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2012 NFL Offseason: Atlanta Falcons

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

Atlanta Falcons (Last Year: 10-6)

2012 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
ILB Lofa Tatupu, CB Asante Samuel.
Early Draft Picks:
C Peter Konz, OT Lamar Holmes, FB Bradie Ewing, DE Jonathan Massaquoi.
Offseason Losses:
FB Ovie Mughelli, OLB Mike Peterson, ILB Curtis Lofton, SS James Sanders, KR Eric Weems.

2012 Atlanta Falcons Offense:
The Falcons thought they were one player away from Super Bowl contention when they traded a barrage of picks for Julio Jones in the 2011 NFL Draft. They clearly misevaluated their talent, as they discovered when the Giants essentially blanked them on the scoreboard in January.

That's not to say that Jones didn't help their offense. Matt Ryan threw for career-highs in both passing yards (4,177) and touchdowns (29) even though he attempted five fewer passes than he did in 2010. Jones was a big help, especially down the stretch once he returned from his hamstring injury. He registered 31 catches, 525 yards and six touchdowns in his final half-dozen games. This includes a game-high seven receptions for 64 yards in the aforementioned defeat against New York.

Jones will emerge as Ryan's No. 1 target in 2012. His sheer talent isn't the only reason; the decline of Roddy White is also a factor. White is still a receptions machine - he has 215 catches the past two years - but he's lost some of his explosiveness, which is hardly a surprise because he'll turn 31 in November. White also has unreliable hands; no one in the NFL had more drops than White last season (15).

Elsewhere in Ryan's receiving corps, Harry Douglas and Tony Gonzalez have returned despite being a free agent and a retirement candidate, respectively. Douglas is an underrated slot receiver, while Gonzalez, 36, rebounded last year from a dismal 2010 campaign in which he looked unbelievably slow. Unfortunately, the future Hall-of-Famer is playing on his last legs, and his talent could completely erode by September. Atlanta did not draft his successor, so it'll have to do so next April.

One of the reasons why the Falcons were criticized for giving up too much for Jones was because they depleted their depth and prevented themselves from addressing a very important position of need. That would be left tackle, where Sam Baker and Will Svitek took turns embarrassing themselves last season. Atlanta could have chosen Riley Reiff with the No. 22 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, but instead had to settle for Lamar Holmes in the third round. Holmes has some athleticism at 6-5, 325, but he's raw and won't be able to contribute immediately.

The rest of the offensive line is looking pretty solid. The Falcons spent their second-round selection on Wisconsin's Peter Konz, a borderline first-round prospect. Konz will start at right guard this season but will eventually move to center to succeed Todd McClure, who played well at 34 last year. Left guard Justin Blalock and right tackle Tyson Clabo are both excellent in pass protection, though the latter needs to cut down on his penalties (eight in 2011).

Another position the Falcons couldn't address because of a lack of resources was running back. Michael Turner had a solid 2011 campaign overall, but really looked like he was running on fumes down the stretch. He averaged more than 3.6 yards per carry in only one of his final seven games, and that came against a Buccaneer team that quit. Head coach Mike Smith told the media that Turner will be featured less this year; some of his touches will go to Jacquizz Rodgers, a very small (5-6, 196) but speedy running back whom the Falcons acquired in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Rodgers cannot carry a full workload, however, so Atlanta will have to find a complementary player next April.

2012 Atlanta Falcons Defense:
The Falcons have obtained exactly one big-name free agent in each of the previous two offseasons. They'll be hoping that this year's acquisition, Asante Samuel, is better than 2011's Ray Edwards.

Samuel was a steal for a late-round pick. He was disgruntled and highly paid in Philadelphia, so Andy Reid was more than happy to part ways with him. Samuel turned 31 in January, but still played extremely well last year, surrendering a sterling completion percentage of 47.5. That's almost as good as Brent Grimes' unbelievable figure (44.3), so the two should form an incredible cornerback tandem. Grimes was missed at the end of last season when he went down with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Dunta Robinson, who really struggled in 2011, will move to a more comfortable slot corner position.

The one weakness in Atlanta's secondary in the wake of the Samuel trade is free safety Thomas DeCoud, who was often picked on by opposing quarterbacks last season. Strong safety William Moore made up for it, but he needs to stay healthy. He's missed 18 games in his 3-year career, which does not include the aforementioned loss to the Giants; he barely played in that contest because of a groin injury he suffered in the first quarter.

