The Falcoholic - Falcons 2016 Draft: All the picks, all the coverageFalcons News, Analysis & Tomfoolery For and By Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21944/falcoholic-fave.jpg2016-05-11T14:00:03-04:00http://www.thefalcoholic.com/rss/stream/112974092016-05-11T14:00:03-04:002016-05-11T14:00:03-04:00Has the draft changed your season projection?
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<figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After the Falcons' draft class, are you adjusting your expectations up or down for the season ahead? </p> <p>The draft dust has settled, rookie minicamp is over, and we're left to look ahead to OTAs, training camp, and preseason. As we wait for those exciting times, I'll ask this: How are you feeling about the season ahead now that you've seen who the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> picked up in April?</p>
<p>This is a polarizing draft class, so I'm expecting a wide range of answers to this question. Many loved the athleticism of these players and their fits on Dan Quinn's team, while others felt nearly every pick was a reach and not, perhaps, the best player available for Atlanta. Both are perfectly valid perspectives before we've really seen them play, but depending on which side you come down on, you may be thinking of a better or worse season record for the Falcons.</p>
<p>Personally, I'm sticking with 8-8. I fully expect Keanu Neal to be an upgrade at strong safety and think Deion Jones and Austin Hooper will be legitimate contributors, but there's nobody here that promises to be the kind of massive difference-maker in their first year that would make me alter my projection. I do have high hopes for 2017, and do think it's <i>possible</i> this team could make more noise in 2016. I'm just not expecting it.</p>
<p>How about you?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/11/11650814/falcons-draft-has-your-projection-for-atlanta-changed-at-allDave Choate2016-05-10T10:00:03-04:002016-05-10T10:00:03-04:00Will every draft pick make the Falcons roster?
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<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It's a question worth asking after the last several years. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> only had six draft picks this year, and considering their real depth issues, it seems fair to assume that all of them will make the final roster. Will that be the case, though?</p>
<p>A little history: Last year, the Falcons cut seventh round pick <span>Jake Rodgers</span>, an Eastern Washington tackle, fairly early in the offseason. The year before, they cut seventh round linebacker <span>Yawin Smallwood</span> and fifth round cornerback <span>Ricardo Allen</span>, though they luckily snuck Allen onto the practice squad, considering he wound up being the team's starting free safety in 2015. There's precedent here, is what I'm saying.</p>
<p>I think it's safe to say the top four picks in this class will be safe, considering the quartet of Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, Austin Hooper, and De'Vondre Campbell all have considerable upside at positions of need. That leaves guard Wes Schweitzer and wide receiver Devin Fuller, the team's 6th and 7th round draft picks, as potential options there.</p>
<p>Schweitzer should be safe because the Falcons' really have no long-term options at guard, and he's certainly one of the younger and more promising options down the line (at least a reserve) almost by default. That leaves Devin Fuller, whose status with the team may hinge on how <span>Devin Hester</span> heals up, as well as how <span>Nick Williams</span>, <span>Aldrick Robinson</span>, and other bottom of the depth chart options at receiver fare over the summer. I think he's got a good shot of being one of the last guys on the roster and earning a returner job, but if Hester's staying, he could very well be going.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I think given the team's roster situation this year they'll wind up keeping all six guys around, but Fuller's the one worth monitoring. What say you?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/10/11634424/will-all-the-falcons-2016-draft-picks-make-the-rosterDave Choate2016-05-09T10:00:02-04:002016-05-09T10:00:02-04:00Austin Hooper should be a good red zone option
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The rookie Falcons tight end has the opportunity to make a splash even if he's not the full-time starter.</p> <p>Austin Hooper is almost certainly going to start for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> at some point in the near future, but I don't expect that to happen in 2016 with <span>Jacob Tamme</span> in the picture, even if Hooper offers a more well-rounded skillset than the veteran. I do, however, expect him to be a red zone asset.</p>
<p>So does <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/20487/stanfords-austin-hooper-could-be-quite-a-catch-for-atlanta-falcons">Vaughn McClure at ESPN</a>:</p>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;">The Falcons had their share of red zone woes last season, including a slew of turnovers. Though they possess arguably the most dangerous receiving threat in the league in <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13982/julio-jones" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #3366cc; outline: 0px !important; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Julio Jones</a>, the Falcons didn’t take full advantage of their red zone opportunities. They could have been even better than their 54.7 percent red zone conversion rate, which ranked 17th in the league. The Falcons were fifth in 2014 at 60 percent.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;">In steps Hooper, who caught six touchdown passes last season in a Stanford offense dominated by Heisman Trophy candidate Christian McCaffrey. Three of those touchdowns were in the red zone, and one them was a 42-yard, catch-and-run down the middle at Oregon State.</p>
