Falcons News

[THE KOD]

1: Wide receiver Roddy White has added at least five pounds in upper-body muscle. White has morphed into a chiseled slab in just a few months, a sign that he is serious about taking his game to the next level. He said last season he didn?t have the strength to always get off a jam from a cornerback. He was by far the most physically impressive player I saw ? granted, I didn?t see every player because some were not working out at the time I was there.

2: Middle linebackers Ed Hartwell and Jordan Beck look like they are making nice comebacks from season-ending injuries. Hartwell (Achilles? tendon) was moving well, although I never saw him have to cut or burst into a full sprint. Beck, who broke his foot during the preseason ? he was having a solid preseason until that point ? appears almost back to full strength and has added some size to his frame.

3: Bryan Randall looks like he wants to earn a roster spot. Randall, the third quarterback on the roster who spent some time with the team last season, appears to have lost about 10-15 pounds. Last season, Randall looked heavy around the midsection but he seems to have realized this might be his last shot and has been on the AbBlaster The Falcons still plan on adding a fourth quarterback, most likely an undrafted free agent.

DE, CB/S, OL and RB are the priorities, although the Falcons need to add some depth at wide receiver and DT.
ajc
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[THE KOD]

I am not uinhappy at the way the 2006 draft has gone for the Falcons.

Trading up to get Jimmy Williams is going to help when Jason Webster is floundering around early in the year letting Touchdowns go by him.

The running back Norwood is a runner with skills that played on a bad team but still managed to put up some good numbers. I dont like the fact that his legs are so skinny and he looks lost out there at times, but what do you want from a third round pick.

Waiting now to see who else the Falcons will take. McKay has done a good job. We got Abraham for essentially pick 15 in the first round. Crocker is a hitter, and Malloy should help in the Seconcary also.

Still not a offensive lineman picked so maybe the Falcons agree that the way Vick runs around back in the backfield they cant block for him anyways.

Trouble is that the Panthers, New Orleans, Tampa also had good drafts so will the Falcons really be any better than the 2005 season.

Guess we will need to wait a few more months.

 

[Wineguy]

guess so Scottie.....can see you waiting on your couch now :mj07:

 

[THE KOD]

OK then

 

[Wineguy]

Scott- seriously, I think the Jimmy Williams pick up is a great addition and overall, we can't be disappointed with our beefing up the defensive side. Could be defensive 14-10 and 17-14 type games. Where will Shockley play?

 

[THE KOD]

FALCONS' DRAFT PICKS

Rnd. No. Player Pos. School
2 37th overall Jimmy Williams CB Virginia Tech
3 79th overall Jerious Norwood RB Miss. State
5 139th overall Quinn Ojinnaka T Syracuse
6 184th overall Adam Jennings WR Syracuse
7 223rd overall D.J. Shockley QB UGA



Published on: 05/01/06

Flowery Branch ? For 31 other NFL teams, the weekend was about the draft. For the Falcons, it was a continuation of their offseason.

The acquisitions of starters Lawyer Milloy, John Abraham, Wayne Gandy and Chris Crocker, through trades or free agency, made the addition of just one potential starter in the draft ? teeth-rattling cornerback Jimmy Williams in the second round ? a bonus, according to president/general manager Rich McKay.

Selecting College Park product and University of Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley in the seventh round was the Falcons' final touch, a move that will probably generate more conversation locally than any other personnel moves they've made since finishing 8-8 last season and out of the playoffs.

"The thing we feel good about is we had an offseason goal to shore up what we thought were some pretty obvious needs on defense," McKay said. "The best thing we were able to do was to avoid that [coming into the draft]."

Several teams called the Falcons on Sunday with trade offers for backup tailback T.J. Duckett, but McKay said the compensation was too minimal to move Duckett ? at this time. The selection of Mississippi State tailback Jerious Norwood in the third round could make Duckett, in the final year of his contract, expendable.

With no first-round or fourth-round picks, which were used to secure Abraham and Crocker, the Falcons were unable to draft a backup defensive end or address the lack of depth at safety. That order of business will happen through free agency, McKay said.

Of the players selected Sunday, most will have to earn a spot on special teams or through developmental promise.

Sixth-round selection Adam Jennings from Fresno State is a wide receiver/special teams ace who not only is a solid punt and kickoff returner, but also a fearless coverage player in the mode of departed head-hunter Kevin McCadam.

Offensive tackle Quinn Ojinnaka (fifth round) and Shockley are developmental players who, if they make the roster, will see most of their on-field action in preseason and during practice.

It would be hard to dispute that Shockley's local ties didn't factor into his selection, but McKay said the Falcons did have him on their draft board and considered taking him in earlier rounds. The need to get an offensive tackle and a fourth wideout superceded the urge to choose Shockley sooner, McKay said.

