Atlanta Falcon Position Battles: The Cornerbacks

by Dave Choate on Jun 16, 2009 8:00 AM EDT

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Prediction time rears its ugly, boil-encrusted head once more. Alas, alack!

This time we're going to look at perhaps the most wide open position on the entire roster. Last time we did this little exercise, William "C4" Moore ran away with the strong safety crown. Because there's so many more options at cornerback, I imagine the vote is going to go a little differently. Basically, the top four vote getters are going to be our top four corners going into the season, with the top two being assumed as our starters. Make that vote count!

Remember, if possible, to explain your reasoning, especially if it's somebody like David Irons. Since I plan to abstain from voting like some sort of blogging monk, I'll go ahead and let you know that I'm predicting Chris Houston, Chevis Jackson, Brent Grimes and Von Hutchins, in that order.

Make your voice heard!

Poll

Who is the most likely Atlanta Falcon cornerback to win a starting job this season? The top four vote getters will be considered the top four on the depth chart.

Brent Grimes

103 votes

Chris Houston

270 votes

Von Hutchins

53 votes

David Irons

13 votes

Chevis Jackson

89 votes

William Middleton

11 votes

Chris Owens

62 votes

Glenn Sharpe

0 votes

Tony Tiller

2 votes

A steam-powered automaton

11 votes

614 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 41 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Brent Grimes

I think this guy is going to step it up a notch from last year. He’s very athletic and can get where he needs to be, for the most part. If he can figure out how to guard the big guys, and make the interception rather than the deflection, he’d be a beast.

Houston should be the other starter (probably the 1st starter), I only voted for Grimes because most everyone else will probably vote for Houston. I’m guessing C. Jackson will be next in line, potentially pushing Grimes out of the way if he doesn’t hold up, and then open competition between Hutchins and Owens. Middleton could compete for the dime too, and will hopefully develop quickly, along with Owens.

by TomQ on Jun 16, 2009 8:54 AM EDT reply actions

I agree

With Tom. I’m figuring Houston and Grimes starting, with Jackson at Nickle. Next I’d say Owens, then probably Hutchins, with Middleton on the Practice Squad.

by orang3b on Jun 16, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions

I threw my vote at Owens

but I am predicting the starting two will be Houston and Jackson with Owens and Grimes being right behind them (probably rotating a lot). Only threw my vote at Owens because I am assuming everyone else will be voting in the Houston/Jackson department.

I love the guy’s speed and I really hope they use him as a situational pass rusher and perhaps he’ll develop well at protecting against the deep ball threat. Put him in positions to man up on a receiver deep (since he has the speed to do so against some of the faster but less talented receivers we’ll be seeing this season like Hester) so you can utilize Moore in zone coverage protecting the middle (I can’t wait to see this guy hit NFL receivers/backs).

oh yeah, and, Dave, your picture link is broken

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 16, 2009 9:18 AM EDT reply actions

Is it working now?

Just got back from a lovely trip to the hospital. Sorry for the delay.

by Dave Choate on Jun 16, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Works

Hope all is well Dave.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

All is well, thankfully.

by Dave Choate on Jun 16, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

yuck

The one time I actually vote the right way on one of these polls and it’s probably the one I shoudn’t have. You asked me to pick the most likely of those listed to be a starter, and without a doubt, that’s going to be Houston, so that’s where I placed my vote. Of course, I’m assuming this is all under the premise that they are all healthy.

After Houston though, I would say the next three would probably be Grimes, Jackson, and Owens, in no particular order. I think Middleton and Hutchins will fill out the nickel and dime packages, with the rest being pushed to the practice squad or cut outright. I’ve heard nothing good about Irons since his time at Auburn and I’m actually surprised he’s still here. As for the other two, Sharpe and Tiller, I’m just not seeing enough as of yet to say that they could push the others out.

by Jesse28 on Jun 16, 2009 9:50 AM EDT reply actions

Interesting to see the love for Grimey

I’ve always thought he had the athleticism to start, and he seems to be getting his due from the coaching staff as well. If he’s taken a step forward this year, I’d be more than happy to see him starting. I just want Chevis Jackson prominently involved, as well.

by Dave Choate on Jun 16, 2009 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

CJ

got my vote. I think he starts and finishes the year as the starter.

