Vikings Sign Away Offensive Tackle Prospect Jose Valdez
by Dave Choate on Jan 19, 2012 12:02 PM EST
in Falcons News
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PrintFor the last couple of years, Jose Valdez has been a training camp darling.
The Falcons have been notoriously poor at compiling offensive tackle depth in recent years. Will Svitek was a pleasant surprise this last season, but Valdez was basically it for tackle prospects in the system with any upside. This is a guy who began his career as a guard, too.
With quality size and decent footwork, Valdez looked like a possible reserve, if not an eventual starter. We tend to inflate our young players to match up with our dreams, and I'm as guilty as anybody of projecting. Because Valdez was big and the team was grooming him as a tackle, it seemed like a lock
Unfortunately, the Falcons are saying goodbye to one of the few pieces of depth they had at tackle. If Garrett Reynolds moves back to OT and Sam Baker is retained, the Falcons could make a go of it, though it's hardly ideal. I always hate to lose players the Falcons have been grooming, but it's telling that Valdez never made an impact during his time in Atlanta. The Vikings will probably find better use for Valdez as a guard, frankly.
Ultimately, it's probably no great loss. What do you think?
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Well this just sucks!!
we have OL issues as it is and I was hoping Baker was gone and this guy was figured in somewhere on the OL!!
CRAP!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
It's a smart move on his part
Because we’re about to kick starters into backups, and backups onto the practice squad, and practice squadders onto the street. Whether through FA or draft, there are going to be a handful of new players who will automatically be slotted above him.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
Mike Johnson if your out there
Now is the time to step up. Did anybody get to see this kid in training camp? Garrett Reynolds beat this kid out and Reynolds sux like he does. Bama All-American. WTF happened to the kid? I heard he had to bad foot injury. Any intel?
He was concussed during the Pre season, which gave Reynolds the win by default
He came back during the season but was still not able to crack the starting lineup even with the bad play up front. Went on IR w/some vague injury.
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nick Saban asked him to grayshirt a year.
He’s supposedly a ‘soft commit’ for us and looking elsewhere.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
I hear you
I refuse to believe that a healthy Johnson couldn’t beat Reynolds. He was an absolute beast in college.
Yeah I hope he's back and healthy for 2012. Anyone heard anything on his status?
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
Who isn't a beast in college?
If you play in the pros, you were a beast in college.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
If Valdez couldn't beat out
Baker, Johnson, Reynolds, or Hawley for the Guard or Tackle spots after being on the practice squad for 3 years, then it’s not major loss. It was time.
Injuries did some of that but...
I think he is still a quality player and would have liked to see him get another shot under a new system.
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
I think we also signed a guy off the street instead of promoting anyone from the PS during the season
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Kirk Chambers
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Jan 19, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I see us going after OL heavily during free agency
Doubt we’re going to take on any “projects” through the draft for OL and “hope” they pan out. Go get us some proven OL.
I can see us going after an OG with our 2nd round pick
since there are usually very good ones still there at that point of the draft. My worry is LT.
Yeah free agency is gonna be interesting to say the least
http://nfltraderumors.co/2012-nfl-free-agents/
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
and here is one for just OL
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2012/fa/ol.html
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
Thanks for the fun here guys but im done w/ the falcoholic!
Once i find out how to delete my account!!! I’ve done alot of bloging here on this website. but for us to claim we’re all on the same team when we bash each other every chance we get is preposterous and there’s been too many bitchy people here, also “no it all’s” and people that take other peoples opinion’s and trash them if someone somewhat creditable disagres. Also, the way that that "im first " thingy was taken makes this site a little too touchy for my liking, i mean really! who cares. It’s not like we’re wasting paper here lol!
Might i add thier will be some fruitloop giving negative feedback for this but that proves my point and sthrenghs my departure even more!
Thanks Falcon Fans!!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 1:42 PM EST reply actions
Well, each to his own and good luck to you.
I think we have some “heated” debates but “bashing”…I don’t know but everyone sees things differently.
Sorry if anything I did offended…I cannot/will not speak for others on that issue. Later bro…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Agreed
I’ve found this to be the best Falcons blog by FAR. Very good esprit du corps imho. We may disagree, but disagreeing with you does not equal bashing. Come to value the opinions here as well as being a great place to vent with fellow Falcons fans and my new virtual friends.
We may be homers but we’re also realists and analytical when it comes to our team. No smoke gets blown here and we don’t have to drink the Kool Aid when we think our team or players make bad decisions. The discussion is usually healthy, on point, and spiced with just the right amount of sarcasm and humor.
Hate you feel that way but good luck to you. We’ll all be rooting the Falcons on in our own ways.
Don't be so sensitive dude...
They made it clear to me a while back also. I didn’t understand the big deal, and honestly still don’t. I don’t know proper blogging etiquette b/c I barely read blogs, but when in Rome….
So don’t leave, we really need as many “real” fans as possible. So if you consider yourself one, keep reading and posting like the rest of us.
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Jan 19, 2012 2:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
simple mistake for a breif paragraph. didnt know i was beening graded though, ill do better!!
at least i didnt misspell my name like this guy above me!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
*brief and *being
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Jan 19, 2012 2:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i type fast gosh!!!!!:(
u obviously got it!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
I'd hope you'd re-consider
I enjoy having everyone’s perspective here, yours very much included. If you look around SB Nation and at other blogs, I think you’ll find we don’t trash anyone’s opinion any more than any other site. We’re certainly a little more polite than the AJC comments.
As for the firsts, that’s been a site rule more or less since the beginning of the blog. There’s not many rules here—we limit swearing, we don’t really abide all caps and try to limit personal attacks—but that’s one of them. I recognize that not everyone loves that rule, but I’m not a fan of every blog post or article being started off with “first.” That’s not a personal knock on you or anyone else, but it is a site rule.
Again, I hope you’ll stay.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
Cause then it just devolves in to a page of numbers or comments on the post number
Taking away from tasty gooey football goodness.
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
More or less
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Agreed...
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Um...who are you?
I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl
by Duff_Man on Jan 19, 2012 4:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The youngest member on The Falcoholic
"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox
We don't have to continue to settle Atlanta. We're better than that.
Hey Dave, look at these wolves.. I stand corrected lol
Let the bash live on!!!!!
these are the holes i mentioned. their starting to come out!!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Dude
We understand you’re young, but to completely alter the topic of discussion with your cries for attention is ridiculous.
"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox
We don't have to continue to settle Atlanta. We're better than that.
How was that a bash?
Wait…why am I participating in this?
I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl
by Duff_Man on Jan 19, 2012 5:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Peace out
Youll still be reading this just not posting. Your addicted like the rest of us
by ocfalcon on Jan 19, 2012 2:00 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Do what you gotta do home skillet.
Gotta have a thicker skin on you at times when you blogging though. If Choate says no “firsting” then no “firsting” understand and move on from it. Now the fisting comment…although very funny IMO, was your opportunity to snap back a little.
Exactly. Kushion and I had some fun a few threads back and all is well
The “first” thing has been around for as long as I can remember, I’ve only been here a couple of year but it’s really not a big thing. Not like the bam hammer’s came down on anyone for it…though a few people have gone…fishing…I’ve said too much!!
He’ll be back. They always come back. :)
I have to wonder if "atlanta superbowls" is really Jose Valdez?
Maybe he can go to the Minnesota blog now.
That was awsome, WOW! this is the most Attn ive gotten since ive been here ..cool!!!
Ha! im not going anywhere unless im kicked!!! Guess that was worst then the "first " thingy huh “dreded one” ? i dont think u can spell very well either btw!!! New rule no " going away bloging"
Ps. everything else was true!!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 2:39 PM EST reply actions
Now go stand in the corner until your ready to behave...lol
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
"Hey guys reply back to me!" "Please!"
"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox
We don't have to continue to settle Atlanta. We're better than that.
Borderline personality disorder
Look it up.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
;( right! shame on me!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Like a lot of you
I recall hearing how much the Falcons thought of Valdez as a prospect. But joining the dots here – could it be that the person grading O-line talent for the Falcons was Mr Boudreau, and the Falcons’ high opinion of Valdez was in fact drawn from this source? The same source who may have landed us in recent drafts with what appear to be some average prospects at best? With Boudreau gone, it doesn’t surprise me to see Valdez allowed to walk away also. I think we’re going to see quite a few changes coming on the O-line, through free agency and the draft. At least one new starter and a few new reserves/guys to compete in training camp for the new O-line coach – whoever that might be.
Yeah that's my assumption after Boudreau was let geaux
He had a reputation for coaching up undersized “athletic” OL. So what that says to me is the same thing you mentioned. They leaned on Boudreau to help make decisions on OL drafting. We now see that as a mistake on talent evaluation and corrected that with his firing.
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
The Falcoholic
Online therapy at it’s best.
I hope the Falcons can win a playoff game next year. So we can stop with the grown men doing virtual hugs, ewh. :- U Good thing we all have profile names.
Just don't take your snaps under center. Now THAT'S ewwww.
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
Hey Dave, I think we need a re-post on this topic, it kind of went south...
and not allot of healthy discussion on the “actual” topic! Not a jab at anyone, just the fact of the matter.
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
It happens
Still time to steer the ship back into Jose Valdez waters.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
I start it by saying....
We should only keep 3 of our stating O-lineman and Grab Nicks and trade Turner and a 2nd rounder. for a first round Draft pick
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 4:24 PM EST reply actions
I just don't think anyone will give us a 1st for...
Turner and a 2nd. In fact I see no scenario via trade + picks that gets us back into the 1st round. We are just going to have to suck it up for this draft season and hope FA bears fruit for us.
Which 3 starting OL-men are you thinking and…
Yep, Nicks would be a beautiful addition!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
plus we'll know much $ we'll have to spend in a day or so
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think TD knows how much he will have to work with as we speak...
give or take 5 to 8 mil…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
uh oh! that don't sound to good!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
I think we can get a 1st rounder maybe not top ten but surly top 25
as for the oline keep vitek,Clabo and Hawley
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 4:35 PM EST reply actions
That's what I was thinking to...Blalock stays as well!!
If we pick up Nicks (please football gods), then the starters are pretty much there and then we just need to look at depth.
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
we're going to have to look at those lineman bc that line wasnt just Sam baker
Those guys are in the hot seat. we should be looking at 3 new starters in 2012!
Atlanta Superbowls
by Atlanta Superbowls on Jan 19, 2012 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
Valdez has been on the Practice Squad for 3 years now
meaning his only way of sticking is to make a 53-man roster.
Dave, are you saying you AREN’T excited about Kyle Jolly as a Tackle prospect?
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Woo...hoo?
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While on the O-line
Whither Andrew Jackson? Sort of the forgotten man of our O-line, which, when you consider how forgettable some of them are, is quite a feat. Could he also be on shaky ground given his injury problems? Or is he a potential piece of solving next year’s O-line puzzle?
I think he's someone to keep an eye on
Not really sure what happened to him this season.
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Jackson was on the Practice Squad until he got injured
I can’t find any details about what he injured… But (full circle) that’s how we ended up with Kyle Jolly!
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Jan 20, 2012 8:25 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Shiza...
and so the arms race begins…again…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 20, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
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