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<p>Hooper's size, speed, and ability to create separation matter a great deal, and they're especially welcome when you look at the team's tight end production inside the 20 a year ago. Tamme was productive in the open field but caught just one touchdown pass, while <span>Levine Toilolo</span> has never been able to use his imposing height effectively in the red zone, with just four touchdowns in three seasons in Atlanta. Hooper is simply faster and more dynamic than either player, and that should (eventually, anyways) translate to more red zone production.</p>
<p>That's good news for the offense as a whole, because <span>Mohamed Sanu</span> isn't a big scoring option and the Falcons didn't really add anyone else who looms as a huge threat when the Falcons get close to the end zone. I expect Hooper to be one of the team's top three scorers in the passing game this year.</p>
<p>How about you?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/9/11634396/austin-hoopers-rookie-year-impact-will-likely-be-in-the-red-zoneDave Choate2016-05-07T12:00:03-04:002016-05-07T12:00:03-04:00Why development matters for the Falcons
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Every player on the roster matters.</p> <p>When <span>Mike Smith</span> was fired as the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> head coach, Arthur Blank mentioned some key traits they were looking for in the man who would replace him. One of the first statements Blank made was that he was looking for a coach that would have a focus on developing players. It was a an indictment of Smitty's time as head coach that fans could relate to. Too often, fans saw players with potential get drafted in the middle-to-late rounds, only to be permanently affixed on the bench or on special teams. Ultimately, it seems that Blank saw that issue as well.</p>
<h4>Changes</h4>
<p>Enter Dan Quinn. Off the bat, Coach Quinn has talked at length about his desire to get the most out of every player on the roster. This sounds great, but by the time his first camp rolled around, it was clear that he was serious about it. Quinn would end up assembling a coaching staff that was much larger than the one that Mike Smith had while he was here. Not only that, but those coaches were "in the trenches" with the players during camp - including Coach Quinn.</p>
<p>In contrast to the "practice - film it - correct it in the classroom" methodology that Smith employed, Quinn and his staff strive for on-the-field corrections. I saw first hand as offensive linemen would go through their drills and immediately be corrected on their technique and be forced to do it again. It's a difference in philosophy that makes a big difference in the turn-around time for correction. Correcting on the field not only trains the mind, but it trains the body. It was clear that players were picking up on things faster, and responding well to the hands-on approach.</p>
<p>That hands-on approach wasn't limited to the top draft picks either. You would often see the coaches actively engaged with the undrafted free agents. The guys who had very little chance of making the roster. Our own Jeanna Thomas reported that during the season, she saw Dan Quinn actively working with <span>Tyler Starr</span> - who was on the practice squad. This developmental mentality not only spanned across the 53-man roster, it poured over into training up the guys on the practice squad as well.</p>
<p>Why bring all this up? Because the 2015 draft class is indicative of how critical this mindset is to everything that Coach Quinn does. Many of the players drafted this year - from Jones to Campbell to Hooper - are all raw in some respect. Even first round pick Keanu Neal has work he needs to do. Gone are the days of trying to draft "fully baked" players who have limited upside. The new regime wants players with great athletic traits who are raw or need significant development. The middle rounds are no longer about drafting core special teams players - it's about finding those diamonds in the rough. It's a mentality that netted the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> guys like <span>Richard Sherman</span> (5th round) and <span>Kam Chancellor</span> (5th round). It's also how <span>Michael Bennett</span> was developed as an UDFA (by Dan Quinn no less).</p>
<h4>Risk</h4>
<p>Make no mistake: there is some risk associated with this strategy. Not every mid-round pick is going to develop and a good athlete does not always make a good football player. It's also a philosophy that could lead a staff away from a talented player it feels it can't develop in favor of one it feels is more "coachable." These are big risks, but the payoff could be tremendous. Teams that find future starters in the mid-rounds are the ones who are best able to build sustained success.</p>
<p>So, as you look over this draft class and watch it come together into the 2016 season, keep in mind the mindset that drove the decision to grab these specific guys. The hope is that what is raw and unpolished today, will tomorrow be a football player who is contributing at a high level. If this developmental coaching staff can pull it off, there are some bright days ahead for this franchise.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/7/11606498/the-importance-of-the-falcons-developmental-coaching-staffDavid J Walker2016-05-06T08:00:03-04:002016-05-06T08:00:03-04:00Falcons rookie minicamp kicks off today
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<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Falcons will try to sort through their incoming rookies and find who will be along for the ride come this summer. </p> <p>It's the start of rookie minicamp! This is the first opportunity for the team's draft class to show off, and a prime opportunity for undrafted free agents to make an early case for a roster or practice squad slot. There's a handful of camp invitees who can distinguish themselves enough to get a longer look, as well, so there's a lot at stake for those guys.</p>
<p>As a reminder, here's the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>' rookie class and undrafted free agents who will be participating. The team currently has 89 players under contract.</p>
<h4>Draft Picks</h4>
<p>Round 1: S <span>Keanu Neal</span><br>Round 2: LB Deion Jones<br>Round 3: TE Austin Hooper<br>Round 4: LB De'Vondre Campbell<br>Round 6: G <span>Wes Schweitzer</span><br>Round 7: WR Devin Fuller</p>
<h4>UDFAS</h4>
<p>DE Josh Dawson<br>DT Gerald Dixon, Jr.<br>OL Cody Elentz<br>OL Alex Fifita<br>LB Torrey Green<br>DT Cory Johnson<br>WR Daje Johnson<br>CB Devonte Johnson<br>WR Malachi Jones<br>DT Chris Mayes<br>WR <span>J.D. McKissic</span><br>LB Ivan McLennan<br>CB David Mims<br>DB Sharrod Neasman<br>TE Josh Perkins<br>DB Brian Poole<br>FB Will Ratelle<br>OL Jake Reed<br>WR David Richards<br>K <span>Nick Rose</span><br>CB Jordan Sefon<br>RB Brandon Wilds</p>
<p>Below you'll find our tracker, where we'll give you any early looks we get at how these guys are faring.</p>
<p><a data-widget-id="568426485393162240" href="https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons" class="twitter-timeline">Tweets by @AtlantaFalcons</a>
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<p>Stay tuned for our coverage over the weekend.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/6/11599800/falcons-rookie-minicamp-starts-todayDave Choate2016-05-05T19:41:57-04:002016-05-05T19:41:57-04:00Falcons ink all their draft picks
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>That was fast.</p> <p>Newly minted Falcon first rounder Keanu Neal signed his four year deal the other day, and now you can welcome the other five members of the team's 2016 draft class to the team. Officially.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> are the first team to sign our entire draft class! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RiseUp?src=hash">#RiseUp</a><br><br>READ: <a href="https://t.co/uk7fM4cd3m">https://t.co/uk7fM4cd3m</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwLwhpObq5">pic.twitter.com/AwLwhpObq5</a></p>
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/728364178918891520">May 5, 2016</a>
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The way rookie contracts are now structured, teams tend to sign guys faster than they used to, but this is still pretty quick. It's also ideal for getting all six guys into rookie minicamp alongside the 22 undrafted free agents and rookie camp invites the team announced earlier today, which is in itself ideal because the Falcons figure to lean pretty heavily on this class. Neal and second round pick Deion Jones are fully expected to start, while Austin Hooper, De'Vondre Campbell, Wes Schweitzer, and Devin Fuller should all have legitimate roles in their first year with the Falcons.</p>
<p>Welcome aboard, rookie class!</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/5/11605122/nfl-draft-2016-falcons-are-the-first-nfl-team-to-sign-their-entireDave Choate2016-05-05T12:00:02-04:002016-05-05T12:00:02-04:00Taking a Closer Look at Austin Hooper
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<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Falcons added firepower to their offense with Stanford tight end.</p> <p>With their third round pick, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> selected Stanford tight end Austin Hooper. Hooper has the make up of a player who can step in right away to compete for playing time with Jacob Tamme and <span>Levine Toilolo</span>.</p>
<p>Outside of <span>Julio Jones</span> and the occasional burst from <span>Devonta Freeman</span> and <span>Tevin Coleman</span>, Atlanta lacked a player who could be a source of big plays. Austin Hooper can provide that and a bit more.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://mockdraftable.com/player_embed/6362/selected/graph/" width="500" height="620" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<p>Hooper was one of the better athletes at tight end in this class; for a team that's looking to get faster on both sides of the ball, this was a nice get. He's shown the ability get over the top of defenses and beat coverages deep for big plays.</p>
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<p>Hooper wasn't ultra-productive over his career at Stanford (74 catches, 937 yards, 8 touchdowns), but the traits he flashed showed a future starter capable of being extremely productive.</p>
<p>Tight ends in Kyle Shanahan's offense have to show strength, toughness, and the ability to earn a quarterback's trust over the middle of field. <span>Jacob Tamme's</span> games versus the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> are perfect examples of this. The tight end acts as a safety valve in the middle of the field.</p>
<p>This was an area that Hooper excelled in as well. He was routinely fearless over the middle of the field no matter how many defenders were directly in front of him.</p>
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<p>Here's another example from Stanford's game against Notre Dame. It was a short gain that didn't reach the first down marker, but he held strong after receiving the big hit and completed the pass.</p>
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<p>Catches over the middle wasn't the only area where Hooper's receiving was proficient. Not every catch is going to be made through a window; being able to fight for the ball is a necessary trait and Hooper displayed that with one of the most spectacular catches of the season versus USC.</p>
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<p>An impressive part of this play is how natural Hooper looks split out wide. He smoothly beats the zone redirect by the corner, zips downfield, and makes the incredible catch. His versatility within Stanford's offense was a major component for the Cardinal and it should directly translate to the NFL.</p>
<p>Hooper brings a legitimate redzone target for <span>Matt Ryan</span> and will put pressure on defenses near the endzone. Julio Jones, <span>Mohamed Sanu</span>, Jacob Tamme, and now Austin Hooper (on paper) sounds like a group that should play well within the 20 yard line.</p>
<p>On a team that runs outside zone as a staple of their run offense, the tight end can often find himself in a position where he has to execute key blocks to seal linebackers on the edge, or kick them out to the sideline. Technically, Hooper isn't a great blocker, but he gives great effort in the run game.</p>
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<p>Hooper consistently brings the competitive toughness that Dan Quinn consistently preaches about. That was a recurring theme with the players that the Falcons brought in this offseason, and Hooper is another player who fits that mindset.</p>
<p>The biggest issue that Hooper needs to clean up is his blocking technique. At times he can get overaggressive with his blocks and lose balance against heavier and more athletic defenders. Still, it's better to have a player you need to dial back instead of try to reach new levels of physicality.</p>
<p>A strong argument can be made that Hooper was the best value pick of the draft for the Falcons. He's brimming with potential and already has some polished, nuanced skills to be productive right off the bat. Hooper probably won't begin the season as the starting tight end, but no one should be surprised if he holds the starting spot by the middle or the end of the season.</p>
<p>Stay tuned for a breakdown for newly drafted linebacker De'Vondre Campbell.</p>
<p>What do you think of the Falcons selection of Austin Hooper?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/5/11544108/scouting-austin-hooper-the-element-of-the-big-playCharles R. McDonald2016-05-05T08:00:05-04:002016-05-05T08:00:05-04:00Talking De'Vondre Campbell with a Minnesota site
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<figcaption>Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Gopher Nation, SB Nation's excellent Minnesota blog, breaks down Campbell. </p> <p>The Falcoholic's expert film analyst Charles McDonald is planning to break down <span>De'Vondre Campbell</span> soon, so you should definitely stay tuned for that, but in the meantime we can get to know Campbell better by talking to the folks who know him best.</p>
<p>That's why we turned to <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Gopher, SB Nation's Minnesota site</a>, for their impressions of the team's new fourth round pick. Here's Gopher Nation at the site giving us his thoughts:</p>
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<p><span>He came to Minnesota as a JUCO with 3 years to play. From day 1 he had the size and athletic ability to be looked as a future NFL player. Big, fast, long arms, good tackler and looked like Predator on the field. His first year though he struggled. Too often being out of position and giving up plays. Often just one step in the wrong directly before having to cut back and missing someone in the backfield or not quite being where he needed to be in underneath coverage. A few missed plays because he didn't recognize things quickly enough or wasn't trusting his reads. Finished the year with just 1 start and 41 tackles. But his junior year things started to come together, he started all 13 games, finished with 75 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, a pick and 3 fumble recoveries. Senior year was much of the same with 92 tackles to his credit.</span></p>
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<p>Athletically he has the tools to play at this level as on OLB. The question is, in a game that is faster and more complex, will he figure it out quick enough to secure a roster spot and contribute quickly? More likely, he'll be a special teams player who will buy himself some time to learn the position at this level. Recognition time, strength and probably footwork is what he'll need to work on the most. Speed and athleticism should be adequate. I doubt you have a future starter here, but certainly a reliable depth guy who can come in on 3rd down and be a valuable special teams player.</p>
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<p>You'll read "I doubt you have a future starter here" and cringe, but I don't think anything he's saying here is unfair. The coaching staff is counting on being able to coax something more out of Campbell, but if he tops out as a very useful reserve, that's not a terrible use of a fourth round pick, just disappointing given the upside he appears to be possess. We'll have to see, but it's great to have the perspective of someone who saw a lot of Campbell.</p>
<p>For a longer look at Campbell, <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2016/4/27/11501686/minnesota-football-nfl-draft-profile-devondre-campbell?_ga=1.13247415.1801198827.1447081672" target="_blank">visit The Daily Gopher.</a></p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2016/5/5/11594284/get-to-know-falcons-draft-pick-devondre-campbell-through-a-minnesotaDave Choate