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Meet A New Atlanta Falcon: CB William Middleton

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via cache.daylife.com

The most puzzling pick of the draft for the Atlanta Falcons was William Middleton. It would be unfair to expect more out of him because he was the second corner taken at a relatively deep and young position, but it's hard not to.

Fortunately for the greedy fan in all of us, Middleton seems like the kind of dude who can handle the weight of our unreasonable expectations. Can he overcome his draft position and make noise for the Falcons?

Join me after the jump for my somewhat informed opinion.

 

Star-divide

History: First off, Middleton is a biology major who plans to attend medical school after football. As an ink-stained wretch of the newspaper caste, that's just impressive to me. Named MVP of the Furman squad his senior season, when he was an All-American. Widely acknowledged as an on-the-field leader.

Pros: Middleton is surprisingly strong for a shorter corner, which allows him to get physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage. Terrific hitter for a corner. Reads plays well and has the hands to grab the occasional interception. His intangibles--which I don't normally like to judge a player on--are off the chart, as everything I've read about him suggests he's a true team leader. At a 4.46 40, he's pretty damn quick. Could potentially contribute in the return game.

Cons: Another in a series of sub-six foot corners the Falcons are trying to match up against taller receivers. If he's beaten, scouts say his acceleration isn't up to the task of catching faster receivers. Not the world's greatest jumper, which compounds his issues against taller guys. While he has the physical tools to be a disruptive force, his tackling is said to be a bit inconsistent.

Role: I'd love to see Middleton moving up the depth chart his first year, but the best case scenario would be for him to win a job as the fourth cornerback. He'll likely see plenty of time on special teams, where he seems likely to be effective, and may get on the field in blowouts. He's relatively polished, so the coaching staff will have to determine if he's consistent enough to become a force. I'm no longer betting against him, but don't look for him to kick more than a couple of butts in 2009.

Final Thoughts: There's actually a lot to like with Middleton. He doesn't have ideal height, but he's the very definition of solid as a cornerback. Like most late-round picks, the team isn't going to hand him the keys to the unstoppable killing machine his rookie season, but there's enough to like here that he could be contending for a nickel role in the years ahead.

Poll
What will William Middleton offer in 2009?
A starting job and nothing less
64 votes
A backup job and nothing more
315 votes
A practice squad job and nothing else
62 votes
A different team and nothing lost
5 votes
The nothingness of being
10 votes

456 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 10 comments |

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Comments

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I think he needs a nickname ...

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 May 13, 2009 11:15 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sounds like a winner

was very strongly questioning this pick when it was made but he sounds like a real high character guy that will make an impact on special teams and provide some good, quality depth at corner

by FLA_Falcon on May 13, 2009 12:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

William 'Little in da' Middleton?

Sorry, but BK and Spongebob are right, Sir Mixalot is still awesome and will continue to be so for all eternity!

"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 May 13, 2009 1:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice write up and nice kid, but...

I don’t think he makes the team. Why? I think Chris Houston, Chevis Jackson, Von Hutchins, and Brent Grimes make the top 4. I can’t see us having more than 5 CBs, so it should be a battle between David Irons, Chris Owens, and William Middleton. I think Owens gets this spot almost by default (and maybe even climbs above some of the other guys on the depth chart).

...catsports...

by bwellnjonesco on May 13, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

... you're a believer re: Hutchins, eh?

I think Houston, Jackson, and Owenns are the only “locks.” Then, you’re right, they’ll probably carry no more than 5 CBs. The odds aren’t in his favor, but Grimes, Hutch, Irons aren’t an unbeatable 3, not at all.

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 May 13, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

that Houston, Jackson, and Owens are the locks. I’ve seen the idea thrown around elsewhere that if it comes down to Hutchins & Grimes, then the team may want to keep Grimes just because of the $$ and age difference.

by orang3b on May 14, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I will use the Daren Stone example...

Probably the most athletic guy on the team, but he was released when we needed depth at his position (safety)…young dbs can’t make it on talent alone. IMO, experience will be the deciding factor for this battle.

...catsports...

by bwellnjonesco on May 14, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK

But you’re argument ignores the character issues associated w/ Stone’s release. Irons is already on thin ice w/ the coaching staff. Bottom line (assume no more CBs are added to the roster): Middleton needs to beat out five of Irons, Hutchins, Grimes, Prude, Tiller, and Sharpe. Not a sure thing, but altogether possible.

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 May 14, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just realized...

Is that a photo of Middleton tackling our new underdog favorite Kelly?

" No, I think I'll sit in the balcony " - Abe Lincoln

by tapate50 on May 14, 2009 9:04 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I believe so.

Dave, you clever man.

by dwaltlhi on May 14, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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