiate with the Falcons unless they decline to his rights — and he proved last season he is a capable starter.
In regards to a quarterback, Dimitroff and Smith said they would be analyzing the draft prospects thoroughly. Whether that means they will draft one with the third, fourth or fifth pick, remains to be seen. However, all indications are that a quarterback will be drafted at some point. They would not commit to re-signing Chris Redman yet, although indication are they do like him.
Something I’ll be following are the developments with CB DeAngelo Hall. Smith and the coaching staff want him back but Dimitroff said they are weighing trade options. This could get interesting very soon because Hall wants an extension, that would cut into any team’s salary-cap space. If the Falcons have that money earmarked elsewhere, Hall could be moved and Atlanta would then have to find someone to replace him.
Dimitroff said Hall makes the Falcons better so his decision could also send an interesting message. Do you trade away a guy who you said makes you better or do you commit huge dollars to him long-term — maybe at the expense of adding a high draft pick — and hope he matures and becomes a better player?
Be sure to check this blog or AJC.com Friday morning to find out how the Falcons fared in the coin toss that will determine if they will draft No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5. In case you missed it, Atlanta, Oakland and Kansas City all finished with 4-12 records. The Falcons will flip with Oakland to see who gets the third pick. The loser is paired with Kansas City to determine who gets No. 4 or No. 5.
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