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

by tapate50 on Jun 16, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

Chevy Jacky.

S’where it’s at.

You have opinions. Share them.

by Adam Schultz on Jun 16, 2009 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

Grimes?

To small and not physical enough. Charles Dimry in the making. Grimes would be my 4th corner at best.

I’m not sold on Houston either. With the exception of “Primetime” in Atlanta, we have never had a decent corner in Atlanta. Remember the Roland Lawrence and Bobby Butler days? ( I think I vomited a little in my mouth)

I would like to see Chevis get a shot….

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 16, 2009 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

Agree and disagree

I think Grimey’s going to get his shot, and we don’t exactly have a plethora of tall guys on the roster to take a job away from him. If he’s showing it for the coaching staff, that’s good enough for me…at least for now. I’ve always thought he’d be an excellent nickel back.

Still, I’m driving the Chevis Jackson bandwagon into the Georgia Dome this season, and I think eventually he’s going to prove himself to be the best corner on the roster.

by Dave Choate on Jun 16, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

david irons!

i didnt vote for him because he isn’t going to start but he is a hard practicer and has great charactor he should make the team

by mistab50 on Jun 16, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

Nice Pic...

I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I could find “Dave the Falconer” making a play also… You either are related to Grimes, or on his payroll. Or maybe you are Grimes himself.

Oh here comes that Grimes vomit I was holding……

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 16, 2009 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

There's probably a photo floating around somewhere

Of me intercepting a beer intended for a friend, but I never was much of a defensive back.

by Dave Choate on Jun 16, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Heh.

(As opposed to “meh”)

by TomQ on Jun 16, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Ha..

Haha. I appreciate your sense of humor. And I’d pay good money for a picture of Dave making a play like that – and I’ll be Dave would too.

Not related or on his payroll…but the latter would be nice. Tell you what, maybe I just want to see him succeed because it’d be a good story. However, I was actually really impressed with what I saw out of him last season – with exception to him getting eaten alive by a Moose in Carolina. His size is definitely a liability, one that Houston and Jackson don’t have. Dimitroff didn’t let that trait keep him from selecting two shorter corners in this draft. I think he can work on the physicality problem, although I never thought that that was that big of an issue, personally.

by TomQ on Jun 16, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I am glad you like the picture, I have plenty more and none of them are Dave, oh yes, I am related to Brent and Dave the Falconer is not. Brent may be small, but you can’t take being physical away from him. One more thing don’t hold the vomit, if someone made me that sick, I wouldn’t watch them or talk about them. One more thing, don’t get your vomit on Grimey, pass it on. -:)

by Debilah on Jun 17, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Grimes

I think he’ll be just fine and will come out on top in the end. He’s obviously doing much better than most of us here. How often do we get to actually do the things we love doing? I know I don’t know too many people who absolutely love what they do for a living. I’m willing to bet Grimes does and I’d much rather be competing for a spot on an NFL roster than a lot of other things, haha. Fortunately for me, I’m actually doing something that I love doing and have a true passion for.

Here’s to hoping that’s always the case! /cheers

by Jesse28 on Jun 17, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Love to see some good pics...

if you got em. Can you post any of them in a Fanshot?

by TomQ on Jun 17, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree 100%... that would be so awesome

not much would be better than getting an opportunity to see the league from a relative’s perspective

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 17, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Understood...

I love a good story, but we need some solid corners. I just think he got exposed in Carolina, and you know what happens when small corners are exposed in the NFL.

“Bring out the butter and preserves”….

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 16, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions

I can very easily see a situational rotation

don’t let Grimes or Owens try to cover WRs like Muhammed.

However, Grimes and Owens are both ideal for the speedy/less talented receivers that decorate the Bears offense… especially now that they finally have that big armed QB

I am sure that our FO has a rotation already planned where each CB that plays is going to have the opportunity to excel situationally. I could be reaching here, but if the front 7 perform like I think they are capable of, it might not be too much of a reach at all to think any average quality corner will be able to shine in our D.

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 16, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Good thoughts...

I can’t find much fault in that strategy.

by TomQ on Jun 16, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

hmmm..

a lot of love for Von Hutchins… would anybody be willing to defend their case?

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 17, 2009 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

He's a 'veteran'

Despite the evidence showing that he has rarely seen the field since entering the league, he is considered a ‘veteran’ and supposedly that means that he has leadership abilities than these yungun’s just ain’t got.

Look, I’m not trying to bash the guy, but the facts remains that he has rarely played, constant injuries being the reasons for not playing, and isn’t he still injured currently? Picking him to be a starting corner over Houston and/or Jackson is not really logical. In fact, I doubt he will be part of the four-deep at that position, but that he probably will make it into the deeper coverage assignments and provide depth from the bench in case of injuries.

But by all means Baron Von Hutchins, give it your all and put together a full solid season for us. I’m sure no one will complain then.

by Jesse28 on Jun 17, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

thanks for the explanation

I was kinda more or less hoping someone who actually voted for the guy might have something to say … meh… guess that was a bit much ask for.

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 17, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sure how William Middleton would feel

Knowing he’s getting beat by a steam-powered automaton…

by Dave Choate on Jun 17, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

Toughest position battle this offseason...

Houston, Owens, Hutchins, Jackson, Grimes. Love for Middleton to make the roster, for his speed… maybe our corners can cross-train so we only need to keep Moore, Coleman, and DeCoud to round out our secondary

by CaliFALCON on Jun 17, 2009 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

Debilah?

Well don’t take what we say about your “relative” personal. Just going on what was seen of his play. He seems like a good hardworking kid, but the NFL is full of hard working kids. So it can stand for Not For Long.

This ain’t personal, we just get tired of the “same old, same old”….

You feel me?

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 17, 2009 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

Tybeaux

I am only taking what “you” say about my “relative” personal, and he is a hardworking man. You said we get tired of the “same old, same old”, but you were the only one talking about Grimes vomit and Butter and Preserves. In answer to You feel me? No I don’t, but you are entitled to say what you feel Not for Long.

by Debilah on Jun 17, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Sure...

I guess if I was related to him, than I would feel like you do… but it is what it is. I hope he makes the squad….for your sake!

Ummmm gone……

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 20, 2009 4:14 AM EDT reply actions

As his mother Tybeaux, I hope he makes it also, but not for my sake. I do know that you are thinking about him, because you keep writing your irrelevant comments. I see you are still vomiting.

by Debilah on Jun 23, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Madden?

I think he was a 67 on Madden last year? I guess video games are becoming more and more real….

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 20, 2009 4:15 AM EDT reply actions

Awwwww....

My bad.Never talk about a mother’s son…No matter what kind of player he is…

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 26, 2009 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

Your bad

Tybeaux, let it go and you have a good football season. Do you play? One final word, he doesn’t have to be a player for me to want to respond to someone that doesn’t know him.

by Debilah on Jun 26, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course...

I am a momma’s boy too. my mom would’nt let anyone dog me either. Relax Debilah. He will make the squad. Just don’t listen to the crowd when he gets toasted….

And he will….

I’ll holla….

"If I disagree with you, it's because you are wrong..."

by Tybeaux on Jun 28, 2009 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

Momma's boy

I don’t let the crowd bother me, but he will hear from me when mistakes are made. As long as he is on the team, I want them to win. Let’s put this to rest. Have a great summer

by Debilah on Jun 29, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions