Just to piggy back a lil bit off of this post.
From what I've been hearing Kroy Biermann has been demoted all the way down to special teams
and I'm MORE than happy with that.
There's a New Vic in Town: The Official 2015 Atlanta Falcons Season Thread
- Thread starter Sly Cookin
- Start date
Just to piggy back a lil bit off of this post.
From what I've been hearing Kroy Biermann has been demoted all the way down to special teams
and I'm MORE than happy with that.
DeshaunWatson
Rookie
Man F Kroy Bierman
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Preseason schedule:
Hollywood Co
Primetime Reppin
Don't understand how we let Mathis, Long and other competent Oline vets slip outta town without signing knowing we need oline help in the worst way.
Zone Scheme can't be that player specific and you cut the only consistent player we've had on the line in Blalock
Zone Scheme can't be that player specific and you cut the only consistent player we've had on the line in Blalock
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Long has gone to Denver, NYG, here and not gotten a deal done. Not sure if he wants more money or just isn't physically right. We gotta remember that key people on the line are coming back from injury (Matthews, Hawley, Schreader) plus learning a new scheme. We won't know how good they are until the end of preseason
Sly Cookin
based
Blalock consistent? Lol he was one of our worst linemen last yr. At his age there is no way he is athletic enough to run the zone block
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2015 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Countdown: Offensive Line
FLOWERY BRANCH – There are just eight days left until the start of training camp and today we’re looking at the offensive line. CLICK HERE for the dates of the practices open to the public.
Chris Morgan will be the Falcons third offensive line coach over the past three seasons.
He follows Mike Tice who had Pat Hill and Paul Dunn.
Chris Morgan spent last season as assistant offensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks working with Tom Cable, his mentor and college coach when he was a player at Colorado.
Before his Seattle stint, Morgan served as an assistant offensive line coach with the Washington Redskins (2011-13) and Oakland Raiders (2009-10).
In 2012, Morgan helped direct Washington’s line that rushed for a team-record 2,709 yards, marking the franchise’s first team rushing crown since 1933.
He has to whip a unit into shape that has been beset with injuries over the past two seasons and get the right players to fit into the new outside-zone blocking scheme.
“Probably, the No. 1 thing is that the guys have to be able to move,” Morgan said. “They really have to be on the run, adjust on the run.”
Falcons tackle Jake Matthews takes the line as the team opens a 3 day mini-camp open to the public on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Flowery Branch. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
Morgan didn’t get to work with many of the former starters this offseason because they were rehabbing from injuries. But Jake Matthews (foot), Joe Hawley (knee) and Peter Konz (knee) returned to drills last in the offseason.
“We were working with all of the guys,” Morgan said. “It’s next man up here and the guys have been great about it. The guys that were not out there were trying to get back as fast as they could.”
Here’s a look at what Morgan, who’s in his first year as the head offensive line coach, has to work with:
CENTERS
Joe Hawley, UNLV, 6-3, 302: Joe Hawley, who was the opening day starting center last season, is still recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. He suffered a double (ACL and MCL) ligament injury in the fourth game of last season against Minnesota on Sept. 28. Hawley participated in some of the drills during the offseason, but didn’t take any snaps in 11-on-11 plays from scrimmage. His goal has been to be ready by the start of training camp on July 31. “I’m about 85 to 90 percent I would say,” Hawley said on Tuesday, July 14th on Moving the Chains on 680 The Fan. “The trainers told me with this kind of injury, it’s a double ligament injury, this whole year I’m never going to be back to 100 percent.”
Peter Konz, Wisconsin, 6-5, 317: He is also coming off a knee surgery that cut his 2014 season short. Konz suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 19. Konz had replaced Hawley in the lineup. He
Falcons center Joe Hawley (61), who earned the starting spot midway through the 2013 season, was out for the rest of the year after sustaining a season-ending torn right ACL in his knee in the loss to the Vikings on Sept. 28. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
returned to action near the end of the offseason, but did not take any snaps from scrimmage in practice. The former second-round pick (55th overall) in 2012 has played in 39 games and made 28 undistinguished starts. He lost the battle with Hawley for the starting spot after starting 10 games as a rookie and 15 in 2013.
Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, New Mexico, 6-3, 296: He was a four-year starter at center for the Aggies and served as a team captain during his senior season in 2014. He was a first team All-Sun Belt selection last season. Ume-Ezeoke is a native of Garland, Texas and attended Garland Lakeview Centennial High School.
James Stone, Tennessee, 6-3, 291: He took over after Hawley and Konz were injured last season. The undrafted rookie from Tennessee was steady as quarterback Matt Ryan took over calling of the pass protections. Stone held his own in the trenches as he started nine games and there wasn’t a noticeable drop-off. He held the No. 1 spot over the offseason and must hold off challenges from Hawley and Konz to retain the starting position. He was the 24th rated center in the league amongst those who played more than 50 percent of the team’s snaps, according to profootballfocus.com. He played 681 snaps and gave up six quarterback hits and 15 hurries.
GUARDS
Jon Asamoah, Illinois, 6-4, 305: He suffered an ankle injury during OTAs, but should be ready to go for training camp. He was the most solid player along the line last season. He played 966 snaps and gave up two sacks, three hits and 21 hurries. He was the 23rd rated guard of the group who played 50 percent or more of their team’s offensive snaps, according to profootballfocus.com.
Chris Chester, Oklahoma, 6-3, 303: The former Washington Redskin, who was ranked lower than the departed Justin Blalock and Asamoah in recent years under profootballfocus.com’s grading system, was signed for $2.8 million. Chester, 32, has started 111 of 137 games for the Ravens and Redskins. Chester was snapped up after being released by Washington. Last season, Blalock (26th) and Asamoah (24th) were rated higher than Chester (33rd) by profootballfocus.com. Blalock gave up three sacks, six hits and 20 quarterback hurries over 991 snaps. Chester gave up five sacks, three hits and 16 hurries.
Harland Gunn, Miami, 6-2, 310: He spent time on the practice squads in Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta before seeing some action in 2014. He played in three games at right guard. He graded out well against the run over 93 snaps. He gave up one sack, three quarterback hits and three quarterback hurries in pass protection.
Eric Lefeld, Cincinnati, 6-6, 310: He started all 13 games in 2014 and missed just one start in his final three years with the Bearcats. He was named to the Outland Trophy watch list in 2013 and 2014, and earned first-team All-Big East honors as a sophomore in 2012. Lefeld is a native of Coldwater, Ohio and attended Coldwater High School.
Mike Person, Montana State, 6-4, 299: He played in 16 games last season for the St. Louis Rams, but has no NFL starts. He played 60 snaps at left guard and gave up two quarterback hurries. He was listed among “others” outside of the top 10 tackles, who were free agents by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn, who commented: “A deep backup, Person’s three-year deal was worth $3.35M ($500,000 guaranteed).” He’s ended the offseason working with the first-team at left guard. So, he’s somewhere between a starter and a “deep backup.”
Adam Replogle, Indiana, 6-3, 294: He’s a former defensive lineman trying to make the conversion to the offensive side of the ball. He spent last season on the practice squad. He was injured and not present and some of the open offseason practices.
Jared Smith, New Hampshire, 6-4, 302: He was on Seattle’s practice squad in 2013 before suffering an injury. The Seahawks picked him in the seventh-round (241stoverall) of the 2013 NFL draft. He played at New Hampshire. Smith was waived prior to the start of training camp in 2014. He is also the midst of being converted from a defensive lineman. At New Hampshire he had 129 tackles (59 solo) 12.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He was named an All-American by College Sports Journal and The Sports Network.
TACKLES
Lamar Holmes, Southern Mississippi, 6-6, 310: He missed most of last season with a
Tackle Ryan Schraeder and guard Chris Chester ready to fire off the ball. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC)
foot injury and then suffered a broken foot in June and will be out indefinitely. Holmes, a third-round pick (91st overall) in 2012 out of Southern Mississippi, has had a history of foot problems dating back to his rookie season. He played in one game in 2012 and had a foot surgery. He came back to start 15 of 16 games in 2013 before he suffered another foot injury in the fourth game of last season. It is not known if this is the same troublesome foot of if he broke a bone in the other foot. Holmes, 25, had dropped about 30 pound and was moving well in the Falcons’ new zone-clocking scheme. He was having a strong camp before the injury. “I couldn’t be more pleased with where he’s at,” Quinn said before the injury.
Matt Huffer, South Dakota, 6-6, 300: He was signed after receiving a rookie trying. He was a three-year starter at left tackle. He played in 41 career games for the Coyotes and earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore in 2012.
Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, 6-5, 305: The Falcons wanted to ease Matthews, the sixth overall pick in the draft in 2014, into the NFL by letting him start at right tackle last season. But after a season-ending injury to Sam Baker in the exhibition season, he was immediately moved to left tackle as we found out on Hard Knocks. He ended up starting 15 games, but was rated as the worst tackle in the league by profootballfocus. He was 56th (last) of the players who took more than 50 percent of their team’s snaps. It was a baptismal by fire as he played 962 snaps, committed 11 penalties, gave up seven sacks, nine quarterback hits and 35 quarterback hurries. The Falcons elected to release Sam Baker and go with Matthews at left tackle, who maintain his composure and stature during a rugged rookie campaign. Because of the rough start, he could make a big jump in is second season.
Tyler Polumbus, Colorado, 6-8, 308: He’s 30 and has played in 98 NFL games and made 57 starts. He started at right tackle for Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan 2011-2013 while with the Washington Redskins. He started four of five games in 2011, when he split the season between Washington and Seattle. He started 15 of 15 games in 2012 and 16 of 16 in 2013. Last season, he started seven of the 11 games he played in. He was the 62nd ranked tackle in the league who played more than 25 percent of his team’s snaps, according to profootballfocus.com. He played 491 snaps and gave up eight quarterback sacks and 13 quarterback hurries.
Ryan Schraeder, Valdosta State, 6-7, 300: He started 10 of 13 games last season. Over the past two seasons, the former undrafted player has played in 26 games with 14 starts. Schrader, who worked mostly with the first-team at right tackle over the offseason, is a good fit in the new blocking scheme. He was the 20th rated tackle of the players who played more than 50 percent of their team’s snaps last season by profootballfocus.com. He played 655 snaps and gave up three sacks, two quarterback hits and 17 pressures. He’s starting to work out some of the rough edges around his game.
Jake Rodgers, Eastern Washington (Washington State), 6-6, 320: He is athletic and could fit in a as a big guard. He was 250 pounds coming out of high school and was recruited as a tight end. He was moved to the line at Washington State. He redshirted and played for them in 2011. He started 12 games for the Cougars in 2012 at four different positions, but decided to leave the program. He transferred and missed half of the 2013 season with a knee injury. He returned in 2014 and started every game at right tackle and played some at right guard. A promising developmental tackle.
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2015 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Countdown: Cornerbacks
ajc sports, Atlanta Falcons.
CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
Falcons rookie cornerback Desmond Trufant covers Bengals wide receiver Ryan Whalen during the first quarter of their NFL exhibition game on Aug, 8, 2013, in Atlanta.
FLOWERY BRANCH — The countdown to camp rolls on.
The players report on Thursday and take the field on Friday for their first practice.
Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant was elated about the hiring of Dan Quinn as the team’s 16th head coach.
His brother, Marcus Trufant, played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. He was on the team when Quinn was the assistant head coach/defensive line in 2009 and 2010.
Trufant played 1,099 snaps last season and was the highest rated player on the defense according to profootballfocus.com. He was the sixth-rated cornerback in the league overall behind Denver’s Chris Harris, Indianapolis Vontae Davis, Seattle’s Richard Sherman, New England’s Darrelle Revis and Kansas City’s Sean Smith.
Trufant, who had nine passes defensed and three interceptions, is entrenched at right cornerback.
Robert Alford, second-round pick Jalen Collins and veteran Phillip Adams will battle for the right cornerback spot and the nickel position.
Also, Dezmen Southward, who’s being converted to cornerback, could make a bid for playing time.
Here’s a look at the cornerbacks:
LSU cornerback Jalen Collins (32) celebrates his interception with safety Rickey Jefferson (29) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in College Station, Texas. LSU won 23-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Phillip Adams, S.C. State, 5-11, 195: He spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders. He’s started a combined eight games over those seasons, with eight pass deflections and three interceptions. Adams will likely compete for a nickel role. He was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (224th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft. He has spent time with the 49ers, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Raiders and Jets during his career. Overall, he’s seen action in 12 contests with four starts, recording 20 tackles, one interception, and four passes defensed in 2014.
Robert Alford, SE Louisiana, 5-10, 186:Secondary/senior defensive assistant coach Marquand Manuel was riding Alford pretty hard this offseason. Alford broke his wrist in Week 11 last season, but the team didn’t place him on injured reserve until Dec. 15. The former second-round pick had 31 tackles, 12 passes defensed and three interceptions. Manuel was trying to get Alford to clean up his play. He had nine penalties last season (four were declined) and gave up 100 yards in penalties (tops on the team) and five first downs.
Jalen Collins, LSU, 6-1, 203: A big, physical cornerback with size and tackling ability. He led the Tigers with nine pass breakups in 2014, despite starting only seven of 13 games as a fourth-year junior. He also had 38 tackles and an interception. After redshirting as a freshman in 2011, Collins started the first game the next season before transitioning to a reserve role. Said he has a 78 1/8-inch wingspan. He had the beginning of a “Jones fracture” in his right foot, which required surgery in March. A screw was inserted to stabilize the area.
Akeem King, San Jose State, 6-3, 212: He was the fourth-leading tackler with 71 stops (tops among defensive backs) with two pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for lost yardage while starting all 12 games at safety. Was a reserve over his first three seasons. In high school he also lettered in basketball and track and field, setting the school record with a time of 10.74 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at his Pro Day. Team officials say they’re going to look at King first as a cornerback.
Falcons cornerback Robert Alford here running a a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. (Associated Press)
Michael Lee, Fort Valley State, 6-1, 185: He made 41 tackles (24 solo) with 1.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and eight passes defensed during his senior season with the Wildcats. He spent three seasons at the University of Massachusetts, where he made 54 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed. Lee is a native of McDonough, Georgia and attended Eagles Landing High School.
Jonathon Mincy, Auburn 5-10, 196: He was signed after the conclusion of the Falcons’ rookie minicamp. Mincy, of Decatur, played at Southwest DeKalb High. He finished his career with 211 tackles and was named to the All-SEC second-team by the league’s coaches.
Dezmen Southward, Wisconsin, 6-2, 210: His conversion to cornerback was slowed by offseason knee surgery. He was drafted as a free safety and played well in the dime coverages last season. He had 23 tackles, a sack and an interception.
FILE PHOTO: Falcons rookie safely Dezmen Southward warms up during the first day of minicamp for rookies Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Falcons complex in Flowery Branch. HYOSUB SHIN /HSHIN@AJC.COM
Desmond Trufant, Washington, 6-0, 190: The team’s first-round pick in 2013, started to take on more responsibility during the Baltimore game last when the former staff decided to match him against Steve Smith when the team played man-to-man coverage. He continued in that role for the remainder of the season. Trufant was strong in coverage and played the run well. His play was recognized after the season as he was named to the All-NFC team by the Pro Football Writers of America alongside of Seattle’s Richard Sherman.
Kevin White, TCU, 5-10, 174: He finished his career with 146 total tackles (118 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 27 passes defensed. He was a second-team All-Big 12 selection by the conference’s coaches in 2014, notching career highs with 51 tackles (44 solo), four tackles for loss and 11 passes defensed.
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2015 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Countdown: Linebackers
113014 ATLANTA: Falcons defenders Desmond Trufant ( left) and Paul Worrilow stop Cardinals running back Andre Ellington for a short gain during the first half in an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Atlanta. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
FLOWERY BRANCH – While the Falcons went bargain basement shopping in free agency, they did pull out the credit card for a couple of veteran linebackers.
The Falcons are hoping linebackers Brooks Reed and Justin Durant can help put some teeth back in the defense.
Sean Weatherspoon bolted for Arizona after the Falcons tried to sign him to a incentive-laden contract based on the former first-round pick not getting injured. Arizona offered the same cash without the incentives and he was off to the desert.
Reed had his choices during free agency, but was attracted to the Falcons because of the need at his position and Quinn’s defensive mentality.
“For me, it’s a lot different,” Reed said. “For my whole career I’ve only had offensive-minded head coaches. This year, it’s different. He’s a defensive-minded head coach.”
Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith was pleased with Durant’s offseason.
Brooks Reed
“He’s got great leadership ability by his actions and by his words with the way he studies the game,” Smith said. “I’ve been very impressed with the way he’s approaching everything.”
The Falcons released linebacker Prince Shembo, who had a promising rookie season, after he was charged with animal cruelty in the death of a dog over the offseason.
Here’s a look at the linebackers:
Derek Akunne, North Texas State, 6-0, 242: He served as a team captain and led the Mean Green and Conference USA with 108 tackles (65 solo) while adding 8.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. He was an honorable mention all-conference selection after posting 90 tackles in 2013. Akunne is a native of Garland, Texas and attended North Garland High School.
Boris Anyama, Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-3, 232: He made 100 total tackles (68 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles for the Ragin’ Cajuns over his career. During his senior season in 2014, Anyama played in 13 games and tallied 43 total tackles (31 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Joplo Bartu, Texas State, 6-2, 230: He started 14 of 16 games last season, but was unable to distinguish himself on the league’s worst defense. He made 82 tackles, had one sack and two fumble recoveries. He played 496 snaps last season. He was decent against the run, but sometimes got lost in coverage.
Allen Bradford, USC, 5-11, 235: He’s a converted running back who was selected by Tampa Bay in the sixth-round of the 2011 draft. In the Pros, Bradford was moved to linebacker. He was signed to Seattle’s practice squad in Oct. of 2011, where he was switched to linebacker. Bradford has also spent time with the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. He has played in 13 NFL games. In college, he played in 52 games for the Trojans and rushed for 1,585 yards on 267 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and scored touchdowns. Bradford ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds at the combine back in 2011.
Justin Durant, Hampton, 6-1, 203: He was a second-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007. He signed a three-year, $10.8 million contract with the Falcons after playing for Dallas last season. He’s battled injuries over his career and is projected to replace Sean Weatherspoon, who signed with Arizona in free agency, at weakside linebacker. Durant has started 80 of 95 games over eight seasons, in which he also played for the Lions and the Cowboys.
Stansly Maponga, TCU, 6-2, 264: He played in 12 games, mostly on special teams, and had three tackles.
Justin Durant (By D. Orlando Ledbetter/dledbetter@ajc.com)
Brooks Reed, Arizona, 6-3, 254: He played inside and outside linebacker with the Houston Texans for four seasons, signed a five-year, $22 million contract, with $9 million guaranteed. Reed, battled back from an offseason groin injury, worked at strongside linebacker in the offseason. Reed was drafted in the second round (42nd overall) in 2011 by the Texans, who selected J.J. Watt with the 11th pick of the first round. He started 52 of 60 games alongside Watt, who blossomed into one of the NFL’s stars.
Marquis Spruill, Syracuse, 6-0, 224: He battling back from a season-ending knee surgery. His progress was slow over the offseason, but the Falcons don’t appear ready to give up on the speedy prospect.
Nate Stupar, Penn State, 6-2, 240: He played in 15 games last season and made 10 tackles. He was a steady contributor on the special teams units.
Paul Worrilow, Delaware, 6-1, 232: He started all 16 games last season and had 142 tackles, according to the team. He had 108 tackles and was the 33rd ranked 3-4 inside linebacker amongst the group that played more than 50 percent of their team’s snaps, according to profootballfocus.com.
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2015 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Countdown: Defensive Line
Vic Beasley #3 of the Clemson Tigers makes a tackle on L.J. Scott #27 of the Louisville Cardinals during the game at Memorial Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Clemson, South Carolina.
(October 10, 2014 – Source: Tyler Smith/Getty Images North America)
Mbu is an undrafted rookie from Houston.
“When you talk about Joey Mbu, as an rookie free agent coming in here, I think he’s shown in gym class that he’s willing to put his hands on (people), play with the proper technique and do what you’re coaching him to do,” Cox said. “Those three guys have kind of been the standouts.”
Defensive end/linebacker Vic Beasley, the eighth overall pick, has also impressed Cox.
“You saw all of the stuff that he did in college,” Cox said. “A good first step, quickness and good closing speed. His strength is definitely in the pass rush aspect of it. He’s coming a long.”
Cox is ready for some live hitting.
“The biggest thing is that we have a smart class of young players,” Cox said. “You can’t tell who’s going to be what until you put the pads on. For me, that’s what separates the men from the boys.”
Defensive linemen Tyson Jackson and Ra’Shede Hagemen spent some time working with Jay Glazer this offseason.
Here’s a look at the defensive linemen:
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Jonathan Babineaux, Iowa, 6-2, 300: The steady veteran is about to enter his 11thseason in the league. Last season he started 15 games and had 32 tackles, two sacks and one pass defense. He had strong grades against the pass, but not against the run and could be headed for a rotational pass-rushing role at age 33. He played 708 snaps last season and had five quarterback hits and 34 hurries.
Falcons defensive tackle/nose tackle Paul Soliai had his teammates over for bar-b-cue to foster a bond on and off the field. (By D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@ajc.com)
Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota, 6-6, 318: The second-round pick showed flashes of brilliance last season in limited action. His has to become more consistent and maintain a high level of play. Hageman played in all 16 games last season and had 17 tackles and one sack.
Ricky Havili-Heimuli, Oregon, 6-4, 314: Originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a college free agent out of Oregon after the 2014 NFL draft. He played in 39 games in four seasons with the Ducks. He made 49 tackles (21 solo), three tackles for loss, one sack and one pass defensed.
Grady Jarrett, Clemson, 6-0, 305: The son of former Falcons great Jessie Tuggle.He was a three-sport standout at Rockdale High and captured state titles in wrestling and the shot put. He was a team co-captain. He was named third-team All-American by Athlon and first-team All-ACC by the media and the coaches. He had 73 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, two caused fumbles and one recovered fumble in 530 snaps over 13 games (13 starts). Comes off the ball low and has natural leverage. Could earn a spot in the defensive line rotation.
Warren Herring, Wisconsin, 6-3, 294: He played in 44 career games for the Badgers, and made 56 tackles (28 solo) with 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two passes defensed.
Joey Mbu, Houston, 6-3, 310: This is an active undrafted player to keep an eye on. He’s showed flashes of explosiveness off the ball during the offseason. He started all 13 games for the Cougars in 2014, serving as a team captain and earning first team All-AAC honors. He posted 92 tackles (38 solo) with 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and eight passes defensed in 50 career games.
Paul Soliai, Utah, 6-4, 345: The former one-time Pro Bowler started 14 of 15 games in his first season with the Falcons. He had 29 tackles and one sack. He played 519 snaps and was the 30th ranked defensive tackle in the league of the group who played more than 50 percent of their team’s snaps, according to profootballfocus.com. He graded out well against the run, but likely will be coming off the field in the nickel package this year.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Vic Beasley, Clemson, 6-2, 235: Clemson’s all-time sack leader is a native of Adairsville. He had 37 tackles, a team-high 21.5 tackles for loss, a team-high 12 sacks, nine quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, two caused fumbles, one recovered fumble and a 16-yard fumble return for a touchdown in 557 snaps over 13 games (12 starts) last season. He was the ACC defensive player of the year, as voted on by the coaches and the media. He finished with 33 sacks in his career, which he started as a running back. He was added to spruce up the pass rush.
Kroy Biermann, Montana, 6-3, 255: While coming off an Achilles surgery, he led the anemic pass rush with 4.5 sacks. He was re-signed after testing free agency. He had 75 tackles, two passes defensed and one forced fumble last season. In seven seasons in Atlanta, he has 273 tackles (202 solo) with 21 sacks, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. He was signed to a one-year $1.925 million contract that included a $500,000 signing bonus.
Atlanta Falcons Defensive End Kroy Biermann (71) sports a pair of blood shot red contact lenses during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on November 25, 2012. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 24-23.. (AP Photo/Don Juan Moore)
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa, 6-3, 280: A former first-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2011, has 13 career sacks. He played one game last season after tearing his biceps. He agreed to one-year deal, worth $3 million with another $1.25 million available through incentives. Clayborn, 26, also has battled a condition called Erb’s Palsy, a disability that caused nerve damage to his right shoulder. He missed most of the 2012 season due to a torn ACL, he returned and played another full slate of games the next year and made 64 tackles and had 5.5 sacks. While he didn’t flash the same type of burst off of the edge, he was still a solid contributor. The Falcons need him to rebound to help stop the run and add some spice to their pass rush.
Malliciah Goodman, Clemson, 6-4, 276: He made 10 starts and played in all 16 games last season. He finished with 17 tackles and two forced fumbles. He played 594 snaps and was the 31st rated defensive end of the group who played more than 50 percent of their team’s snaps, according to profootballfocus.com.
Tyson Jackson, LSU, 6-4, 296: He started all 16 games last season and had 22 tackles. He does a lot of the dirty work in the trenches that should free the linebackers to make plays. He was the 32nd rated defensive tackle and played 525 snaps. He had two quarterback hits and 11 hurries.
Cliff Matthews, South Carolina, 6-4, 268: He played in seven games last season and made seven tackles. He a strong special teams player.
Sam Meredith, San Diego State, 6-4, 290: He made honorable mention All-Mountain West honors as a true sophomore in 2012 and was voted the team’s defensive lineman of the year by the coaching staff that season.
O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin, 6-3, 260: He was originally selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round (130th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft. He spent time with the Cardinals and Seahawks, posting 111 total tackles (93 solo), 13.5 sacks three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass defense. Schofield played in all 16 regular season games and two playoff games as a member of the Seahawks in 2014. He posted 20 tackles (15 solo), two sacks and one fumble recovery last season.
Tyler Starr, South Dakota, 6-5, 250: He was drafted as a project last season after flashing some pass rush ability in college. One could surmise that it was going to be a long year after the Falcons changed his stance during rookie minicamp. The team has showed patience with Starr, but now they want to see some action on the field. He didn’t play in a game last season.
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2015 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Countdown: Fullbacks/Tight Ends
Falcons tight end Beau Gardner makes a one handed reception during practice as the team opens a 3 day mini-camp open to the public on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Flowery Branch. Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons are hoping to add some power to the offense through the fullback and tight end positions in 2015.
New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is determined to get the rushing attack moving forward and has used double tight ends in the past to run the ball and create mismatches. Last season the Falcons averaged 93.6 yards rushing per game, which ranked 24th in the league.
The fullback in Shanahan’s attack has been used mainly as a lead blocker and as an outlet pass receiver.
Wade Harman, a holdover from coach Mike Smith’s staff, moved over from his assistant offensive line position to take over as tight ends coach in his second season with the team. He was the Ravens tight ends coach from 1999 to 2013 and has two Super Bowl rings.
Harman’s former players include Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and two-time Pro Bowler Todd Heap.
Levine Toilolo started at tight end for the Falcons last season. Second-string tight end Bear Pascoe was not re-signed. Tight end Kyle Miller, who was on the practice squad in 2014, was released on May 3.
