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February 2008
Falcons address ‘safety’ concerns
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis — One thing is clear about the Falcons’ offseason and that is they are going to address the safety position in either free agency or the draft. The Jimmy Williams move from cornerback to safety has been a failure. Chris Crocker is a free agent and Lawyer Milloy isn’t getting any younger. Daren Stone is a fine athlete, but isn’t like ready to run the defense. At the combine, the Falcons brass has been meeting with safeties. Notre Dame’s Thomas Zbikowski (yeah the boxer!!) and California’s Thomas DeCoud meet with the team Saturday night. “I had a pretty good interview with them,” Zbikowski said. I felt comfortable with the coaching staff actually.” The Falcons have a tie to Zbikowski. “Alvin Reynolds was the one who interviewed me,” Zbikowski said. “His son was actually at Notre Dame, so I had a good interview with him.” Zbikowsk, 5-foot-11, 211 pounds, had to explain his ragged Mohawk haircut. “I had to do it for a Under Armour commercial,” Zbikowski said. “I was in training so I didn’t really care after that.” DeCoud started his career as a cornerback and has solid cover skills. He’s also a big-hitter and good special teams player. He said he tries to play like Philadelphia’s Brian Dawkins. “I like the physical kind of punishing safeties, those guys that can make plays against the run and in the passing game,” DeCoud said. “Guys like that, who are just imposing figures on the back end. You have to know where they are at all times.” Zbikowski would be a second-day pick, while DeCoud is consider one of the top safety prospects along with Miami’s Kenny Phillips, N.C. State’s DaJuan Morgan, Alabama’s Simeon Castille and Tennessee’s Jonathan Hefney.
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D. Hall and Smith make peace
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis — A group off 18 media teams — members of the Pro Football Writers of Association — watched the second group of wide receivers and quarterbacks workout at the combine in the RCA Dome Sunday. Most were disappointed that Boston College quarterback — and potential Falcons draft pick — Matt Ryan did not participate. Stunningly, Kentucky’s Andre Woodson also did not throw. Woodson had a rough time at the Senior Bowl and is dropping out of the first round on several draft boards. Here’s the group of QB’s who threw and went through the drills: Anthony Morelli, Penn State; Sam Keller, Nebraska; Kyle Wright, Miami; Bernard Morris, Marshall; Paul Smith,Tulsa; Kevin O’Connell, San Diego State; Thomas Ostrander, Stanford; and Adam Tafralis, San Jose State. Former Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, now with Oakland, put the quarterbacks through their drills, while Philadelphia receivers coach David Culley worked with the receivers. Smith threw a pretty deep ball, while Tafralis had some nice zip on his passes. Keller was wild on a couple his passes. Kentucky’s Steve Johnson and Arkansas’s Marcus Monk were the class of the receiver group. Coastal Carolina’s Jerome Simpson had a few dropped passes. But some scout overlook some mistakes from the small school players and attribute them to nerves of playing on a big stage for the first time.
HALL AND SMITH SEEN HUDDLED UP IN PEACE TALKS Falcons head coach Mike Smith and embattled cornerback DeAngelo Hall met Sunday morning. The two were seen sitting side-by-side in deep discussion over the cornerback’s future. After the public trade demand by Hall and Smith’s comments that followed, both sides wanted the dust to settle and were not ready to comment about their talk.
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A look at some of the QBs at the Combine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Checking in from Day 4 of the Combine and this morning, I was one of about 50 media types who got to watch a portion of the player workouts at the RCA Dome (my partner on the beat, Darryl Ledbetter - D-Led - was part of a second group).
A group of quarterbacks and wide receivers was working out but Boston College’s Matt Ryan - projected as the top quarterback in the group - was not in my group. He will be in D-Led’s group so he might be able to give you an update later.
Some of the quarterbacks I got to watch were Michigan’s Chad Henne, LSU’s Matt Flynn, Louisville Brian Brohm, Hawaii’s Colt Brennan, Delaware’s USC’s John David Booty and San Diego’s Josh Johnson.
There’s been a lot of hype mounting behind Johnson, who, at 6-3, 213, threw 43 touchdowns and just one interception last season for the Division II school. Johnson’s strong arm, field presence and evasive running style have him moving up some draft boards, but he struggled with a lot of his throws today. One of the knocks on him during some of his postseason workouts has been that he throws a wobbly ball.
He threw a lot of them today. A scout said a wobbly pass is usually a result of someone squeezing the ball too tight and said that was understandable for Johnson, who likely was nervous because has never been anywhere close to this type of stage. Receivers also had to wait on several of his passes.
The scout I spoke with said he’s seen Johnson play a few times. He said that today’s performance wouldn’t work much against Johnson, the MVP of the East-West game, because of how well Johnson threw the ball in real football situations.
Henne and Brohm looked like the most natural quarterbacks of the group. Their swagger and ease in which they executed drills put them at the head of a very talented assemblage.
One side note, FSU wide receiver De’Cody Fagg suffered a left leg injury while trying to catch a pass and had to be carted off the field. No official word of the severity of his injury has been issued, but it didn’t look good.
Combine Report: NFL types sample nightlife
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
INDIANAPOLIS — It was rough out on these mean streets of “Nap” town last night.
The NFL types hit the streets after a long day of watching prospects at the RCA Dome.
Oakland head coach Lane Kiffin was out and about. He was at Nicky Blaine’s, a popular cigar bar, with his father and Tampa Bay assistant Monte Kiffin. Lane Kiffin was later seen cutting the rug at Ike & Jonesys. Maybe we can look for him on “Dancing with the Stars” in the future.
Also spotted at Ike & Jonesys: New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese.
That’s where news got out that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is not only battling a paternity suit, but that he told a team during an interview Saturday night that he has two children on the way. In addition to meeting with the Falcons, he met with the Raiders, who pick fourth in the draft, and several other teams.
McFadden created a major buzz at the NFL scouting combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds on Sunday.
McFadden ran right after Georgia running back Kregg Lumpkin ran a 4.64. On McFadden’s second timed 40-yard run, he was clocked at 4.33 seconds.
Just getting ready for another day.
My colleague Steve Wyche is currently in the morning’s first quarterback and receiver session. He just sent me a text message about Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm. That’s big news if he’s throwing because he skipped the Senior Bowl. Steve will update on that later.
I’m going into the second session, courteous of an access deal brokered by Alex Marvez, president of the Pro Football Writer’s Association and will check out Matt Ryan if he takes part.
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Falcons to meet with McFadden; combine results
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis — Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is set to interview with the Falcons on Saturday night in a downtown hotel.
The Falcons hold the No. 3 pick in the draft and need to decide if McFadden is worth the character risk. Given Michael Vick’s federal dogfighting conviction, the team is being extra cautious with background checks.
McFadden may have cost himself millions with a previous interview at the NFL scouting combine. He came off as indifferent about character issues, including a club scene gone bad and a Maury Povich Show-style paternity suit issue.
“There have been some red flags with him,” said Billy Devaney, St. Louis’s executive vice president of player personnel.
SOME OF SATURDAY’S RESULTS AT THE COMBINE
60-Yard Shuttle - Tight ends
1. Gary Barnidge, Louisville 11.29 seconds
2. Jacob Tamme, Kentucky 11.51
3. John Carlson, Notre Dame 11.59
4. Derek Fine, Kansas 11.59
5. Dustin Keller, Purdue 11.74
VERTICAL JUMPS
OFFENSIVE LINE
1. Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M 30.5 inches
2. John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame 30
3. Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry 28.5
4. Chad Rinehart, OL, Northern Iowa 28.5
5. Duane Brown, OL, Virginia Tech 27.5
TIGHT ENDS
1. Dustin Keller, Purdue 38
2. Michael Santi, Virginia 36
3. Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M, 34
4. Brad Cottam, Tennessee, 33
5. Gary Barnidge, Louisville, 31
BROAD JUMP
OFFENSIVE LINE
1. Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M 9 feet, 5 inches
2. Tyler Polumbus, OT, Colorado, OT, 9-4
3. Branden Albert, OG, Virginia, OG, 9-3
4. (tie) Michael Gibson, OT, California 9-2
Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State 9-2
Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry 9-2
TIGHT ENDS
1. Dustin Keller, Purdue 10 feet, 11 inches
2. Joseph Haynos, Maryland 10-3
3. Michael Santi, Virginia 10-1
4. (tie) Gary Barnidge, Louisville 9-9
Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M 9-9
Kellen Davis, Michigan State, 9-9
225-POUND BENCH RESULTS
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
1. Jake Long, Michigan 37 times
2. Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers 35
3. Kirk Barton, Ohio State 34
4. (tie) Michael Gibson, California 31
Carl Nicks, Nebraska 31
Brandon Keith, Northern Iowa 31
TIGHT ENDS
1. Craig Stevens, California 27
2. Dustin Keller, Purdue 26
3. (tie) Brad Cottam, Tennessee 24
Frederick Davis, Southern Cal 24
Derek Fine, Kansas 24
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Combine Report: Wheeler ready for workout; Falcons, Long meet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis — Georgia Tech linebacker Philip Wheeler can’t wait to run his 40-yard dash.
“A lot of coaches think I run a little bit slower than I actually do,” Wheeler said. “I think I’m faster than what they think.”
Wheeler was measured at 6-foot-1 3/4 and weighs 248 pounds. He played inside and outside linebacker in college.
“I think my versatility will allow me to play with just about any team,” Wheeler said. “I think I’m pretty quick and I’ve gotten a little bit bigger since the end of the season.”
Wheeler was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl, where he was coached by San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Micheal Singletary.
“I was honored to be coached for a week by him,” Wheeler said. “I think he is a great coach.”
Wheeler is projected as a second- or third-round pick. He had an interview with the 49ers on Friday night. He has 11 interviews set up for Saturday night.
LONG, FALCONS MEET
Virginia defensive lineman Chris Long, possibly the top player available in April’s NFL draft, has met with the Atlanta Falcons.
“I met with a couple of their assistant coaches and the defensive coordinator [Brian VanGorder],” Long said on Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “They really seemed like they are on a mission to get something started.”
It’s doubful that Long, the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, will slip past Miami and St. Louis, the teams with the top two picks in the draft. But if he does, the Falcons will have a chance to improve their defensive line with the No. 3 selection.
Billy Devaney, St. Louis’ executive vice president of player personnel, compares Chris Long to former Falcons and Virginia standout Patrick Kerney for his “high motor.”
“My dad taught me to work hard,” Long said. “If that’s going 100 miles an hour and working hard, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Long, was measured at 6 feet 3, 272 pounds, suffered a sprained thumb in the Cavaliers’ bowl game. He will participate in the full workout here except for the bench press.
Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus, a offensive tackle with a mean streak, has also met with the Falcons. He has a second-round grade.
With the Falcons intent on rebuilding their offensive and defensive lines, Long and Cherilus are players to track.
MULARKEY OFFENSE ‘A LOT OF FUN’
Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt, the former Georgia Tech and Falcons player, is quite familiar with new Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.
They coached together in Pittsburgh, and Whisenhunt took over as offensive coordinator in 2004 when Mularkey left to become Buffalo’s head coach.
“You’ll have an multiple-set offense, with a lot of formations and shifts,” Whisenhunt told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “They’ll run a power-based offense. He’ll mix in the pass and take some shots down the field.”
Pittsburgh is where Mularkey developed his “Inspector Gadget” reputation for his penchant of the well-timed trick plays.
“Some of the things we did gadget-wise came from a bunch of guys sitting in a room having fun coming up with ideas,” Whisenhunt said. “We were trying to put some of players in good positions to make plays. It was a lot of fun because we had a number of different individuals who had good ideas to come up with those plays.”
But the root of the attack was led by a strong rushing attack powered by Jerome “The Bus” Bettis.
“He always called it kind of an exotic smash-mouth football,” Whisenhunt said. “That’s what he wanted. He wanted never to lose the roots of being a physical offense.”
‘RED FLAGS’ ABOUT MCFADDEN
New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese kicked off things Saturday at the combine, sharing his secrets of the team’s successful draft in 2007 that helped catapult the underdogs into Super Bowl champions.
But the buzz going into the day was still on how Arkansas running back Darren McFadden cost himself millions with a porous interview.
He came off as indifferent about his character issues, including a club scene gone bad and a Maury Povich Show-style paternity suit issue.
Teams, including the Falcons at No. 3, will have to determine if McFadden is worth the risk. They can put in the LSU game tape and marvel at his talent. Or they can decide he’s a character risk and scratch him off the board.
“There have been some red flags with him,” said Billy Devaney, St. Louis’ executive vice president of player personnel.
BRIAN BROHM Q&A
Highlights of what Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm had to say during his session with the media:
Q: How does the college system you were in help you and hurt you?
A: I think the system I was in is going to help me tremendously to play in the NFL. Under [Former Falcons] Coach [Bobby] Petrino, it was pretty much the same type of system the New York Giants run. It’s where he got the offense when he was with Tom Coughlin out at the Jacksonville Jaguars. We were in that system for pretty much three years. Switched over to more accountable one back spread with zone running my last year. But just being able to adjust to new systems and being in a pro style system, I think is going to help me out a lot.
Q: Talk about possibly playing for Bill Parcells’ Dolphins. Have you talked to them yet?
A: I have spoken to them briefly. Obviously, it would be great to be on the Dolphins and play for the Dolphins but I am here to showcase my skill to all the teams and try to get my draft stock as high as possible.
Q: Is it important to you to be the first quarterback taken?
A: I think it is important as a competitor. You want to be the first guy from your position taken. You want to be taken as high as possible. That’s just what all competitors want but at the same time I can’t worry about what other guys are doing. Can’t worry about what they are going to be doing. Just got to go out there and worry about myself. Go out there and perform.
Q: There are always different opinions about the quality of positions each year and if it is a good year for quarterbacks or receivers. You hear mixed views of this group. How do you see your group representing?
A: I think we have a very deep quarterback class. I think there are a lot of good quarterbacks here. Guys who have had very successful careers in college. Guys who will probably translate well into the NFL. I think there is a good group here and good competition. I’m looking forward to the competition.
Q: Who is the best quarterback in this class?
A: That is a tough question. If you are going to ask me, I’m going to say it is me. There are a lot of opinions out there. I just need to go out and compete, get my stock up as high as I can and not worry about the other guys.
Q: What role did Coach Petrino play in your development?
A: Coach played a huge part in my development. He’s a tremendous Xs and Os coach. He’s a hard-nose, tough coach. We ran NFL-style offense. He geared things for the quarterback to be successful. He did a large part of coaching the quarterbacks. He really helped me out a lot to become a better player and take my game to the next level.
Q: What was your reaction when he went to Atlanta?
A: It was obviously a difficult situation for him. Maybe his style of coaching isn’t necessarily a perfect fit for the NFL and more of a better fit for college. But he wanted to give that a shot, you could tell he really did want to give it a shot and go to the NFL and see what he could do. But I guess that after the first 13 games, he had a change of heart and felt he was better suited at the college level.
Q: What are your impressions of [Boston College QB] Matt Ryan?
A: I’ve never seen a full game of his. From what I have seen, I think he is a great quarterback. It looks like he has a lot of poise, a lot of skill. Looks like he has good leadership qualities and his team follows him. He seems like a great quarterback. Just talked to him briefly and he seems like a great guy.
Q: Do you find yourself gauging yourself against him at all just because you are considered the two top guys here?
A: It’s hard for me to gauge him because I haven’t really watched any film of him or studied him that much. It’s hard to put in perspective.
MAYOCK RANKS THE PROSPECTS
A look at NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock’s top 20 prospects heading into the combine:
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern Cal
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Vernon Golston, DE, Ohio State
Jake Long, OL, Michigan
Ryan Clady, OL, Boise State
Keith Rivers, LB, Southern Cal
Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Jeff Otah, OL, Pittsburgh
Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Chris Williams, OL, Vanderbilt
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Branden Albert, OL, Virginia
Mayock’s top prospects at each position:
Quarterback
Matt Ryan, Boston College
Chad Henne, Michigan
Brian Brohm, Louisville
Joe Flacco, Delaware
Andre Woodson, Kentucky
Running back
Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
Darren McFadden, Arkansas
Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
Felix Jones, Arkansas
Chris Johnson, East Carolina
Fullback
Jacob Hester, LSU
Peyton Hillis, Arkansas
Owen Schmitt, West Virginia
Wide receiver
Mario Manningham, Michigan
Limas Sweed, Texas
DeSean Jackson, California
Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
Early Doucet, LSU
Tight end
Fred Davis, Southern Cal
John Carlson, Notre Dame
Dustin Keller, Purdue
Jermichael Finley, Texas
Brad Cottam, Tennessee
Offensive tackle
Jake Long, Michigan
Ryan Clady, Boise State
Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
Interior offensive line
Branden Albert, Virginia
Chilo Rachal, Southern Cal
Roy Schuening, Oregon St.
Mike Pollak, Arizona State
Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bentley College
Defensive end
Chris Long, Virginia
Vernon Golston, Ohio State
Phillip Merling, Clemson
Derrick Harvey, Florida
Lawrence Jackson, Southern Cal
Defensive tackle
Sedrick Ellis, Southern Cal
Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
Trevor Laws, Notre Dame
Letroy Guion, Florida State
Inside linebacker
Dan Connor, Penn State
Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma
Spencer Larsen, Arizona
Beau Bell, UNLV
Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Boston College
Outside linebacker
Keith Rivers, Southern Cal
Erin Henderson, Maryland
Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
Tavares Gooden, Miami
Ali Highsmith, LSU
Cornerback
Leodis McKelvin, Troy
Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
Aqib Talib, Kansas
Mike Jenkins, South Florida
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
Safety
DaJuan Morgan, N.C. State
Kenny Phillips, Miami
Thomas DeCoud, California
D.J. Wolfe, Oklahoma
Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State
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Choice might fit with Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis — Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice is on the Atlanta Falcons’ draft-day screen.
He met with Atlanta personnel at the Senior Bowl, he met with them again at the NFL Combine on Thursday and is set to interview with some more Falcons officials on Saturday.
This draft is deep at running back and Choice does not have ideal pro size. (His official combine measurables: 5 feet, 11 inches, 215 pounds.)
Choice is projected to go in the fourth round by NFLDraftScout.com, but Choice’s productivity at Georgia Tech — back-to-back 1,400-yard campaigns — can’t be ignored.
He plans to complete all drills and tests at the combine. Choice, a Lovejoy High grad, hopes to run a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.
“People think I’m a 4.5, 4.6 guy,” Choice said. “Last week, I tested at API (Athlete’s Performance Institute) on an electronic timer and I ran a 4.48. I want to run a sub 4.4 time and actually boost myself up in this draft.”
Playing in a pro-offense under Chan Gailey at Tech has helped Choice in his interviews at the combine.
“They know I understand the game of football and the different things I had to do on the board,” Choice said. “So when we are going through the interview process, to actually know what’s going on has helped me tremendously.”
Gailey, who was named the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, is at the combine, too.
“I just saw Coach (Chan) Gailey this morning for the first time,” Choice said. “He’s happy. He seems well. He came down to the Senior Bowl and spoke to me.”
Should the Falcons make a move for Choice in the third or fourth round?
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Falcons finally catch a break
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis - Maybe the Mojo is about to change.
New Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff called “tails” in a coin flip tiebreaker with the Oakland Raiders at 7:30 this morning to land the No. 3 pick in the April 26-27 draft. Oakland will select No. 4, Kansas City, which shared 4-12 records with Atlanta and Oakland, will choose fifth.
Miami has the top selection. St. Louis is at No. 2.
The few Falcons’ folks on hand at the second floor ballroom at the Westin Hotel here were all smiles, realizing the No. 3 pick is far more appealing than 4 or 5. Atlanta could have a shot at Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey or Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long.
It could be a hard choice since Atlanta has so many positions to fill but the feeling that’s been given off by some team officials is that the Falcons would rather bolster their lines than add skill positions high in the draft. Long or Dorsey very well could be up. That said, it could be hard to bypass McFadden or Ryan, especially if they interview and workout well here at the combine.
In a side note, I spoke to someone close to Dorsey who said he might not work out here but instead will hold a private workout in a few weeks.
Of some of the top prospects, the only one I’ve seen in person is Long. He had not gone through workouts yet but he is about as physically imposing as any player you could see. A legit 6-7, 313 pounds.
In other developments, outside linebacker Michael Boley and his agents, and cornerback DeAngelo Hall and his agent, have been speaking to the Falcons about their status with the team.
Boley, a restricted free agent and the team’s leading tackler, is moving closer to an extension but that might not get done for a few weeks as the Falcons are still massaging ways to clear salary cap space to sign free agents and lock up some of their current players.
As for Hall, there have been more talks lately about his status but it was made clear to me that Atlanta is listening to trade offers.
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Kiper: McFadden not quite Peterson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is getting his vocal cords in shape for his big day on April 26.
Earlier this week, he took calls for an hour and half from scribes from across the country, prepping them on what to watch for at the NFL Combine.
“I think this draft will be good at certain spots,” Kiper said. “Quarterback is going to be pretty deep. Offensive tackle is very good. Cornerback I think is very good. Running back is OK. Wide receiver is OK. Defensive back is OK. Linebacker is just average, and safety is not really good.”
LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, Virginia defensive lineman Chris Long, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long and Southern Cal defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are the top players in the draft.
“In terms of the elite, those six guys are a little bit of a cut above the rest,” Kiper said.
If the Falcons elect to address the quarterback position later in the draft, McFadden looks like a keeper after Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey go to Miami and St. Louis respectively. Of course Friday morning’s coin toss will determine their spot — third, fourth or fifth.
“The only question that I have is that he had some fumbling issues this year,” Kiper said about McFadden. “There were times as a kickoff returner and a running back that he put it on the ground. Ball security is critical in the NFL.”
Kiper doesn’t believe McFadden can have the same type of instant impact that Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson had last season.
“He’s not the violent, aggressive runner that Adrian Peterson is,” Kiper said. “Not many running backs are. To me, he’s not the tackle breaker. That’s not his forte. But he’s certainly worthy of being a top-five pick.”
The Falcons will have to address the quarterback position, and this is a good year to go mining for one in the later rounds.
“There are going to be at least 12 quarterbacks who have chance to be starting quarterbacks at some point in their careers,” Kiper said.
Some of the prospects include San Diego’s Josh Johnson, Delaware’s Joe Flacco, Michigan’s Chad Henne, Tennessee’s Erik Ainge and Colorado State’s Caleb Hanie.
Kentucky’s Andre’ Woodson, once considered a first-rounder, may slip into the second.
“That delivery is going to cause concern,” Kiper said. “He’s in that second- or third-round mix.”
Louisville’s Brian Brohm’s stock has also dropped as Kiper believes that Ryan is the lone quarterback worthy of a first-round pick.
