Falcons Will Re-Sign Tyson Clabo, May Lose Stephen Nicholas
by Dave Choate on Jul 25, 2011 5:00 PM EDT
in Falcons News
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With the lockout all but ended, the rumors are hitting the ground like an invading army.
D. Orlando Ledbetter is out in front, running down a host of rumors and trying to make sense of the oncoming blitz of free agency. He’s developed destinations for at least three key Falcons free agents, and he’s drawn likely scenarios for a couple more. In the interest of keeping you informed, I’m going to run down the article quickly now. Be sure to pop over and give the talented DOL a read, too. Oh, and prepare to visit us several times daily. There’s going to be a hell of a lot of news afoot over the next couple of weeks.
Tyson Clabo is staying: According to DOL, the Falcons are now expected to match any offer Tyson Clabo gets. This speaks volumes about Garrett Reynolds and Jose Valdez, the two likely candidates if Clabo were to leave, and also to the respect the team has for Clabo. A first-time Pro Bowler, he’s definitely a road-grading offensive tackle. I’m a bit surprised he’s the priority here, but the team is sensitive to the importance of tackles.
Even more surprising is that the team apparently is placing more of a premium on Harvey Dahl than Justin Blalock. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I don’t understand making signing the older, more penalty-prone player not playing on Matt Ryan’s blindside the priority. Perhaps the Falcons really like Mike Johnson or Andrew Jackson? Bah.
Ray Edwards isn’t coming to Atlanta: You have to wonder if the Falcons are just going to hang tight in free agency, or if they’ve decided Kroy Biermann was much better than his numbers in 2010 (he was). Apparently Edwards is a priority for the Philadelphia Eagles and not the Falcons. Maybe they’ll be tempted to pull the trigger on someone like Charles Johnson, but I doubt that’s a possibility. Look for Abe and Biermann to start again, unless DOL is way out in left field facing the wall.
Stephen Nicholas is headed to the Giants: This one might necessitate a free agent signing at linebacker, which revives my "Rocky McIntosh is a possibility!" meme from earlier this off-season. If Nicholas goes—and he could, given the interest in him on the open market—the Falcons either need Akeem Dent to step up immediately or sign a stop-gap option to occasionally start and man the backup spots at outside linebacker.
In short, this would represent a major shakeup to conventional wisdom about the team’s off-season. Exciting times, no?
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Edwards has heard nothing from Eagles.
Which makes sense.
“I have no idea what is going on”
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
The Philly rumor confused me a bit too
They have Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, and Brandon Graham. I just don’t see the need.
But they were also rumored to be interested in Favre of all people, so I guess you have to take everything with a grain of salt
"My parents do a lot of things behind the scenes that go unnoticed"- Cam Newton, Heisman acceptance speech.
by TurnerTheBurner on Jul 25, 2011 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
parker averages only about 5 sacks a year, graham is unproven
maybe they want more from the left end position, i for one woudln’t mind if an nfc team made the mistake of signing the overrated ray edwards.
Where's Mosugo?
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Without coaching and minicamps, there's no way Akeem Dent can start on day 1.
That leaves Spensor Adkins or Mike Peterson covering the tight ends. I love Peterson, but he was noticably slower last year. This leaves an Adkins kind of a scenario.
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!
Weird
I don’t understand the FO’s evaluation of the OLine. Sure, I get how someone could grade Clabo as a priority, but Dahl over Blalock? In what world? Maybe they think/know that Blalock is seeking a lot of money, thus making Dahl better bang for the buck, but I don’t see much point in retaining Dahl, honestly.
As we all know, there’s certain to be a lot of misinformation out there with all the transactions occurring over the next two weeks, but -as we know from the draft – it seems that the Falcons FO has a serious leak problem. So maybe it’s all true; I just don’t get the Dahl evaluation.
This might shed some light on what the FO is seeing
From ProFootball Focus – http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/07/13/2010-offensive-line-rankings-%e2%80%93-part-2/
6. Atlanta Falcons (2009 Rank: 12th)
Run Rank 14th, Pass Rank 11th, Penalties Rank 1st
The Falcons lack top end OL talent, but through continuity of line-up they have become a team that gets as much out of what they have as anyone. Big concerns about what free agency (three contracts expiring) and age (Todd McClure is slowing down) could do to them.