The Falcons added Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki in free agency on March 19. Tamme signed a two-year, $2.1 million deal and received a $400,000 signing bonus. Moeaki received a no-frills one-year, $745,000 contract.
The Falcons also re-signed Mickey Shuler and undrafted rookie Beau Gardner.
Toilolo will have to earn his skins as a blocker.
FILE PHOTO: Denver Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme (84) drags Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry into the end zone as he scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“It’s all about pad level for him,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s been ready to work. I’ve been anxiously awaiting to see what he can do. It will be great fun to see him and the other guys.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan was impressed with how the tight ends performed over the offseason.
“Those guys have done a really good job,” Ryan said. “It’s a different scheme and we are going to use the tight ends differently than we have in the past.”
Here’s a look at the fullbacks and tight ends:
FULLBACKS
Patrick DiMarco, South Carolina, 6-1, 234: DiMarco played 214 snaps last season and was the 17th rated fullback by profootballfocus.com. The former South Carolina Gamecock was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL draft. He played with Kansas City in 2012 before being signed to the Falcons practice squad in 2013. In two seasons in Atlanta, DiMarco has played in 30 games with 14 starts while logging 17 receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown.
Collin Mooney, Army, 5-10, 238: He was signed after spending two seasons with Tennessee. He was out of the league last year. He was signed by the Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2012 draft. Mooney set a school record with 1,339 rushing yards during his senior season with the Black Knights. He has played in 14 NFL games with four starts. He appears to be a longshot to unseat DiMarco. After graduating he spent three years fulfilling his commitment to the U.S. Army. He was commissioned in the field artillery branch of the U.S. Army.
TIGHT ENDS
Beau Gardner, North Arizona, 6-4, 240: He made some nice catches during the offseason. He caught 28 passes for 412 yards with five touchdowns in his final season with the Lumberjacks. Prior to transferring to NAU, he spent time at Mesa Community College. Gardner is a native of Mesa, Arizona and attended Mesa High School.
Tony Moeaki, Iowa, 6-3, 252: He had a monster rookie season with 47 catches and appeared headed for
Falcons tight end Tony Moeaki after minicamp practice on Wednesday, July 17, 2015. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@ajc.com)
stardom in 2010. But injuries have stalled his career. Moeaki had a knee surgery and then later suffered a season-ending torn ACL during the 2011 exhibition season. He bounced back in 2012 with a 33-catch season. But after suffering a fractured shoulder, Moeaki was no longer in the plans for 2013 when a new regime took over. In 2013, after signing a two-year deal with Buffalo he suffered a major hamstring injury in training camp. He was placed on reserve/injured list on August 29th and was released from after reaching an injury settlement on Sept. 1. Last season, he played with Seattle for six games as he battled calf and shoulder injuries. He flashed his play-making ability on a 63-yard catch-and-run against the 49ers on Nov. 27. The only question is can he stay healthy enough to win the starting position.
Mickey Shuler, Penn State, 6-4, 247: He was a seventh-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2010 and has been with seven teams. He is getting his second shot with the Falcons. Shuler might be ready for a NFL breakthrough. “(Shuler) has come back in, and he looks strong,” Quinn said. “We’ll get a better evaluation of him when we get into camp. I have a sense that he may really thrive as a blocker in this system. It will be interesting to see what he can do.”
Jacob Tamme, Kentucky, 6-2, 230: He was signed to a two-year $4 million contract in free agency and is trying to revive his career after two down seasons with the Denver Broncos. Tamme, 30, is considered a pass-catching tight end, but only caught 14 and 20 passes over the past two seasons. In 2012, Tamme caught 52 passes for 555 yards. Tamme was a fourth-round pick (127th overall) of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2008 draft. He had his best season in 2010 when he caught 67 of 93 targets (72 percent) for 631 yards and four touchdowns with the Colts. He has played in 107 games and made 23 starters. Over his career he’s caught 178 of 277 targets (64.2 percent) for 1,703 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Levine Toilolo, Stanford, 6-9, 265: He has been a willing leaner since being drafted in the fourth-round (133rd overall) of the 2013 draft. He started last season, but has not developed into the red zone threat that the Falcons envisioned when he was selected. Former tight end coach Chris Scelfo lauded Toilolo’s development as a blocker after he struggled with drops last season. Toilolo played 958 snaps last season. He was the 32nd ranked (out of 35) tight ends who played more than 50 percent of his teams snaps in 2014, according to profootballfocus.com. He caught 31 of 54 targets (57.4 percent) for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Will his blocking be enough to earn a roster spot?
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Atlanta Falcons 2015 countdown to camp: A look at the running backs
July 23, 2015 | Filed in: ajc sports, Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is determined to land the starting spot on the offense.
FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons have moved on from their failed attempt to squeeze some extra life out of running back Steven Jackson.
The former star with the St. Louis Rams was waived after two unproductive seasons and his backup, Jacquizz Rodgers, was also released. Jackson, who had strong career and is a 10,000-yard back, appears headed for retirement, while Rodgers was signed by the Chicago Bears.
The Falcons appear set to pick between Devonta Freeman, a fourth-round pick in 2014 and Tevin Coleman, a third-round pick in 2015. Freeman appears to be the front runner, but Coleman is a strong contender. Perhaps, Coleman can take the run downs and Freeman, who caught 30 passes in 2014, could be used as the third-down back.
Terron Ward, an undrafted rookie out of Oregon State, is a strong darkhorse who could land a roster spot. He’s definitely headed for the practice squad at the very least.
Indiana running back Tevin Coleman (6) fights to break free from Purdue’s Jalani Phillips (89) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.
