Falcons release Jackson in reaching 53-man roster

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Defensive back Chevis Jackson was released on Saturday by the Falcons, becoming the highest pick selected by general manager Thomas Dimitroff in three drafts and let go.

Jackson, a third-round pick and the 68th player taken overall in 2008, was the team's nickel back for most of the past two seasons.

The Falcons needed to reach the league's 53-man roster limit on Saturday before they open the season at Pittsburgh next weekend. Not included on the roster are linebacker Robert James, who will serve a four-game suspension for violating the league policy on using performance-enhancing drugs, and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who will sit out one game for his arrest on marijuana possession.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said the team uses its nickel package 50 percent of the time and nickel players are considered starters. Christopher Owens, a second-year player, and Brian Williams, who battled back from a season-ending knee injury, will compete for the vacated spot.

Jackson, from LSU, was considered a boundary cornerback, someone who could cover receivers running toward a sideline. He had difficulties during the preseason defending wide receivers in space or in man-to-man coverage.

A three-game starter who appeared in 31 games, Jackson had his highlight moment with the Falcons when he returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during his rookie season.

The Falcons have spent a lot of time and resources on the cornerback position after finishing 28th in the league in defending the pass. They traded Chris Houston and have released Tye Hill and now Jackson. Brent Grimes and Owens are the only corners on the roster who finished last season with the Falcons.

In free agency, Dunta Robinson was added to the roster, signed to a six-year, $57.5 million.

Secondary coach Emmitt Thomas didn't have his contract renewed and was replaced by Tim Lewis.

Tight end Keith Zinger, a 2008 seventh-round pick, and offensive lineman Brett Romberg and fullback Dan Klecko were other the veterans released.

Also let go were tight end Robbie Agnone, wide receiver Troy Bergeron, wide receiver Tim Buckley, running back Dimitri Nance, center Blake Schlueter, wide receiver Andy Strickland, wide receiver Ryan Wolfe, safety Rafael Bush, safety Eric Brock, cornerback Dominique Daniels, linebacker Weston Johnson, defensive end Maurice Lucas, defensive end Emmanuel Stephens, guard Jose Valdez and linebacker Bear Woods.

The Falcons waived injured wide receiver Brandyn Harvey, while Michael Palmer, a tight end from Clemson and Parkview High School, made it through the initial cuts.

The Falcons' final roster might not be completed. The team has done some late roster juggling prior to the first game in each of the past two seasons.

The Falcons will turn their attention to stocking the practice squad, which might hold up to eight players.

Woods, who played at Troy, was vying for the backup middle linebacker spot. He led the team with five tackles and a sack in the preseason finale against Jacksonville.

Valdez started at left tackle for the Falcons against Jacksonville. He originally was signed as a free agent out of Arkansas and spent last season on Atlanta's practice squad.

If Woods, Valdez and Bush clear waivers, they could end up on the team’s practice squad, according to their agents.