Best Player: They’ll miss Harvey Dahl who was the best performer on a generally consistent offensive line.
Biggest Concern: That after three years in the league, former first round pick Sam Baker just hasn’t got it yet. He was responsible for 35.71% of all Atlanta sacks.
Don’t shoot the messenger but note the comment about Dahl.
Thanks, actually
This is surprising to me, and shows – once again – that amateur eye-valuation isn’t much to go on. One of the reasons that it remains surprising, however, is that I’ve read other sources that refer to Blalock as the best OLineman on the team.
I guess there could also be prejudice on my part b/c of the stupid penalties that Dahl committed over the last season
Different sites have different rating systems
PFF did not show how they got to the comment about Dahl. That was also in 2009 but the most recent numbers I could find quickly. If anyone has newer numbers please post them.
I've come to believe
that a lot of ‘experts’ over-value Blalock because he’s young, scored well on the WonderLic, and was drafted early. Well, earlier than Dahl.
Smokey says: Only you can BVG forest fires.
Broseph
Last year wasn’t his year either. We need help there. I’m assuming they will pick through the leftovers in FA. I dont think it’s wise but that appears to be the case. I do think Kroy will improve but I don’t think he’s THE answer.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jul 25, 2011 5:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Exactly.
He will improve, but I still dont think he is ready to start.
by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 25, 2011 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That's a shame about Stephen Nicholas.
But on the bright side, maybe we can sign another linebacker with a tough sounding name and/or nickname.
So far, we have Police, Dent, Coy Wire, and heck, maybe even Bear Woods in our LB depth chart. I venture to say that’s the most intimidating sounding linebacker corps in the entire NFL, and I hope this trend continues into the future.
I know Bear was in town a couple weeks ago.
I’d say he’s a good 90-man signing, and maybe he can make the team outright this year.
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!
Sorry to bother..
As a Giant fan I was wondering if this kid would be a good sign ? Without over paying of course.
Thanks.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Sex is like math. Add the bed, Subtract the clothes, divide the legs ... And pray to god you don't multiply!!
No bother at all
Nicholas is a baller but has played mostly back up until this past season where he got a good bit of playing time due to injuries. He plays hard every down and is pretty solid against the rush. A little challenged in pass coverage but will probably get better with more playing time.
Not a bother
The majority of free agents will be overpaid during this shmorgasborg (sp?) known as free agency post-lockout but the Giants will be getting a hard worker, on the rise LB with the potential to be a solid starter once he’s had some playing time.
by PurpleDRANKnotJUICE on Jul 25, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks!
I know PFF has its critics and their stats are subjective . Although they have him grading out fairly well against the pass. Im assuming he fails the eyeball test with you guys.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Sex is like math. Add the bed, Subtract the clothes, divide the legs ... And pray to god you don't multiply!!
It could be the eyeball test
He wasn’t bad in pass coverage by any extent and it could have been the way he was being used.
"Without over paying of course."
A bit dopy on my part. :)
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Sex is like math. Add the bed, Subtract the clothes, divide the legs ... And pray to god you don't multiply!!
Reminds me
of the Michael Boley situation, actually.
Boley had more starting experience than Nicks, but seem pretty similar in terms of ceiling.
I want Nicholas back.
Wasn’t the Falcons getting Boley some years ago enough? Giants like our LBs for some reason.
I like him runnig and catching.
I don’t recall his blocking, though. How is he as a backup fullback?
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!
FB, no.
But I believe he’s a better pass blocker than Rice.
Smokey says: Only you can BVG forest fires.
Concern: If we lose Snelling, we need to spend that RB slot on a backup for Ovie.
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!
thanks but...