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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.
Outright roster purge or gradual transition?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Things are relatively quiet with the Falcons right now as scouts, coaches and other personnel staffers prepare for the scouting combine, which begins next Wednesday, and free agency, which starts at the end of the month.
As much anticipation as there is about who Atlanta will draft and sign, it’s equally as intriguing to see how new general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith plan to rebuild this roster. Will it be a gradual changeover, with the replacement of 4 or 5 starters next season? Or will they purge a huge chunk of the roster that has had diminishing results over the past three seasons and truly build from the ground up?
With team owner Arthur Blank saying the Falcons should have at least $23 million to spend in free agency, the plan seemingly would be a semi-gutting of the roster — at the least.
Dimitroff and Smith have to be sure they find the right replacements, though because if they’re going to make wholesale changes, they better not miss on the players they bring in. Not to say immediate results would be demanded by Blank but if things stagnate or get even worse over the next few years…
Possibly weakening the Falcons’ input on personnel was the loss of assistant general manager Billy Devaney, who bolted over the weekend to become the executive VP of football personnel with the St. Louis Rams. Devaney is a longtime pro personnel man who could have helped Dimitroff, whose background is scouting college personnel. Devaney is a solid pro personnel guy but with Blank’s insistence on change, Devaney was never considered to replace Rich McKay as GM.
In terms of the Falcons’ roster, there is some talk that quarterback Chris Redman played well enough to generate the interest of some other teams around the league. If the Falcons want to keep him, which all signs point to, they might have to add another year to a new deal or pay him a little bit more than initially anticipated. Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich are in limbo and there is no guarantee, with the potential roster purge, that either could be bac
Another thing to keep an eye on is what the Falcons do with D.J. Shockley. Shockley is coming off major knee surgery and his health will determine his future with the team. If he’s unable to go through much of the offseason workouts, it could be hard for him to stick. However, if he’s able to return in time to show the staff something, they will at least be able to form an opinion.
Potential ramifications of Vick ruling
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Around Thanksgiving, the Falcons were excited about an arbitrator’s ruling that allowed them to collect $20 million from quarterback Michael Vick. Special Master Stephen Burbank’s judgment was based on Vick being unable to earn already paid bonus money (the remainder of $37 million in bonuses) while in prison for fighting dogs.
A day after the Super Bowl, New England isn’t the only team licking its wounds. U.S. District judge David Doty reversed the earlier ruling Monday and said that Vick only has to pay back $3.75 million of the $20 million. Doty cited provisions in the NFL/NFLPA collective bargaining agreement that he felt were misinterpreted by Burbank.
Atlanta could appeal Doty’s ruling. It’s not saying what it plans to do right now. Its silver lining at the moment is that is can collect something, rather than nothing at all.
What this means for the Falcons is that if Vick pays them the $3.75 million, they could receive that much credit toward the salary cap a year after it is collected. If Vick doesn’t pay it, the Falcons don’t get any credit.
That amount of credit, which couldn’t be used until the 2009 season, is less than half of what Vick will count on the salary cap this season and next season.
For Vick, who is serving 23 months in prison, this is some of the better news he’s heard in awhile. He will be able to hang on to some of his money, which is important for him since his admission to the federal dogfighting charge and indefinite suspension cost him his livelihood and his endorsements. Vick is also being sued by several businesses he was involved with for collection of debt.
There is a bigger issue with this ruling as well. Doty’s ruling establishes precedent for provisions included in the 2006 collective bargaining agreement extension by the NFL Players Association. The NFLPA included language in the CBA that protects bonus money, other than signing bonuses, from being claimed by owners, even if the player defaults on his contract.
Owners are already threatening to opt out of the CBA later this year, which could disrupt labor peace and put the sport in line for a potential work stoppage after the 2010 season. NFLPA chief Gene Upshaw said last week that players won’t be giving back any of the current agreements, which some owners feel is too player friendly.
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