As for Edwards, the former Viking really disappointed. He could barely generate any pressure on the quarterback, notching just 3.5 sacks despite playing across from John Abraham and his 9.5 sacks. Both players were very good in run support, but Edwards really has to pick up the slack in 2012, especially considering that Abraham, at 34, is past his prime and could be in for a major decline any season. The Falcons spent a fifth-round selection on Jonathan Massaquoi, but he probably won't contribute very much this year.

The interior of the defensive front is pretty solid. Jonathan Babineaux is a very well-rounded player; he can apply some pressure on the quarterback and hold his own against the run. Corey Peters, meanwhile, did an OK job in run support last year, but hardly ever rattled opposing signal-callers. Atlanta will want 2009 first-round pick Peria Jerry to push Peters, but it appears as though that ship has sailed. Jerry hasn't been the same since shredding his knee during his rookie campaign.

The Falcons had one major loss this offseason, and that was Curtis Lofton, the team's leading tackler (147 tackles), who signed with arch rival New Orleans. They added Lofa Tatupu as a possible replacement. He'll battle it out with 2011 third-rounder Akeem Dent to see who lands the starting gig. Tatupu was out of the league last year, so it's tough to speculate what he could possibly contribute. Dent, meanwhile, barely played as a rookie, so he's just as much of an unknown.

Surrounding the winner of the Tatupu-Dent competition are Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas. Weatherspoon didn't play very well as a rookie in 2010, but really stepped up last year, becoming one of the top linebackers in the NFL. Nicholas is a pretty decent two-down run-defender.

2012 Atlanta Falcons Schedule and Intangibles:
In four seasons, Matt Ryan is 26-5 in the Georgia Dome. That's an impressive record on paper, but it didn't seem to matter much when the Packers waltzed into the Falcons' house and slaughtered them, 48-21, last January.

Eric Weems, now with the Bears, was a very good punt returner. He didn't score last year, but maintained a 9.8 average, while the Falcons restricted the opposition to 4.8. Weems was outgained on kickoffs, however. No touchdowns there either, for or against.

Matt Bryant has been one of the top kickers in the NFL over the past two years. He was 28-of-31 in 2010 and 27-of-29 last season. He's 3-of-3 from 50-plus in that span. He just turned 37.

Matt Bosher didn't have a successful rookie campaign as Atlanta's new punter. He averaged 42.7 yards per attempt with 27-of-70 tries inside the 20.

Atlanta's second-place schedule is pretty difficult. The team has to deal with the Chiefs (road), Broncos (home), Chargers (road), Eagles (road), Cowboys (home), Giants (home), Lions (road), as well as the Saints and Panthers twice.

2012 Atlanta Falcons Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2012 Atlanta Falcons Analysis: The Falcons have to love what the Saints have gone through this offseason. That makes their quest to re-claim the NFC South so much easier. But the regular season can't be very important to the fan base, given that they've seen Atlanta blow homefield advantage throughout the playoffs to the Packers in January 2011. The 2012 campaign will be all about finally living up to expectations in the postseason.

Projection: 10-6 (Tied 1st in NFC South)

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings

More 2012 NFL Season Previews

*** 2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES, OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Jmpasq 04-29-2011 09:47 am xxx.xxx.xxx.167 (total posts: 2)

Well the Falcons just moved all the chips into the center of the table with this move which I dont quite understand. With a young Matt Ryan I would rather give him multiple options then use 5 picks and 3 picks in the Top 59 on 1 player. Jones is a great all around player but he isnt an elite talent like Calvin Johnson who he would have to be for me not to criticize this move
Grade C

Mike 04-29-2011 09:40 am xxx.xxx.xxx0.53 (total posts: 1)

You give the saints a d for Ingram yet the falcons a c for giving up the house for one player? Ridiculous

Joe 04-29-2011 08:48 am xxx.xxx.xxx.133 (total posts: 2)

Spurzo
You said look at the picks the two 1 and the 2nd they gave up and what they could've been but just look back there last two 1st rounders have netted them Sean Weatherspoon and Peria Jerry and William Moore 1 starter and two guy that need to produce this year or could be labeled "bust" but that does mean Julio Jones has to be a Pro bowl caliper player to make the Falcons trade look worth it
And now it moves Micheal Jenkin to the 3/4 WR witch is what he is not a speed guy and people forget he also 6-5 so with 6-3 Jones ,6-5 Jenkins ,6-5 Gonzalez and 6-0 White it'll be hard to match up with all that size

joe 04-29-2011 08:36 am xxx.xxx.xxx.133 (total posts: 2)

I think the Falcons with this move have hinted there going to spend big in free agency and I think Ray Edwards is about to make alot lot of money and all the falcons really need with Julio Jones coming to ATL is a Pass Rusher(RAY Edwards) and a ConerBack plus with the rules in place from last year they're not losing any of there OL men and they still have a 3rd rounder plus Aurthur Blank had hinted they would make so big moves after the Greenbay loss so Julio Jones,Ray Edwards and a guy they've hinted at signing Daren Sporles

spurzo 04-29-2011 07:12 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.88 (total posts: 2)

That's soooo much to give up. Even if this move was made knowing that there is a rookie salary cap it's still crazy. Think about the 3 players that a team could draft with those 2 1st's and a 2nd. Matt Ryan is stoked and that O is gonna be potent but you can change a team with 3 good high picks.

Chad 04-29-2011 01:26 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.19 (total posts: 1)

Basically they've probably given up two late 1st round picks in order to get a #6 pick. That isn't too crazy. Yeah, it'll look bad if Ryan goes down early and next year's first rd pick is in the top 10, but that's not likely. I think Julio Jones will be a better pro WR than he was a college WR...he's an exceptional talent and has the potential to be one of the top 5-6 WRs in the leage in a couple of years.

snr. ding dong 04-29-2011 12:46 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.70 (total posts: 1)

Awful pick. Jones is a good WR but good God. You don't give up that many picks.

A C is being generous. This gets a F for Fail.

If you need a WR that bad go in the FA for a 1 year deal or something and try again next year.

Wow. Anything is better than what they did.

Exceptionally silly move. Also didn't need to move up so high.

Falced it up 04-29-2011 12:16 am xxx.xxx.xxx8.68 (total posts: 1)

One injury to Matt Ryan and that 1st round pick next year is a top 10 one.

I'd say this is down there with the Dalton and Watkins picks because of how much Atlanta gave up for an over-hyped receiver.

Justin 04-29-2011 12:15 am xxx.xxx.xxx9.33 (total posts: 1)

I like Jones. I think he'll be a very good wr, even great in a way. But no way is he a Calvin flaw. Keep looking into those college numbers and the combine. Put a ton of weight into them. Then come join my fantasy football league. Sure we can make all kinds of deals based on your logic

Jay 04-29-2011 12:06 am xxx.xxx.xxx.117 (total posts: 1)

F! The Falcons gave up WAY too much and they had bigger needs that could have been filled at #6. It's not like Julio Jones is going to overtake Roddy White, so essentially Atlanta drafted a #2 WR 6th overall. Maybe Fairley, Watt or Cam Jordan would have been a better pick, though all would be a little high at 6.

Matty Not-so-nice Ryan 04-28-2011 11:40 pm xxx.xxx.xxx1.12 (total posts: 1)

to Tlaw bro college numbers don't matter dummy. they gave up so many picks for an unproven player. Just sayin bro-chacho

tlaw 04-28-2011 11:23 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.176 (total posts: 1)

Walt you are DEAD wrong on this one..What impact player would the Falcons get at 27..huh?? The pick next year will be in the late first also SO I think they made a great pick up here with Julio. And what says he isnt in the same league as Calvin? julio put up better numbers in college and did as good as Calvin at the combine.If the picks arent gonna be better than what we already have than why keep them...Great move!! And of course you would want to go back years from now and say this was a great pick and that you were right.but we know otherwise

JMpasq 04-28-2011 09:53 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.167 (total posts: 2)

Going for the Super Bowl I guess but I give this but 5 picks including 2 firsts and a 2 makes this pick a D

Dax 04-28-2011 09:38 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.148 (total posts: 1)

lots of picks given up but Julio Jones is a great prospect, and if Ryan is good he will tear up defenses. Maybe Dimitroff can come up with 1 or 2 good ends or other defensive players to put a Super Bowl bid in-reach

King 04-28-2011 09:12 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.115 (total posts: 2)

Walter, the Falcons had 9 picks. Where do those 9 picks fit on the roster? We basically lose a 1st rounder next year.

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2012 NFL Draft Grade: C+

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: The offensive line is the greatest area of concern. Left tackle and right guard are major problem areas. A successor for Todd McClure is also needed at center. Unfortunately, Atlanta doesn't have a first-round pick.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: This is a tough grade because the Falcons didn't pick until No. 55 and had only two selections in the top 150. I loved what they did with their first choice in picking Peter Konz. The Wisconsin lineman fell because of injury concerns, which were overblown. He'll be a force on Atlanta's front, starting out at guard and then taking over for McClure in a year or two.

The rest of Atlanta's picks were decent, save for Lamar Holmes, who was not in the top 225 of many major big board. He was a big reach at No. 91, but maybe the Falcons, who didn't pick until No. 157, thought there would be a good chance he wouldn't be available in the fifth round.

2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

55. Peter Konz, C/G, Wisconsin: A+ Grade
Medical issues affect draft statuses, but they are usually overblown. Peter Konz fell because of the medical. If he happened to be healthy, he would have been drafted in the final stages of the first round. The Falcons are getting incredible value here. Konz also fills a huge need; he can play at guard until center Todd McClure retires.

91. Lamar Holmes, OT, Southern Miss Matt Millen Telemarketer Kielbasa Salesman Grade
I didn't have Lamar Holmes being drafted. No major big board ranked him in the top 225. The Falcons probably could have obtained him in Round 6 or 7. Maybe they know something no one else does.

157. Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin B- Grade
Ovie Mughelli is coming off a torn MCL, so it's understandable why the Falcons would draft a fullback. I think this is a bit early for Bradie Ewing, but it's not much of a reach.

164. Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy A Grade
This is a really good value pick. Jonathan Massaquoi was ranked No. 84 on Mike Mayock's big board, and he was No. 116 on the consensus rankings. The Falcons had to find a young pass-rusher to perhaps eventually take over for John Abraham.

192. Charles Mitchell, SS, Mississippi State B Grade
Safety depth had to be addressed, so this pick makes sense. Charles Mitchell could have gone a bit later than this, but given that this is Atlanta's penultimate pick, it's not a big deal.

249. Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina B Grade
The Falcons don't have much depth at defensive tackle, so this pick makes sense. Travian Robertson probably should have been selected at this spot.

Season Summary:
The Falcons thought they were one player away from becoming one of the Super Bowl favorites, which is why they traded the farm for Julio Jones in the 2011 NFL Draft. Jones didn't disappoint, but pretty much everyone else did. The Falcons have some glaring holes on their roster, but with no first-round pick to fill any of them, it'll be difficult for them to improve.

Offseason Moves:

Falcons cut FB Ovie Mughelli

Falcons acquire CB Asante Samuel from Eagles for late-round pick

Bears sign CB Kelvin Hayden

Falcons sign SS James Sanders

Falcons re-sign C Todd McClure

Saints sign ILB Curtis Lofton

Falcons re-sign LS Joe Zelenka

Falcons re-sign DE John Abraham

Bears sign WR/KR Eric Weems

Falcons re-sign WR Harry Douglas

Falcons re-sign QB Chris Redman

Falcons re-sign DT Vance Walker

Falcons sign ILB Lofa Tatupu

Falcons re-sign RB Jason Snelling

Falcons re-sign S Thomas DeCoud

Falcons re-sign DE Kroy Biermann

Falcons franchise CB Brent Grimes

Offseason Needs:

Left Tackle: The Giants manhandled Atlanta's offensive line in the playoffs. One of the issues was at left tackle, where Sam Baker was benched during the year. Will Svitek was solid in relief early, but really struggled down the stretch. Acquiring a left tackle without a first-round pick will be difficult, unfortunately. Drafted Lamar Holmes
Cornerback: It doesn't appear as though Brent Grimes will be back in Atlanta next year in the wake of speculation that he sat out the playoff game to avoid injury (per Pro Football Weekly). Franchised Brent Grimes; traded for Asante Samuel
Center: Todd McClure is a 35-year-old free agent. If he's not retained, the Falcons will obviously need a replacement. A Day 2 selection could suffice. Re-signed Todd McClure; drafted Peter Konz
Defensive End: Ray Edwards was a disappointment as a free-agent acquisition. John Abraham is a 34-year-old free agent who frequently disappears in big games. Kroy Biermann is due to hit the market as well. Re-signed John Abraham and Kroy Biermann; drafted JOnathan Massaquoi
Running Back: Michael Turner is pretty much done. He averaged 3.6 YPC or worse in six of his final seven games, losing any sort of burst he once had. Jacquizz Rodgers is just a third-down scat back, so the Falcons need a new starter. Re-signed Jason Snelling
Inside Linebacker: Stud inside linebacker Curtis Lofton is a free agent who must be re-signed. Signed Lofa Tatupu
Right Guard: It's unclear if last year's fourth-round pick, Joe Hawley, is the answer at right guard. He was brutal in the postseason loss, but he'll be better next season.
Tight End: Tony Gonzalez just rebounded with a great year, but he'll be 36 in February. He could decline next season, and if he doesn't, it's likely that the 2012 campaign will be his last. A successor will need to be acquired.
Free Safety: Thomas DeCoud is another free agent I'm sure Atlanta would like to retain. Re-signed Thomas DeCoud
Wide Receiver Depth: Help is needed behind the starters and free agent Harry Douglas. Re-signed Harry Douglas
Linebacker Depth: The Falcons will be thin here if Mike Peterson walks.

2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Lofa Tatupu, ILB, Seahawks. Age: 29.
Signed with Falcons (2 years, $5.75 million)

Lofa Tatupu (or Taptua) oddly received no interest in 2011. Maybe a year off was what he needed to recover from all of his injuries.

Atlanta Falcons Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Curtis Lofton, ILB, Falcons. Age: 26.
Signed with Saints (5 years)

Curtis Lofton is a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker. Re-signing him is Atlanta's No. 1 priority this offseason because he's the soul of the defense.
Brent Grimes, CB, Falcons. Age: 29.
Franchised by Falcons

Despite size and speed limitations, Brent Grimes is a very talented cornerback. The only question is his dedication. There is speculation via a Pro Football Weekly report that he sat out the playoff game so he wouldn't risk a big pay day by getting hurt. If so, Grimes might be one of those take-the-money-and-run bust free agents. Caveat emptor.
John Abraham, DE, Falcons. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Falcons (3 years)

John Abraham is pretty overrated because he comes up small in big games, usually racking up his high sack totals against poor opponents like Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars. He'll be 34 in May, so his best days are far behind him.
Todd McClure, C, Falcons. Age: 35.
Re-signed with Falcons (1 year)

Todd McClure turns 35 in February, but he still gets the job done. His skills could erode without warning, however, which is why I'm listing him at just three stars.
Eric Weems, WR/KR, Falcons. Age: 27.
Signed with Bears (3 years)

Eric Weems scored two special-teams touchdowns in 2010, but couldn't find the end zone this past season. However, he was still effective on returns, maintaining solid averages in both punt and kick returns.
Kroy Biermann, DE, Falcons. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Falcons (3 years)

Kroy Biermann had a very solid 2010 campaign, but struggled this past season, notching only 2.5 sacks despite playing about 35 snaps every week. He was invisible against the Giants.
Thomas DeCoud, FS, Falcons. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Falcons (5 years, $17.5 million; $4 million guaranteed)

Thomas DeCoud is good in run support, but tends to get lost in coverage. He performed poorly in the beginning of the year, but picked up his play late.
Ovie Mughelli, FB, Falcons. Age: 32.
Ovie Mughelli is coming off a torn MCL. He needs to prove that he can still be an effective blocker.
Harry Douglas, WR, Falcons. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Falcons
Vance Walker (RFA), DT, Falcons. Age: 25. -- Re-signed with Falcons (1 year)
Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Falcons (3 years)
Mike Peterson, OLB, Falcons. Age: 36.
James Sanders, SS, Falcons. Age: 28. -- Signed with Cardinals
Reggie Kelly, TE, Falcons. Age: 35.
Kelvin Hayden, CB, Falcons. Age: 29. -- Signed with Bears
Chris Redman, QB, Falcons. Age: 35. -- Re-signed with Falcons
Brett Romberg, C, Falcons. Age: 32.
Kirk Chambers, OT, Falcons. Age: 33.

2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon

Divisional Rival History:
Carolina Panthers: The host has won six of the past eight meetings. The Falcons had a fluky comeback at Carolina in 2011 though.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have won 10 of 12 in this rivalry. New Orleans can thank Garrett Hartley for missing an overtime field goal during one of those two losses.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt Ryan is 6-2 against the Buccaneers. There's no need to explain that record.

Features to be Posted This Offseason:

2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
Detailed season preview
Fantasy football projections
Positional rankings
Daily updates on free-agent signings

2012 NFL Offseason Pages

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2012 NFL Offseason: Atlanta Falcons Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents