Which Falcons Are Likely Camp Casualties?

The Falcons' training camp jumps off in just seven days. Seven days! Dave has been on Robitussin benders longer than that.

As camp approaches, one wonders how this roster will shake out. Who will end up on the chopping block? Who will prevail in some much-anticipated camp battles? Who's getting paid too much for what they'll likely offer? NFL.com's Brian McIntyre thinks Stevey Nicholas may not be a Falcon for long. Say what?!?!

Outside linebacker Stephen Nicholas missed a significant portion of 2011 with a quadriceps injury and picked up just 31 tackles in less than 30 percent of the team's defensive snaps. With the Falcons beefing up their secondary with the trade for Asante Samuel and re-signing of safety Thomas DeCoud, frequent use of nickel packages could result in some trimming at linebacker.

Sean Weatherspoon and the combo of Lofa Tatupu and Akeem Dent are safe, which could put Nicholas and his $1.5 million base salary on the chopping block. Backup defensive tackle Vance Walker is due $1.26 million in base salary on a restricted free agent tender, which may bit too steep for his limited role.

I think he's dead wrong. First of all, this article is part of a series. He has to point to an unlikely camp casualty. It's part of the game. I play that game. He's not completely off-base, but come on, if Nicholas gets cut, who replaces him? The Falcons like their LB depth right now. They're comfortable. I think Nicholas' salary is both manageable and appropriate given what he brings to the table.