Falcons Sign Robert James

by Dave Choate on Jul 14, 2008 11:48 PM EDT in Falcons News

Hey, did you hear the wicked important news about Brett Favre? It's all over the place. Gosh, what will the Packers do without him? It just gnaws away at my very soul.

Please shoot me!

In much happier news, the Falcons inked fifth round pick Robert James to a four year contract worth a hair over $1.9 million. My feelings on the James pick have been made clear by now--he's probably the single most head-scratching signing of the entire draft--but for that kind of money he's a good value on special teams, as a backup linebacker or as a backup safety. It's a good bet that that's all he'll be asked to do.

Honestly, though, I think the team would be best served putting him at safety. He's got good enough size and speed to play strong safety, and after Lawyer Milloy's wheels fly off the team will want to have more depth there. It's critical to remember that no team makes it by without its role players, and James could well be a capable one.

Glad we signed him?

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Glad, sure

I guess I kinda have to be seeing as how we wasted a pick on him. Like you mentioned th epick just didn’t make sense as there were more pressing needs to attend to at that moment, plus he didn’t fit in a clear and defined role. But, I agree that every team needs those key role players who may not do any one thing exactly all-pro, but do multiple things well enough to fill in the gaps, and since we are only paying him 475K a year, I’m totally fine with it. I usually lean to those kind of guys coming from undrafted rookie free agents, or the last round, but at this point, whatever.

If he can jump in on some nickle and dime sets, give the main guys breathers, and make some nice plays during what time he gets on the field, then the pick won’t be a complete waste.

by Jesse28 on Jul 15, 2008 7:44 AM EDT reply actions

Of course

We used a 5th round pick on the kid, of course I am glad we signed him. He should make a nice impact on special teams and every team could always use those types of player. He could possibly be a sleeper as a dime back or WLB on passing situations later in his career. I watched him here at ASU and he certainly looked impressive and my cousin was pretty jealous when we got him instead of his Packers.

Yeah, I’m related to a Packers fan, bleh.

by Kevin71 on Jul 15, 2008 11:17 AM EDT reply actions