AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMoves show team sticking to philosophy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons’ recent signing of three defensive tackles, including former Carolina Panthers backup Kindal Moorehead, added depth to a need position and continued Atlanta’s economically streamlined free-agent approach.
The Falcons haven’t spent big in free agency - TB Michael Turner did sign a $34.5 million, 6-year deal, which is still relatively inexpensive for a starting tailback - or added a player who consistently started last season. That shows that new GM Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith are sticking to their philosophy of building through the draft and adding role players via free agency.
Using that approach, don’t be shocked if Atlanta trades down from the No. 3 spot in the April 26-27 draft to accumulate more selections later in the process. The Falcons have to bolster the offensive and defensive lines, middle linebacker and depth at nearly every position except for tailback. In adding at least one more relatively high draft pick and either a player or additional draft pick by coming off the No. 3 selection, Atlanta could get more talent at solid value.
That said, adding a stud player to anchor the offensive or defensive lines - like Michigan LT Jake Long or LSU DT Glenn Dorsey - might also go a long way in hastening the rebuilding process. Cleveland’s fortunes changed overnight with LT Joe Thomas keeping people off QB Derek Anderson and TB Jamal Lewis.
In terms of the additional defensive tackles that were recently signed, don’t take that as a signal that the Falcons might move off Dorsey. Those players have to make the roster, first off. They also are not viewed necessarily as starters, particularly at nose tackle, where Dorsey likely would play in the 4-3 front. Projected starter Trey Lewis could be down for awhile after re-injuring his torn ACL a few weeks ago and the Falcons have shown no interest at this point of bringing back Grady Jackson. Jackson could be in play if the Falcons don’t draft Dorsey. Then again, he might already have a job with another team by then.
In other news, Atlanta is expected to re-sign QB Joey Harrington this week after cutting him last week. Harrington would come back on a re-structured deal that would create some space under the salary cap. Harrington’s retention would signal a few things:
1) The jury is still out on Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley. Redman played well for four games but there are 16 over the course of a season, so who knows if he is for real. Shockley, meanwhile, is still recovering from a torn ACL sustained last preseason. Even before he got hurt, there was no guarantee that he would have beat out Redman for the backup job.
2) The veteran free agent pool is really shallow. Daunte Culpepper, Tim Rattay and some of the other available veterans haven’t seemed to get the Falcons’ too excited.
3) The Falcons won’t play a young quarterback right away. Atlanta would prefer easing a young player into the lineup, if at all, during his rookie season, which isn’t a bad way to go while you’re trying to solidify an offensive line.
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Rimfire
March 10, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
IF…there is really a plan, then halleluyah. There is no quick fix for this team. I like the thought of moving toward more pieces, (shop Me-angelo), and finding some players who can play.
By SCBird
March 10, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
I’m with the way things are going so far (minus the release of Crumpler). I do hope that we pass on Matt Ryan. I think we can get a better QB in the 2nd round. Overall, good moves are being made.
By mave2124
March 10, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, this is the calm before the Brohm…I sure hope we don’t get Matt Ryan. My only question is if Harrington is resigned and we draft Brohm (or some other QB), can D.J. go on the practice squad?
Is the trade with New York for D.Hall still possible?
If there are any more cuts (Horn, Forney, Brooking), when would they take place?
Will you be able to report on the 30 draftees the Falcons bring in or who on the staff goes to whose pro day?
By Big Rich
March 10, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I like the commitment to our lines
By GATORZONE
March 10, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Trade Deangelo and/or #3 pick and rebuild through young talent. Start up the middle on both sides of the ball!
By Jim Earl
March 10, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
It would be fine with me to trade the pick for more picks. But either of the Longs, or Dorsey could be a worthwhile selection, too. I like what I’m seeing from Dimitroff and Smith. Harrington as a backup with a restructured deal sounds OK. I hope they will trade D. Hall for a high pick or a good player. But I’m afraid he’s such a jerk, other teams won’t touch him.