I’m glad they finally agreed to a CBA but now I have to start reading about all the bad moves and potential bad moves the Falcons’ are making. Please tell me something better than we are resigning Clabo!? I mean that’s great but last I heard he can’t rush the passer. The great D’s in this league are realizing you can’t just defend the pass only by D backs and on the back end, you have to have a pass rush and I mean a consistent pass rush. Abe’s getting old and Biermann has been “projected” to make that leap for 2 years. I think we HAVE to fix that or get much better on the back end. We are getting there with Grimey’s great play but Robinson has looked way more like the guy the year before we took him in Texas (0 picks) than what he did that one season there with 6 picks that earned him his FA deal… I am hoping for better but I also know better …
i don't see any team overpaying for ray edwards
for one reason or the other he thinks he should be paid like a top flight pass rusher, which is why i think he’s outta his mind and the team who elects to pay him like a top flight pass rusher is even more out of their mind. thank god the falcons’s front office is a sane group of individuals.
just a couple of remarks from a few die hard vikings fans:
berniemadoffsides says:Jul 25, 2011 10:28 AM
That’s a smart move – signing Ray Edwards would be the biggest waste of money they could make. Keep the OL bolstered and protect Ryan.
Whatever team running a 4-3 defense who is most desperate at DE will sign Edwards… if I had to guess who that would be, I’d say the Jaguars. Their starting LDE is Jeremy Mincey, who has a career total of 7 sacks in three seasons. Yeah, I’ve never heard of him either. They’re my pick for the Ray Edwards sweepstakes, not that anyone should care where he ends up. Enjoy $40M+ down the drain, Jags.
flapjackdaddy says:Jul 25, 2011 10:47 AM
Charles Johnson is twice the player, anyway. Name the other three guys on the line with him…you can’t. Johnson had 11.5 sacks and led the league in sack-yardage.
Edwards played next to three All-Pros and had 3 fewer sacks. He also had fewer tackles, fewer TFLs and played 20% fewer downs.
Meanwhile, Johnson is a Georgia alum, and his folks live near Atlanta.
So good move Falcons. I wouldn’t go after Edwards, either. Not with Johnson available.
greg85 says:Jul 25, 2011 11:00 AM
Yes.
Get Edwards out of Minnesota, ASAP.
Well robison should be able to fill ray’s shoes here in mn. Kennedy and Guion are studs too. Ray was just a little wrong about his…I’m gonna have the new nfl sack record this year statement. ha. Can someone tell me if it is a good hire by the vike’s for hiring musgrave the falcon’s former OC? why did he get canned there? thanks.
purpleguy says:Jul 25, 2011 11:57 AM
I just don’t understand the fixation everyone has on Ray Edwards. The guy is a disruptive force in the locker room and off the field, is good for 1-2 penalties a game, and rarely excelled despite playing with 3 pro bowl linemen. He’s a good NFL DE and not worthy of significant free agent riches. All outside fans saw of him was the Dallas playoff game, and that only happened once folks.
Let's get a pissed off OSI for a 4th and some change.
Out draft is F’d next year anyway.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jul 25, 2011 6:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Rather hav CJ if we can afford him.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jul 25, 2011 6:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
no player has ever lucked up and record double digit sacks while playing on a poor defensive line
not sure why you’re not sold but that should help you get there bro.
It's a HUGE misconseption thinking that CAR's DL was terrible
Based on DVOA they were 10th in adjusted line yards, ATL was 13th, their power ranking was 14th while ATL’s was 19th, and CAR’s adjusted sack rate was 6.2% while ATL’s was 5.8%.
There was not a big difference in the DT play between ATL and CAR.
you're comparing two not so good defensive lines
as falcons fans its hard to admit, but out defensive front isn’t something to hooray about
I like it BH!!
A pissed Osi on our defense would be mouthwatering to me!!
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
by ATLsince1972 on Jul 25, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Dont John Abraham and Osi play the same position?
Dont see that working out to well. Plus I dont see him going for anything less then a mid to early 3rd.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Sex is like math. Add the bed, Subtract the clothes, divide the legs ... And pray to god you don't multiply!!
Give me CJ
Hes young and played college ball here. If there was a stud later in lets say a draft down the road than Babin could be a bandaid or we can stick with beirmann and sid and try to resign our FAs or go big with a Nnamdi or a Cromartie(less likely).
Unfortunately, it no longer appears to be that way
"The only problem with invading America isn't getting past their military, but dealing with the 80 million snipers once you're in."-Joseph Stalin
by dirtybirds233 on Jul 25, 2011 7:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I scrolled down for this?
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
by Dave Choate on Jul 25, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
geez, chidren
now, say your sorry to each other, shake hands, AND COME OUT FIGHTING, DING, DING!!
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
by ATLsince1972 on Jul 26, 2011 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions
your attention isn't too great
you’re easily sidetracked man
tell us whos the best de available that the falcons will sign
anyone thinking we are content with kroy “the last air tackler” biermann at starting end is cocoa for coo-coo puffs
Yes I agree, obviously the front office doesn't
They have said no to ray edwards, and tue consensus is CJ is staying with Carolina, and even he doesn’t, after spending all that money on Clabo, do you really think we’ll have the money for CJ? And chill with the “do you like being wrong or is it just a hobby?” I’m just going from what I’ve heard in numerous places….not my own speculation.
"The only problem with invading America isn't getting past their military, but dealing with the 80 million snipers once you're in."-Joseph Stalin
by dirtybirds233 on Jul 25, 2011 9:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sorry for the misunderstanding :/
"The only problem with invading America isn't getting past their military, but dealing with the 80 million snipers once you're in."-Joseph Stalin
by dirtybirds233 on Jul 26, 2011 1:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like being wrong
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jul 26, 2011 7:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Anyone like Zach Miller?
At only 25, he’s young and should be much better with Ryan throwing him the rock, unfortunately Gonzo won’t be around next year…
i like him
we don’t need gonzo all that much and i would love to have tha extra cap space if he’s let go
Yea
I completely agree, I don’t think Miller would be that expensive either, but the Falcons are too classy to just cut Gonzo though…
not a bad idea
but i think other needs are more pressing, and unless Gonzales comes out of nowhere with retirement, it’s a long long long long shot.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jul 25, 2011 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Next year
It will be a big need and with no 1st round and Gonzalez surely to be gone after next year…But you’re right it’s probably going to be a long shot but one I wish we could make, at this point he’s a bigger weapon than Gonzalez has been in a while
agreed
he put up good numbers in an offense with a very strong rushing attack and below average QB (although that sometimes leads to better numbers for a TE).
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jul 25, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Tomorrow, starts all the news breaks about just who is talking to who.
You know these guys have been talking on the back channels and making their intentions known to certain FA’s. An asst trainer calls an asst, legal aid for a sports agent firm and mentions that he heard his Prez and GM talking about a certain player for that agency….hmmm? maybe?
I would LOVE to get CJ guys, he would be an upgrade over anything we currently have on our roster at DE opposite of Abe. I think he can be had for a decent price too.
Clabo – Yes!! Glad to see the Falcoholic helping the cause of our team by posting this story hit about the “Falcons Matching ANY OFFERS that Clabo may get” – This will help eliminate some possible suitors for Clabo and a bidding war cuz they may not bother with him now after hearing this!! Right?? Nice, Dave!
I hate to say it guys, but this season we will have to get to know a lot of new players and we will lose some old friends. I think our FO is ready to just scrap some depth charts at certain positions and just start over. Plus throw in this crazy offseason and your gonna have guys making decisions very quickly, guys moving and changing teams just to get closer to home maybe or other reasons. It’s gonna be wild. I guarantee we will see at least one BIG suprise playwer move or two within the next week.
This is gonna be so fun, I am so looking forward to what our staff is going to put together this year. You have the possibility of changing up a lot of styles of players and packages you play so you can run a new philosophy in that position or technique. There are so many changes we could make, go FROM a run first to a PASS first team? Change up the defense to an awesome secondary and leave the D-line as is by signing a couple of above average CB’s or CB and Safety, besides Grimes? maybe?
So cool, peeps, so freaking cool!!
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
I'd make Nicholas the priority over Clabo
Clabo is out most talented FA but I’m wayyyyy more confident in our OL depth than our LB depth
by FLA_Falcon on Jul 25, 2011 8:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Idk
We have two first round picks, mike peterson, and akeem dent and coy wire. thats not unsolid in my eyes
The FO won't be signing a free agent DE
Because they will make a deal for Osi. I’m going out on a limb with that as my bold prediction. CJ seems to be getting alot of interest and Edwards won’t be coming either. Lets goe Osi!!!
here's a question...
Who are some of the top linebackers available in free agency? And might we go after one of them?
We’re all focusing on the DE position, which is obviously important, but you can improve your pass rush by bolstering your linebacking corps as well. And if we’re going to lose Nicholas, and our only other option is an aging Peterson, then wouldn’t it make sense to get another solid linebacker?
Just haven’t heard anyone mention the LB group, and was wondering if it’s a possibility that’s where we’re looking.
by cheshire falcon on Jul 25, 2011 8:32 PM EDT reply actions
AGREED
We drafted Mathews too right?
I guarantee you CMS will make changes there if Nick leaves.
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
by ATLsince1972 on Jul 26, 2011 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Still sober from the lockout
so I might not be as excited as some are. But outside of a DE splash, I wouldn’t expect much. If we lose 2 OL we have guys waiting in the wings. If NIcholas goes, then maybe a mid-tier FA signing to replace him at best, but more than likely expect a 1 year deal for Peterson and resigning the rest.
If we lose Snelling, the team may try to go after some UDFAs and see if anyone can make the team. I expect a mid-tier safety signing to replace Coleman.
Generally speaking, one big splash on a DE and maintenance for whatever players we lose.
scratch that on the LB
expect a 1 year deal for Peterson regardless, he may not be the best, but he wants to be here and we won’t have to pay a lot. If Nicholas goes, well we drafted Dent. I’m guessing Smith and Dimitrov expected something like this.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jul 25, 2011 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome back to the hizzy!
Motha F’as!
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jul 25, 2011 8:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs
rec'd
for the hilarity!!
We all think it, but only BH coulda said it like this!! lol
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
by ATLsince1972 on Jul 26, 2011 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Been seeing a lot of negative on Edwards
maybe there is some truth to us avoiding him. Still want CJ though, I think lightening the load and letting some guys walk might be a strategy to getting him.
I imagine if there is some sort of unofficial agreement with CJ we will see a mass exodus early in the week.
took a little peek over on the panthers board
they seem a little nervous, but confident he will be back.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jul 25, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
the Saints seem to be working pretty quickly
They have agreed to terms with UDFA DeAndre McDaniel
Most of the top UDFAs are gone already
Herzlich to the Ravens, Wesley Saunders to the Steelers, and McDaniel to the Saints. So what are we doing right now?
by TheAreopagite on Jul 25, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone think we can hold down Ricardo Lockette?
As a UDFA we invited in for a visit, who played in Georgia, seems like we might have an inside track. The fastest UDFA available.
by TheAreopagite on Jul 25, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
It better be us.
I don’t care if we have too many receivers, we should at least give him a shot here. That’d make his life.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 25, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I would do a triple backflip into a pool.
…if it was us.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 25, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Dear Charles,
Would you like to sack the crap out of Jimmy Clausen and or Cam Newton two times a year? If so, check this box.
xoxo,
The Comrade
by TheAreopagite on Jul 25, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure of the accuracy but here is a link
that shows potential UDFAs and the teams talking to them:
http://forums.kffl.com/threads/287478-Team-by-team-UDFA-signings
so Ryan Winterswyk, DE, Boise State is our sole reported target
Not so sure about this…
by TheAreopagite on Jul 25, 2011 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm with your uncertainty
would have at least thought we’d be in the running for an UDFA S, but I guess they really like Schillinger and Bush.
Charles Johnson
If we go into the season with Kroy as the started DE and he is the same as in the past, I will have to seriously question the Comrade. DE is a glaring hole on our team, and though Clabo should be a priority, why can we not re-sign him AND a DE.
I prefer Charles Johnson over Edwards. Though I dont know if the first round tender the Panthers put on him is still in place with the new CBA. You would think if he is available he would like to come to Atlanta. He played for VanGorder at UGA, his folks live close by, and he is closer to a SB with us than the Panthers.
Hopefully VanGorder has been working the phone to Johnson trying to lure him here.
We need a DE. This is a priority.
Plus I wouldnt put much into what DOL says. He posts alot of opinion and posts it like he has inside info, and he is wrong alot.
Edwards....
Have to admit I won’t be devastated if Edwards gets away…..just get a Peerless Price vibe, that he’s better as a wingman and not the star……which is ok as long as you’re not paying him like a star.
What's everyone's fascination with Hazelton??
Yeah, his lifelong dream is to be a Falcon and its heart-warming and all, but he went undrafted for a reason. People on these boards talk about him like he’s some type of stud. I know I’ll get some hate responses for posting this, but I could careless about where this guy winds up. We have enough project players and don’t need Rudy on our team. Screw sentimental feelings. I want a SB.
Putting Hazleton on the PS or having him in camp
won’t jeopardize going to a SB. It would be a very nice jesture for a kid that has had to deal with some challenges in life. That’s all it is.
Not to sound like a jerk...
I see your point, but half the guys in the league have a story similar to his or worse. Plus he hasn’t played for a while due to injuries. I’d rather see us sign someone with a realistic shot at contributing. I’m sure he’s a nice kid but we don’t need him.
His dad has been a Falcons fan for most of his life and lives in ATL. I'm pretty sure he's one as well.
He said his dream was to play for the Falcons. His pro comparison is T.O. (minus the locker room problems)
AND…if I remember the story right, he was more highly recruited out of high school than current Falcons WR Julio Jones.
He had some real misfortunes in college. He was at USC, but got hurt pretty bad. When he came back, he wasn’t quite the same and was shuffled down the depth chart because of some really good young talent that had shown up at the time. He transferred to Louisville (might’ve been Cincinatti. One of those white-jersey teams) and had reasonable success. He has good measurables and anyone who is motivated (playing for your dream team? I’d be motivated as hell to do well and do the best I could) has a chance to do well in the NFL.
It’s the potential we’re going on. He’s a talented kid, and I think we should give him a chance to play for us, his dream team. Seriously, if we get nothing out of him, who cares? We paid him nothing and he had his chance, but the upside is massive. He could be something serious if he pans out.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 25, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Potential
He’s damaged goods. If we were to go after a project receiver, I’d hope the FO would go after someone who doesn’t have his misfortunes.
His misfortunes weren't his fault.
To my knowledge, he hasn’t been in any trouble, he just had some horrible luck and didn’t get another chance once he was injured.
He had a high ankle sprain in ’08, and by the time he came back, he was playing second fiddle to a bunch of others who had breakout years. He asked for a transfer because his grandfather in Georgia had developed cancer.
He had to sit out ’09 since he transferred, and then blew his knee out in week 1 of 2010, thus missing the entire season.
It is my understanding that some workouts he was participating in had him looking pretty good, though with his knee the way it is, I don’t know how valid those stories are.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 25, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that's fair
but doesn’t ATL need to add bodies for training camp? Somewhere around 90 players? If so he’d be just one of many. If you look at the UDFA’s out there now, ATL missed many good opportunities already.
check out yahoo's top 100 FA rankings for a laugh
the best falcons related ones are Chris Houston ahead of Brent Grimes, Randy Moss ahead of Clabo, and Justin Blalock not making the list but studs like Alex Smith are on there.
d-wade=d-ouche
by captainamerica* on Jul 25, 2011 11:40 PM EDT reply actions
i really wanted to keep
Stephan but since we cant Spoon and Dent need to step up. Also i havent been sold on Johnson
I approve of this message.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2011/07/25/noel-devine-signed-by-the-falcons/
Here’s your link (Thanks Dave)
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 25, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
It's a great pickup.
Low risk, high reward. His open field speed is excellent, and we’re essentially getting him for nothing. We don’t have to be afraid to cut him if he does something dumb, which, unfortunately, he’s known for doing.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 25, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear you
But man does that kid have some incredible speed and cuts. I just checked out his hightlight vids on Youtube and I;m very pleased with this signing. I hope he can stay out of trouble.
nothing wrong with healthy competition
remember, we get to bring in 90 players! So their going to bring in a lot of redunduncy positions. If they need one RB then bring in 3 and pick the best, samer for other positions of concern. The other spots, not so much concern, then you only bring in a guy or another feel good story type player.
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
by ATLsince1972 on Jul 26, 2011 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
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