Shockley will compete with Bryan Randall for the final quarterback position, one that will be filled by a developmental player, not a veteran, according to McKay.

"We liked the kid on the field. We liked the story how he persevered and hung in," McKay said of Shockley, a graduate of North Clayton High School. "We think he has the chance to compete. We think he can grow into a very solid backup in the league based on his athleticism and his arm strength."

The draft acquisitions ? and lack thereof ? could lead to some lineup shuffling, McKay said.

Before the Falcons dealt their first-round pick (15th overall) to Denver to facilitate acquiring Abraham from the Jets, they planned to use it on Williams and steadily work him into the starting right cornerback job. Incumbent Jason Webster would then be moved to nickel back. Just because Williams was selected in the second round doesn't mean those plans have changed.

Such a shift could force a heated competition for the nickel back job ? and roster spots ? among Webster, Williams, Chris Cash, Allen Rossum and Kevin Mathis, who is recovering from major offseason knee surgery.

If Mathis manages to return, he could have to move from cornerback to safety to add depth behind Crocker and Milloy. Cornerback Omare Lowe might also move to safety if the team is unable to sign enough backup help, McKay said.
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From what I see how the Falcons were graded in their acquisitions they get a D .

They think they have solved some problems and filled holes, but there are too many positions that if one player goes down the season will be another 8-8 if that.

Norwood was a wasted pick. He will be lucky to make the team

 

[freelancc]

Falcons should draft Marcus.. :sadwave:

 

[THE KOD]

funnry free.

DJ shockley was also a reach but the Falcons have had alot of flack for not taking any Georgia players in a long time. And they were going to take him two selections before they did.

Geez , sometimes I think that the Falcons wear a big red nose and extra large shoes.

Falcons continue to be so predictable.

Oh well I wont complain as it makes it easier for me to cash.

 

[THE KOD]

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 05/05/06

Former Parkview High placekicker Seth Marler was signed by the Falcons on Thursday and immediately placed atop the depth chart at the team's most uncertain position.

Even though Marler was out of the NFL last season and missed the 2004 season because of an injury, he is the only placekicker on the Falcons' roster to have played in the league.

Ryan Rossner and Zac Derr have been in NFL camps before but never kicked in a game. The Falcons also signed undrafted kicker Tony Yelk this week.

Kicker Todd Peterson, 36, wasn't re-signed after his first season with the Falcons, and president and general manager Rich McKay said the team prefers to groom a young kicker.

Marler, signed by Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent out of Tulane in 2003, made 20 of 33 field goals while also performing kickoff duties.

The Falcons are set to sign wide receiver Troy Bergeron, a standout last season with the Arena League's Georgia Force. Atlanta also signed undrafted rookie defensive tackle Michael Bozeman from Mississippi. Bozeman is from Hawkinsville, Ga.

Note: The Falcons' first minicamp practice, on Saturday, May 13 at 12:45 p.m. at the Flowery Branch headquarters, will be open to the public. The final two days of workouts will be closed.
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Its really not good that the Falcons do not have a reliable kicker yet. Not much time before pre season.

 

[THE KOD]

Several teams called the Falcons on Sunday with trade offers for backup tailback T.J. Duckett, but McKay said the compensation was too minimal to move Duckett ? at this time. The selection of Mississippi State tailback Jerious Norwood in the third round could make Duckett, in the final year of his contract, expendable.

With no first-round or fourth-round picks, which were used to secure Abraham and Crocker, the Falcons were unable to draft a backup defensive end or address the lack of depth at safety. That order of business will happen through free agency, McKay said.

Of the players selected Sunday, most will have to earn a spot on special teams or through developmental promise.

Sixth-round selection Adam Jennings from Fresno State is a wide receiver/special teams ace who not only is a solid punt and kickoff returner, but also a fearless coverage player in the mode of departed head-hunter Kevin McCadam.

Offensive tackle Quinn Ojinnaka (fifth round) and Shockley are developmental players who, if they make the roster, will see most of their on-field action in preseason and during practice.

It would be hard to dispute that Shockley's local ties didn't factor into his selection, but McKay said the Falcons did have him on their draft board and considered taking him in earlier rounds. The need to get an offensive tackle and a fourth wideout superceded the urge to choose Shockley sooner, McKay said.

Shockley will compete with Bryan Randall for the final quarterback position, one that will be filled by a developmental player, not a veteran, according to McKay.

"We liked the kid on the field. We liked the story how he persevered and hung in," McKay said of Shockley, a graduate of North Clayton High School. "We think he has the chance to compete. We think he can grow into a very solid backup in the league based on his athleticism and his arm strength."

The draft acquisitions ? and lack thereof ? could lead to some lineup shuffling, McKay said.

Before the Falcons dealt their first-round pick (15th overall) to Denver to facilitate acquiring Abraham from the Jets, they planned to use it on Williams and steadily work him into the starting right cornerback job. Incumbent Jason Webster would then be moved to nickel back. Just because Williams was selected in the second round doesn't mean those plans have changed.

Such a shift could force a heated competition for the nickel back job ? and roster spots ? among Webster, Williams, Chris Cash, Allen Rossum and Kevin Mathis, who is recovering from major offseason knee surgery.

If Mathis manages to return, he could have to move from cornerback to safety to add depth behind Crocker and Milloy. Cornerback Omare Lowe might also move to safety if the team is unable to sign enough backup help, McKay said.
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[Crued]

good luck w/your falcons scott

another superbowl for the east!

 

[THE KOD]

Ex-Parkview kicker cut

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 05/19/06

The Falcons cut the only experienced place kicker on the roster, releasing former Parkview High product Seth Marler on Thursday. Marler could be re-signed in the near future, the team confirmed.

Atlanta signed Marler earlier this month but opted to try to groom its remaining lot of free agents following last weekend's minicamp. Ryan Rossner, Tony Yelk and Zac Derr are the other place kickers on the roster.

Marler made 20 of 33 field goals for Jacksonville in 2003 but did not play the past two years after being sidetracked by injuries. Even so, he was the only player on the roster who had kicked in an NFL game.

Punter/kickoff specialist Michael Koenen can kick field goals and was used last season when a long-range attempts were necessary, but the coaching staff would prefer he not have to handle all kicking duties.

President and general manager Rich McKay said the team plans to groom a field-goal kicker with a range of up to 45 yards, however, it could sign a veteran free agent near training camp if need be. Last season's place kicker Todd Peterson is a free agent, but the Falcons have shown no indication to re-sign him.

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The Falcons cannot go into the season without a experienced field goal kicker. That would hurt them big time.

Working out young players is great but that won't help much when its the fourth quarter in Tampa Bay and you need three points to win the game.

I hope they got a free agent in mind or something.

 

[DIRTY Diapers]

Jimmy Williams was a huge pickup for Atlanta... They will have the fastest secondary in the NFL. Although, I would pay to see DHall race T. Newman from the Cowboys in the fastest man contest.

 

[THE KOD]

THE CANDIDATES

Patience will be key for the Falcons in selecting a new kicker. "The thing is, if you want a young kicker you have to see it through to the end," Hoffman said. With no rush, both kickers appear to have lively legs. Both were stroking 50-yarders with ease last Tuesday and Wednesday at the team's organized training activities. "Right now these two look like they have very similar range to what Michael had last year," DeCamillis said.

ZAC DERR

? College: Akron

? Height, Weight: 5-7, 155

? Age: 27

? Pro experience: None. Signed by Falcons on April 10. Spent some time in camp with the Dallas Cowboys.

? The skinny: "Zac Derr has some tremendous potential in the way he hits the ball," Hoffman said. "He gets the ball up better than anybody that I've ever had as far as height and trajectory. He gets the ball up quick. He has more power than you would ever expect out of a guy his size. Now he just has to get more consistent."

TONY YELK

? College: Iowa State

? Height, Weight: 6-1, 205

? Age: 24

? Pro experience: None. Signed as rookie free agent on May 1.

? The skinny: Booted a 51-yarder last season for the Cyclones. "Tony has impressed us with just the way that he handles it all," Hoffman said. "He's got that innate calmness. He just hits the ball straight. He doesn't worry about how far it goes. He doesn't worry about how far Zac's ball goes on the kick before him. For his age, he's way ahead of guys that I've ever had."

 

[JGleas]

DJ shockley was also a reach but the Falcons have had alot of flack for not taking any Georgia players in a long time. And they were going to take him two selections before they did.

I don't think you can call any pick in the 7th round a reach. It's the last round, either the guy gets drafted or becomes a FA. Usually, there isn't a difference since most 7th Rounders are cut or just put on the practice squad.

Also, remember Shockley could make a move to WR and at least get a touch or two a season as a QB/WR tweener.

They really should've jumped all over Marcus Vick when he went Undrafted.

 

[AR182]

They really should've jumped all over Marcus Vick when he went Undrafted.

other than bad attitude & possible distractions for his brother what could marcus vick give the falcons.....no he's a player you stay far away from....

 

[JGleas]

other than bad attitude & possible distractions for his brother what could marcus vick give the falcons.....no he's a player you stay far away from....

Well, it seems as if the only time Marcus behaves is when he is living with older brother Mike. I think Mike would set him staright and it wouldn't take away from his game at all. Marcus is a tweener and has the speed (and size for WR) to play RB or WR. Let's also not forget the fact he is a pretty damn good QB. He does need some work, but for only starting one collegiate season, he did pretty damn good. Early in the season people were talking about him as being a 1st Rounder in 2007 if he kept it up. He has mobility, very good arm strength, and is poised and wants to pass before running unlike his brother Mike who is always looking to run and then pass if a receiver is open. They've gotten offers for Matt Schaub, just deal him away for a 2nd Rounder. Marcus would be a very good back-up QB, espically since he'd be coming in to replace his brother it wouldn't require pretty much any change in offense unlike Schaub who can't run around as well as Vick and will get beat up because that Atlanta O-Line would be just horrible if they had a pocket QB.

 

[THE KOD]

Marcus is a thug and would be the worst thing that could happen to the Falcons team. I doubt that he sticks with Miami.

You got alot to learn about Falcon football Jackie.

 

[THE KOD]

19. Atlanta

Like the Lions, the Falcons spent three No. 1 picks on receivers between 2003 and 2005. The 2003 pick was used on an ill-advised trade for Peerless Price. The two later selections, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, may work out better. Both players are serious breakout candidates, although the organization seems to be favoring White as the better candidate for the number one role. More importantly, unlike the Lions, the Falcons developed other options. They have one of the game's top tight ends in Alge Crumpler. They also picked Brian Finneran off the free talent market and watched him develop into a very dependable receiver. The poor supporting cast excuse will not fly for Mike Vick this year, and it is on him to see if he truly belongs among the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.

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Vick has not gotten to the upper echelon yet so how can we see if he belongs. Stupid thing to say.

Go Vick !

 

[THE KOD]

By Mark Bradley | Monday, July 17, 2006, 05:38 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

What happened over those eight deflating games was that some cocky players and their cocky coach couldn?t right themselves after the first sustained reversal of the Mora era. What happened was that the gusher of football luck inherent in the run to the NFC championship went bust overnight. What happened was that the roster?s deepest flaws - inexperience at receiver and along the defensive front, ineptitude at safety - were laid bare at the worst possible time.

And that was all it took for a team that was 6-2 and positioned to be the NFC?s No. 1 or 2 seed to finish a seedy-seeming 8-8. The second and seventh games of the slide had a cruel symmetry to them: Both were against Tampa Bay; both saw the Falcons waste late leads because their safeties couldn?t tackle Cadillac Williams; both were lost in overtime. The first Buc loss came as a punch to the gut; the second arrived with a shrug of resignation. Remember? The Falcons recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of OT ? and Todd Peterson?s 28-yard field goal was blocked not because of a missed assignment but because a low kick found the arm of the one Buc who jumped highest.

Says Rich McKay, the GM: ?When that happens, you?re not meant to win.?

But that was last year, and NFL predictions assign too much value to last year. McKay again: ?Since free agency came along, the ability to pick games [over the offseason] is almost non-existent.? Teams now have the chance to reconfigure themselves in a hurry, and the Falcons eradicated two failings by landing John Abraham, the Pro Bowl defensive end, and two new safeties in Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker. This team should again be able to stop the run, and that?s a very big deal.

These being the Falcons, every discussion must eventually turn to Michael Vick, who wasn?t very effective last season because his knee hurt or because his many critics hurt his feelings or because Greg Knapp is a raging dolt. Vick will be better this season because he?ll have learned from his latest set of tribulations and because Michael Jenkins and Roddy White are no longer so green. ?They?re in a lot better position to help,? McKay says. ?When Michael got nicked [in Week 4 against Minnesota], all he had [among wideouts] were young guys.?

And surely Jim Mora took something from the disintegration of last season. He was the NFL?s bright young thing in 2004, but by October of ?05 his self-assurance had grown to outsized proportions.

Mora has to prove he can handle failure, but he seems smart enough to figure it out. If Knapp and Vick are indeed working at cross-purposes, Mora must intervene on the side of the quarterback. (Completion percentage doesn?t matter. Winning percentage does.) If the team is going through turbulence, a coach prone to tantrums isn?t going to calm any nerves. But to assume the snippy Mora of last season is the Mora we?ll see this autumn is to fall into the trap of memory. Says McKay: ?The longer I?m in this, the more I realize that every year is unique unto itself.?

This time a year ago, Mike Holmgren was thought to be on his way out in Seattle, where the 2004 Seahawks had lost eight of their last 14 games. Today Holmgren and his men are coming off a Super Bowl. The 2006 Falcons might not bounce quite that high, but they?re due a bounce.

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Falcons are due a bounce. :142smilie :mj07:
:sadwave: :142smilie

Teams are still going to run on this new Falcons team. Teams are also going to key on Vick and shut him down , forcing his errant passes into interceptions and worse.