Falcons running backs coach Bobby Turner doesn’t believes is a simple matter of plugging in running backs to the team’s new outside-zone rushing attack.
“I hate that when they say plug ‘em in,” Turner said. “Like there is a plug and socket. It’s not that easy. I wish it (were). We have just been fortunate …but the bottom line is finding the right guy to fit the system.”
Turner, who could go with rookie in Coleman this season, helped Washington running back Alfred Morris rush for 1,613 yards as a rookie in 2012. That total was the third most by a rookie in NFL history behind Eric dikkerson (1,808 in 1983) and George Rogers (1,674 in 1981).
Turner likes his stable of backs.
“They have the tools,” Turner said. “They have the foot speed and the hands. It’s just a matter of getting them to turn (around the corner) and getting them to believe and trust in us so that it’s a win-win situation at the end.”
Turner has also worked with former Georgia standout Terrell Davis, when he was named offensive player of the year in 1996 and 1998 in Denver.
In the college ranks, he had Mike Alstott at Purdue, Scottie Graham, Robert Smith, Carlos Snow and Raymont Harris at Ohio State.
Here’s a look at the running backs:
Tevin Coleman, Indiana, 6-1, 210: He certainly will get some snaps and is expected to compete for the starting running back position. Cranked up his game from the middle of his sophomore season through his junior campaign, averaging 142.6 rushing yards per game over the final 21 games of his college career. Owns the Indiana single-season rushing record with 2,036 yards last fall, and he set the mark while going for 228 yards against eventual national champion Ohio State. Also rushed for 307 against Rutgers. Was one of three finalists for the Doak Walker Award and ranked second nationally in rushing in 2014 while averaging 169.7 yards per game. Also caught 25 passes as a junior. Rushed for 958 yards as a sophomore, missing three games with an ankle injury. As a freshman, he rushed for 225 yards, and led the team with a 23.6-yard average on kickoff returns, including one that went 96 yards for a touchdown.
Oregon State junior running back Terron Ward (28) high-steps downfield during a carry in the third quarter. The No. 13 Oregon Ducks play the Oregon St. Beavers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 29, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
Devonta Freeman, Florida State, 5-8, 206: He took the majority of the snaps with the first unit in the offseason and is determined to win the starting job. He showed flashes of brilliance while catching the ball out of the backfield last season. He should be a good fit in the outside-zone rushing scheme. He caught 30 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown while rushing 65 times for 248 yards and a touchdown.
Antone Smith, Florida State, 5-9, 192: Smith, who is coming back from a broken leg, has been a standout on special teams for the Falcons since 2012. Last season he emerged as a big-play threat while scoring five touchdowns on just 36 touches with each score going for at least 38 yards. Smith believes that he’s a fit for the team’s new outside-zone blocking scheme. “They want to run the ball here and that’s the biggest thing,” Smith said. “They want to run the ball. I don’t care who’s the running back you want to be in this scheme right here. I’m happy for this scheme.”
Jerome Smith, Syracuse, 6-0, 226: He finished his career ranked 13th on the Syracuse career rushing yards record list. He also finished tied for ninth in program history with eight 100-yard games. He spent most of last season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on Dec. 24. He played in one game. Some believe he left school a year early, but should now have the strength to pound the ball between the tackles. He runs hard and finishes his runs, but doesn’t have electric speed.
Terron Ward, Oregon State, 5-7, 201: He’s the brother of Broncos standout safety T.J. Ward and was the only undrafted running back signed by the Falcons this offseason. He rushed for a career-high 696 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Beavers in 2014. He suffered a season-ending knee injury (torn meniscus) in Oregon State’s upset of Arizona State in November. He finished his career with 1,843 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. He also had 87 receptions for 664 receiving yards and was a key player on special teams.
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[Atlanta Falcons 2015 countdown to camp: A look at the quarterbacks
July 21, 2015 | Filed in: ajc sports, Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and head coach Dan Quinn confer as they take the field for team practice on the second day of a three-day mini-camp Wednesday, June 17, 2015, in Flowery Branch. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH – With the Falcons set to report for training on July 30, it’s time to start the countdown to training camp.
Each morning leading up to the start of training camp, we’ll take a look at one of the position groups.
We started out by looking at the wide receivers on Monday. We’ll look at the quarterbacks today.
Three-time Pro Bowler Matt Ryan, who’s averaged 4,526.25 yards passing over the past and 28.75 touchdown passes over the past four seasons, will have his third position coach.
He started with Bill Musgrave and then Glenn Thomas, who was not retained. Thomas landed in the college ranks at Temple in the same position.
Matt LaFleur, who coached at Notre Dame last season, was hired to replace Thomas. He spent the four previous seasons in the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins.
Before joining the Redskins, LaFleur spent two seasons as an offensive assistant for the Houston Texans (2008-09) where he worked with the quarterbacks and wide receivers.
T.J. Yates
LaFleur played quarterback at Saginaw Valley State where he guided the Cardinals to three straight NCAA Division II playoff appearances.
Here’s a look at the quarterback group:
Sean Renfree, Duke, 6-5, 225: He was on injured reserve in 2013 but made the team as the third-stringer last season. He will need a strong exhibition season to unseat T.J. Yates as the backup. It will be interesting to see if the Falcons carry three quarterbacks again.
Matt Ryan, Boston College, 6-4, 220: Ryan, 30, who’s set to enter his eighth season in the NFL, guided the Falcons to five consecutive winning seasons and the NFC Championship game after the 2012 season. The team regressed the past two seasons and posted a 10-22 record that led to the dismissal of coach Mike Smith. However, Ryan continued to play at a high level despite operating behind makeshift offensive lines. The Falcons are determine to establish a rushing attack and that should help keep the offense from being so predictable.
T.J. Yates, North Carolina, 6-4, 217: Yates was acquired from the Houston Texans in a trade for linebacker Akeem Dent in June of 2014. He was resigned over the offseason to a one-year $1.5 million contract. Yates, who’s from Marietta and played at Pope High and North Carolina, was added to give the Falcons a veteran backup to quarterback Matt Ryan. He played 18 snaps last season and completed 3 of 4 passes for 64 yards. He played under former Houston coach Gary Kubiak, who gave new Falcons coordinator Kyle Shanahan his start in the league. There is some system carryover for Yates. He was recently rated the 25th best backup quarterback in the league by NFL.Com’s Marc Sessler./QUOTE]
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Atlanta Falcons 2015 countdown to camp: A look at the wide receivers
July 21, 2015 | Filed in: ajc sports, Atlanta Falcons.
FILE PHOTO: Falcons wide receiver Roddy White covers Julio Jones as the team opens a three-day mini-camp open Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Flowery Branch. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – With the Falcons set to report for training on July 30, it’s time to start the countdown to training camp.
Each morning leading up to the start of training camp, we’ll take a look at one of the position groups.
We’ll start out by looking at the wide receivers today. The group has been the strength of the team led by Julio Jones, Roddy White and Harry Douglas. But Douglas was released in a salary cap move this offseason and he was quickly signed by Tennessee.
The Falcons have an opening for the third wide receiver spot. They signed Leonard Hankerson and drafted Justin Hardy to compete for that opening. The Falcons also have special teams stalwarts in Devin Hester and Eric Weems.
Speedsters Freddie Martino and Bernard Reedy return after getting some seasoning on the practice squad last season and shouldn’t be quickly dismissed.
Here’s a look at the group:
Marquez Clark, Central Oklahoma, 5-11, 190: Earned All-America honors in 2013 after setting school records with 82 receptions and 1,348 receiving yards. He earned Southwest Junior College Football Conference Player of the Year honors and was a first-team All-America selection as a sophomore at Navarro Junior College before transferring to UCO. Clark is a native of Texarkana, Texas and attended Liberty-Eylau High School.
Leonard Hankerson, Miami, 6-2, 211: Hankerson, 26, was signed to a one-year contract in free agency after playing four seasons in Washington, where he caught a career-high 57 passes in 2012 under new Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. He will compete to earn the top spot behind former Pro Bowl wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White. Hankerson, who was slowed by a hip injury as a rookie in 2011, battled to come back from knee surgery last season.
Justin Hardy, East Carolina, 5-11, 192: He set the record for most career receptions in FBS history last season. Hardy played in 63 games for the Pirates and finished his career with 387 catches for 4,541 yards and 35 touchdowns. He broke the record against Tulane last season in a 34-6 victory. He moved past the previous record of 349 set by Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles in 2011. Hardy had only a Division II scholarship offer in high school before ending up at East Carolina as a preferred walk-on. He signed with Fayetteville State, but was given a release to walk-on at ECU. He spent his first season on the scout team before earning a scholarship a year later and quickly earning a lead role in the pass-heavy offense.
Devin Hester, Miami, 5-11, 190: He caught 38 passes for 504 yards and two touchdowns last season. He remains one of the top returners in the league.
Julio Jones, Alabama, 6-3, 220: Set to enter the final year of his rookie contract and make $10.176 million. He was dazzling last season as he caught 104 passes for 1,593 yards (15.3 per catch) and six touchdowns. The team wants to lock Jones down for the future, but have not started contract talks yet.
Freddie Martino, North Greenville, 6-0, 195: He spent the first five weeks of the season on the Falcons practice squad. He played in one game before being released and re-signed to the practice squad. Martino was a four-year starter for the Crusaders where he caught 296 passes for 3,766 yards, and 26 touchdowns was promoted to the active roster.
Carlton Mitchell, South Florida, 6-3, 215: He was originally selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft out of South Florida. Mitchell played in 16 games for the Browns and made three catches for 31 yards last season. He knows the offense after playing under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan last season.
Bernard Reedy, Toledo, 5-9, 175: He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Toledo on May 12, 2014. He had 195 receptions for 2,743 yards with 23 touchdowns in four seasons for the Rockets. He was one of the star of the 2014 offseason. He’s extremely fast and was kept around on the practice squad.
Eric Weems, Bethune-Cookman, 5-9, 195: He caught 10 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns last seasons. He main contributions were on the special teams units. He signed a two-year contract in March. Weems, who went to the Pro Bowl as a special teams player after the 2010 season, led the team in special teams’ tackles with 13.
Roddy White, Alabama-Birmingham, 6-0, 211: A four-time Pro Bowler and holder of all of the team’s keyreceiving records, is not worried about his role being diminished in the new offense. White, 33, a first-round pick in 2005, has 765 receptions for 10,357 yards and 62 touchdowns, all team records. Last season, White had 125 targets and made 80 catches for 921 yards and seven touchdowns.
Nick Williams, Connecticut, 5-10, 184:Originally signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2013 NFL draft. He played in five games as a receiver and returner during his rookie campaign in 2013. Williams played in 42 games at Connecticut where he caught 43 passes for 588 yards and two touchdowns. He set a school record for career kickoff return yards (2,045) and ranks second in yards per return (25.9). Additionally, Williams is the only player in UConn history with at least two kickoff returns and two punt returns for touchdowns in a career.
