Falcons sign ex-Alabama QB Wilson

According to NE Patriots Draft, the Falcons have signed former Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson. Wilson was one of the many cogs in Nick Saban's Crimson machine that posted an undefeated regular season in 2008. While Wilson isn't on Ryan's level, he will surely bring some stiff competition to the backup QB ranks. Personally, between our current backups and JPW, I'd rather have Wilson as #2. (this Fanshot has been brought to you by a rabid Alabama fan).

about 3 years ago Adam Schultz 13 comments 0 recs |

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I think JPW will work out fine as a BACKUP to Ryan!
I think the Falcons have brought in the missing pieces we need to go all the way this year!
Go Falcons!!!

by HEYJUDE on Apr 27, 2009 1:58 AM EDT reply actions

I don't want

JPW anywhere near the #2 spot unless it’s 2015, and he’s been in the system all that time. I hope they don’t even let him hold the clipboard next season (if he even makes the squad). Let’s just say I don’t have much faith in him amounting to much.

by orang3b on Apr 27, 2009 8:52 AM EDT reply actions

He won't replace DJ...

I wouldn’t be suprised to see DJ beat out CR this year for the 2nd spot. He’s a winner, and can make all the throws…

"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."

Bobby Bowden

by NaGaNole on Apr 27, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

DJ vs. JPW

i think Redman has a clear lock for # 2 this year but #3. On one hand you have the Georgia boy, clearly brought in for the boost in fan base. (been to any preseason games, stupid dawgs) the other an undrafted, smart leader who cant make all the throws but can manage the game with the best of them. Clearly i have some alabama bias but deep down i truly hope JPW never actually steps on the field outside of preseason and 50pt blowouts.

by dirtybirdsrolltide on Apr 27, 2009 1:59 PM EDT reply actions

Why are we stupid to support a guy who used to play for us and is a great representative from our University?

… Just as you’re doing now with JPW.

Great logic.

by get swoll yunel on Apr 27, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Speaking from an objective perspective (I went to Marquette) ...

You can’t deny that competition is a good thing. If DJ wins the coveted third QB position outright, good for him. He’s been great in the pre-season, but he isn’t the mobile QB he once was (his knees creak louder than a rocking chair).

But, as far as appeasing the fan base, there are TONS of AL fans in GA. So JPW and DJ accomplish the same purpose, assuming TD and company would actually keep a QB to appease the fan base.

Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?

Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.

by FrankyWren on Apr 28, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't know

One part of me wants to try to look at this objectively and the other, well, doesn’t.

I’m fine with just about any undrafted FA signing because all of these kids deserve at least a shot. Look at the Jags, they obviously fill the same with their 18(!) undrafted FA signings. It’s a win/win for both sides. If the player makes it, you get a feel good story for the PR Dept to spin. If the player doesn’t, you still get to spin the fact that you offered a shot that no one else would and the team and the player get to walk away feeling good about themselves.

However, I don’t see the point in this one because even with the above thought process, I also believe that teams generally only pick the kids up that would offer the most upside for the positions that needed the most help and didn’t get addresses through the draft. We have no need for another QB on the roster unless Redman is already making it known that insurance is his true calling after this year. And while he might turn out to be a rather serviceable back-up, there’s also a reason why he didn’t get drafted and why no major outlet thought he was an NFL caliber QB.

Again, DJ needs to go as well. The guy couldn’t beat out Harrington or, more damning, Leftwhich. Maybe this is the move that allows the Falcons to finally rid themselves of DJ and his two busted knees.

"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments

by Jesse28 on Apr 27, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

"The guy couldn’t beat out Harrington or, more damning, Leftwhich."

Um, he wasn’t exactly given a chance to, being on IR and all.

Martians Attacking Indianapolis

by joshmassey on Apr 27, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Shockley's a divisive fellow

A lot of people love him, some think he’s only on the roster because he’s a local boy.

I fall firmly on the side of talent. I no longer believe Shockley’s anywhere near a starting caliber quarterback, but his mobility and arm strength make him a quality backup. I think JPW is going to have to really show something to beat him out for a spot.

by Dave Choate on Apr 27, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Most Falcons fans break down like this:

Tech fans = cut him, he’s a bum!

UGA fans = we love DJ, he should be #2 on the depth chart!

Fans with no dog in the UGA/GTU fight = just give me the best talent, baby

by get swoll yunel on Apr 27, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions

UGA fan here

and I say after they are in the NFL, it no longer matters where they went to college. All that matters is what they do in the NFL.

It is a “what have you done for me lately league”, not a “where did you go to college, ’cause that is going to determine if we resign you” league

by MentallyMIA on Apr 28, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I’ve clearly made my college fandom known here and I’ve also stated that it has no relevance to the NFL discussion. Sure, I’m a Tech fan, but that doesn’t keep me from realizing talented players when I see them.

As I see it, neither one of these guys should be on the roster, but if I had to make a choice, I would go with Shockley only because I believe he would provide slightly better upside in garbage time.

by Jesse28 on Apr 28, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions

um

No, this dude is a practice squad dummy based on what I am hearing from all of my falcon resources. To make the roster he would have to perform a david vs goliath in mini camps. I dont see it happening. I think we will see him in the new UFL playing for the Orlando franchise…

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on Apr 30, 2009 1:04 PM EDT reply actions