Darrin Walls To Run With Falcons First-Team Nickel Defense Friday?

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 7:30 AM EDT in Falcons News

I've been so locked in on Dominique Franks versus Chris Owens for the nickel job—and so many of you have been urging the Falcons to go out and sign a veteran—that we missed the hooves of the dark horse candidate.

That would be Darrin Walls, Notre Dame undrafted free agent and Official Site guru Jay Adams's sleeper pick to make the final roster. While we were all fretting over Owens putting on his helmet backwards and Franks not flashing elite coverage ability, Walls has been quietly putting together a very strong pre-season.

That hasn't gone unnoticed, either. John Manasso reports that the Falcons could try Walls at the nickel with their first-team defense against the Steelers, which is pretty heady stuff for a UDFA. It shows the coaching staff is intrigued, and that Walls has done enough to earn that.

So what's the upside here? Considerable, actually. Walls is a very athletic cornerback, taller than Brent Grimes and known for ballhawking at Notre Dame. He wasn't drafted, yes, but with some time in the system and a little polishing on the rough edges of his game, Walls could be at the very least a valuable reserve for the Falcons. The team, to its credit, recognizes that and is trying to give him a chance to flash that talent. At this point, I'd say he's got a very good shot at sticking as the team's fifth cornerback.

EDIT: I am aware that Chris Owens is being held out of this game, and should have noted it. It's still worth noting that a UDFA is going to be playing with the first team at all.

For those wondering, here's a very quick and dirty look at his college stats:

Walls: 100 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 19 passes defensed, 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 partridge in a pear tree

Now, to be clear, Franks is still the clear frontrunner for the nickel job. He's starting Friday's game in Dunta Robinson's place and has shown enough to be considered a better option than Owens, at the very least. But Walls is sticking his foot in the door, and I don't think Owens is guaranteed any particular number of snaps once the season hits.

So ~~tomorrow~~ Saturday is a big day for Darrin Walls. What do you expect to see from him?

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Actually

The only reason Walls is getting to play with the First team is because Mike Smith decided Dunta and Owens shouldn’t play bc of injuries. Still, it’s gonna be nice to see him play against a pretty good WR group but I’m sure he’s not competing for the nickel spot. That spot is already Franks’ but Walls may take Owens’ place as #4

by ForeignFalcon on Aug 25, 2011 7:40 AM EDT reply actions

I think I'd be okay with

Robinson, Grimes, Franks, Veteran FA (signed at the cut to 53), and Walls. Owens is just going to inhibit the development of promising young talent.

by TheAreopagite on Aug 25, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't agree

I think Owens has potential. He’s just not picking up the learning curve quite as quickly, but the guy can ball.

by ndnpride8806 on Aug 26, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah,

Owens is 24. Franks and Walls are 23. I happen to think about 75% of the reason they’re considered so “promising” is because they haven’t been thrown to the wolves yet. It’s quite possible that they’re just as not ready as Owens was last year.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Aug 26, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Remember that Grimey

was also an UDFA. That worked out pretty well too.

The important things when looking for a good CB is speed and burst. The instincts can be taught (somewhat) and technique is just a matter of practice and time.

I’m hoping Walls shows us something in this game. He had a pretty good showing against Miami, and I’d love to see him do even more in this game, though he is going up against a far more mobile and dangerous Quarterback.

by The DW on Aug 25, 2011 7:55 AM EDT reply actions

By definition...

You can’t teach instincts. That’s why they have to be – instinctual.

by GritsBlitz on Aug 25, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Instincts may be the wrong word

Maybe muscle memory. That can be taught. Getting guys to the point that they do something without having to think about it.

by The DW on Aug 25, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

IOW

people can be taught how to react

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Aug 25, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I heard that Owens was going to in Duanta's spot

before he got hurt, so stop counting him out of this.

Please read Turner_The_Burner and my Best case/Worst case analysis of the upcoming week

by dunlagh on Aug 25, 2011 8:01 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think he's counting him out

However, Owens has the advantage of more experience – and even with that, he’s yet to secure the nickel spot from either Franks or Bush – and now Walls. That should tell you something.

by The DW on Aug 25, 2011 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I've made an edit to the post

You’re right that I should have included that Owens was hurt. That’s my mistake.

Owens could still win out based on his experience, and I still believe he has a place on this team. But with a couple of exceptions, it just hasn’t been a good pre-season for him. I think saying that he has an uncertain role with the Falcons and probably isn’t the front-runner for the nickel job isn’t unfair, but I’m happy to debate that.

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions

not only pre-season

he struggled mightily in that GB game. it’s good that the FA is actually looking for any available talent that could replace Owens at nickel

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Aug 25, 2011 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I disagree with you on this Dave

as I’ve posted before, I think a lot of people here are counting Owens out b/c of his history (specifically one game in January last year), not based on what he’s done this PS. Thus, everyone overlooks Franks terrible coverage from the last PS b/c they want to concentrate on his two good plays (a pass break up on a corner blitz, and a TFL on a busted screen); if Owens and Franks had switched performances, everyone would have written him off even more by now.

In reality, Franks and Owens have been neck-and-neck, and that is likely because they are essentially the same player – athletic DBs that love the physical side of the game and are still developing coverage skillz.

Moreover, Owens has started over Franks in each game he’s been available. Based on that, I don’t see how you can say Franks is the front-runner (not that it really makes a difference). I think it would be better if you just came right out and said that he’s your (and many others here) preferred front-runner. I don’t see anything wrong with that.

I don’t care who wins the job, frankly. I know the Coaches will pick the best man for it, but I think we need to stop demeaning one player (Owens) so that we set him up as an effigy if he makes a mistake, while we ignore the faults of the other player and perceive him as some false messiah. Obviously, I’m not directing this all at Dave, but it’s just trend I’ve noticed that is somewhat similar to the Ray Edwards dislike on the boards just before Free Agency started.

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

KMarch and Owens sittin' in a tree...

Nah, just messin’ with you.

It’s good he has a few supporters from the fans.

As for me, I think he’s trash. But that’s just me…and probably many others.

"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.

by Jman781 on Aug 25, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

you got me!

I’m the one who broke into his baby mama’s place, actually.

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I actually think

Another reason people prefer Franks is he has much better size. Also, for what it’s worth, DOL thinks Franks is the frontrunner.

by Mosugo on Aug 25, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Shot across the bow, eh?

I appreciate the constructive criticism, and I will now respond. It’s like gladiatorial combat with a lot of words!

Look, I honestly like Chris Owens. I want him to succeed, and I still cling to the belief that he could be a starter/nickel back of total excellence someday. But it’s not now, and I can’t pretend I think it is now.

The coaching staff drafted Franks and has given him extensive run this pre-season because they want to see if he can seize the nickel spot this year. Owens is athletic and talented, but he’s not the tackler Franks is, and he’s failed to separate himself from Franks this pre-season. You’re right that Owens has started over Franks, especially outside, but what has he done with the opportunity?

I view Franks’ struggles in coverage, to some degree, as having to do with BVG’s pre-season mandate that corners play off their guys. To be fair, some of that goes with Owens, as well. But he was absolutely burnt to a crisp during the Miami game, and while everyone knows that Rafael Bush had a hand in that, it’s not the kind of impression he needs to make.

For Owens to win the nickel job, he has to separate himself from Franks, who the coaching staff liked a lot in practice. I haven’t seen it happen, and I maintain that makes Franks the front-runner going into the season. Whether he can fend off Owens for the duration of 2011, whether Owens would start outside if (heaven forbid) Dunta or Grimes went down, whether Walls could actually leapfrog him….I don’t know. I’m rooting hard for him to make an impression and do good things during the season.

If Owens wins the nickel job and impresses everyone, I will come back to you with hat in hand and readily admit I was wrong. I’m comfortable with being the dummy, because I end up being that guy pretty frequently. But at this moment, I have a lot of confidence that Franks is taking the job.

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

A sound retort

As I indicated, I’m rooting for both. Yet, I will gladly eat crow or accept your hat should either outcome render it necessary.

It looks so…appetizing.

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

It's great with a little lime

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

And a bowl of

(Ray) rice…

/that was stupid dumb; I know.

"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.

by Jman781 on Aug 25, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah, good!

they’re already on the plate. Should I put some salt on my wrist, too?

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Better add pepper, too!

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not a fan of Owens.

Not at all.

I would think Walls is better than Owens, if only for the simple fact his name is not Chris Owens.

"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.

by Jman781 on Aug 25, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I am really glad to see this,

Walls has played some really good coverage from what I have seen the last two games. Its nice to know that our coaches haven’t gotten so focused on Franks vs. Owens that they didn’t notice the UFDA silently making his case.

by GA-James on Aug 25, 2011 8:34 AM EDT reply actions

I'm expecting at least 3 french hens from Walls in this game.

2 turtle doves at the worst.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 25, 2011 8:39 AM EDT reply actions

Little early to ask for lords a-leapin', perhaps

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Would prefer the 9 ladies dancing

But back to Walls. Even tho I must loathe him due to the school he went to, the guy has played some solid football. Sure he was in after most starters were pulled from both side but he was reading plays and making them while other guys we’re wandering around picking dandelions or spotting something shiny in the stands. Fantastic opportunity for him against a top flight offense. I hope that notre dame scum does well.

by aces666high on Aug 25, 2011 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions

This is the year we start collecting our

5 golden rings

by GA-James on Aug 25, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

I ike it a lot

by FLA_Falcon on Aug 25, 2011 7:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

During his

interview with Jay Adams he sounds very confident. I think he has an excelent chance to make the team. If he continues to improve he could be the much needed depth at that position for our team.

by BigFalcon84 on Aug 25, 2011 8:54 AM EDT reply actions

Should Owens practice with backwards helmet? He might learn The Force.

by YokoFalcon on Aug 25, 2011 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs

These are not the DBs you're looking for.

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

That might have worked for Chris Houston

His head was always turned the wrong way.

by vanb on Aug 25, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Prediction

Walls gets a diving inteception against the first team steelers while covering emmanuel sanders on a 13 yard crossing route as big ben rolls out to his right after being flushed from the pocket due to a curtis lofton A gap blitz.

by GTbacker on Aug 25, 2011 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

oddly specific

have you seen this game already? Can I ride your fancy time machine!

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

If Big Ben rolls out to his right...

I’m hoping Ray-Ray is there to greet him.

by GritsBlitz on Aug 25, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

which direction is Sanders crossing?

Is Big Ben throwing across his body on this play?

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Aug 25, 2011 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Excited about Walls

He’s yet another guy who’s had a “strong camp.” Which, if the past is any indication, means he’ll probably be a little lost in the first-string game environment. I’m going to route hard for him, though. I’d love for him to surprise everyone and become a serious contender for the starting job.

by KMarch on Aug 25, 2011 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

What happened to

Rafael Bush?

by vanb on Aug 25, 2011 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

Quietly earning a roster spot

by Dave Choate on Aug 25, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Safety.They do see him as a possible nickel though.

by SmokeyBell on Aug 25, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Makes me little less worried about NB.

Walls definitely looks like a contender for Nickle spot. Franks had a spotty game against Jags and if he continues playing like that Walls might sneak up on the Depth chart with a good performance against Steelers. At this point neither Franks nor Owens look like the solution at the Nickle spot.
Here is another writeup on Walls on how he came in to the league and why he was not drafted.
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/08/24/11/Darrin-Walls-climbing-up-the-Falcons-dep/landing_falcons.html?blockID=553224&feedID=3703

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 25, 2011 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Hmmmmm.

I don’t see that Franks has proved himself to be a vastly better option than Owens. He got beat badly several times vs. the Jags offense going up against guys who are not going to put a lot of fear in most defenses. I would say Walls has a chance to beat them both out and this is the coaching staff not only letting him know that, but Franks and Owens as well.

by bobulated on Aug 25, 2011 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

I haven't seen a corner yet ready to play nickel

Franks is the leader but I was hoping Owens would be that guy. He has the most experience, if he plays bad this year then we shouLd cut him. Walls may be good but he’s got so much to learn that If he gets a spot it’ll be 5 th corner. I hope this doesn’t bite us in the ass all year. 3rd and long can’t get off the field, we will have to go through greenbay and other pass happy teams. I just hate the question mark..

by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Aug 25, 2011 1:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Perhaps Grimes could cover nickel.

Nickel back is a position where swivel and agility are key. The defender must be able to make a play on the ball to the left or right immediately. The inside reciever has many more options on his route running. On the outside the defender has the sideline to help him. This limits route options. Just thinking out loud, but Grimes is by far the most atheletic of our corners and better suited for the job. In base D, he goes back outside. We still need a 3rd corner to step up on the outside. In my opinion, Owens does a better job outside anyway.

by SmokeyBell on Aug 25, 2011 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

a lot of teams do actually do this, and I think it's a great idea

He might be in better position for interceptions; the only question is if he would see it as a demotion, since he is clearly in the top two CBs on this team.

by TheAreopagite on Aug 26, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions