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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 ***

Ego-twad 04-30-2012 03:05 am xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 5)

Yes, of course you would. Because NFL scouts never make mistakes, huh?

Scouts and "media-types" as you call them (perhaps you don't realize that Mel Kiper made the draft what is it, and he has pissed out more draft knowledge that you have ever known) have the same "bust-rate." If they each are right and wrong the same amount - look up the stats, because I did - then why would you take prefer one over the other other than to look like a pretentious a-hole who can cut down others?

Also, those "big boards" are run by people who have spent their life scouting - do you even know that? They're paid just like scouts. They all live and die (reputation-wise) by their evaluations. Just because one happens to work for a team doesn't make them more of an expert.

Lastly, did you happen to watch the draft? Did you seem the smirks on some of the talent evaluators in the other teams' draft rooms when Atlanta made their call? It was a mistake, and everyone else - other experts, as you would call them - knew it.

Face it - you're biased towards your team and/or your favorite personal "sleeper" draft pick and you want to feel protective of it.

Really, it's just sad to see.

ego 04-29-2012 08:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.37 (total posts: 2)

Your "major consensus big board" is built off the opinions of Mel Kiper, Scouts inc, CBS and Walter football (how someone that doesnt watch game tape have a big board is ludicrous in itself) not actual NFL talent evaluators.

If a guy has spent half his life evaluating prospects deems them worthy as a 3rd rounder then I think Ill take his word over some internet clown that wont suffer any repercussions from a wrong opinion.

If "Walter" says someone is gonna be great and they suck, big deal. If it happens to a scout they might be dusting off their resume.

Hey, ego 04-29-2012 08:32 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 5)

Do you read? Follow the draft? Do you know what football scouting is?

Look, the grades typically are based on the overall ranking of players based on major consensus boards and the boards of major people who are in the know. When a player is drafted drastically higher then his rank on the major boards, it is fine to question the move. Why spend a 3rd round pick to grab a player you could have used a 5th or 6th round pick for?

In other words, moron, why spend $200 on something you could have bought for $50?

Unless, of course, you enjoy spending more that you need to on things you want.

CruderX 04-29-2012 07:32 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.186 (total posts: 1)

I think Asante samuel should be counted into Atlanta's draft as they traded their 7th round pick to get him.

ego 04-29-2012 04:33 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.37 (total posts: 2)

103

its funny that some hack that doesn't even watch film questions the selections of a gm that was a scout

matt ryan 04-28-2012 08:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 1)

http://mrfantasyfreak.com/

Arthur B 04-28-2012 05:19 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.147 (total posts: 1)

122

After the dealing with all the problems that resulted from Dog Killer's lies, the Falcons will never draft or sign a player that has major character issues...... Alfonso Denard will NEVER be an Atlanta Falcon!

For the 249th pick - if still available:
- Jeff Adams - OT - Columbia ... He's considered to be the most athletic OT in the draft and given he's an Ivy League grad (or soon will be) he's SMART too! All he needs is some real coaching.
- Tyler Nielsen - OLB - Iowa ... Fast enough, smart and he's 6'3" (most NFL TE's are 6'5" or more).

Topherj22 04-28-2012 04:35 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.110 (total posts: 1)

Still Available:
Alfonso Denard CB
Markel Martin S
Tommie Streeter WR
Marvin McNutt WR

Denard and Streeter to end the draft will be fine with me.

Kyle 04-28-2012 03:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.212 (total posts: 1)

BUT WHAT ABOUT MIKE COX?!?!?!

Mike Smith 04-28-2012 12:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.187 (total posts: 1)

501

Fu ck you i noob

Lance 04-28-2012 10:38 am xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 18)

I can't believe Konz fell into our laps. That was a very pleasant surprise. I didn't understand the Holmes pick at first, but after checking out Holmes he comes off as a guy with all the tools and size you want out of an LT, he just does not have the technique to complement those qualities. He's a project but the upside is through the roof. Coach him up well and the Falcons may have found their franchise LT in the 3rd round. Not bad, in my opinion.

He was an overdraft, admittedly, but seeing as how the Panthers, Bears, 49ers, and other teams were looking at him and had needs at OT and without a 4th round pick my assumption is they didn't want to take the risk of someone else picking him up before their 5th round pick.

Nineth 04-28-2012 08:52 am xxx.xxx.xxx7.16 (total posts: 1)

... Konz is a solid pick (best C in the draft) - can play C, RG or LG - has a bit of a nasty streak and will be there a long time ... if he can overcome the injury bug.
... Holmes is fairly unknown mainly b/c he's a JC transfer (and probably discounted by all the internet draft gurus). - Dimitroff describes him as a massive man, a "double wide load", long arms, agile enough feet, stout, good anchor, can play either tackle and also has a nasty streak.
... Both guys were voted Team Captains by their teammates and known for their work ethic.
... They're far from "sexy" picks but Dimitroff has shown he can evaluate players.
... Grade these picks in three years.

falcons draft looking dissapointing 04-28-2012 07:51 am xxx.xxx.xxx1.79 (total posts: 1)

really holmes over massie, james brown, lamar miller AND Orsan charles

garcia 04-28-2012 12:57 am xxx.xxx.xxx.247 (total posts: 1)

Holmes? This is a head scratcher. With Brandon Thompson staring us in the face, we draft a little-known developmental guy. I have to admit that I am disappointed.

One question: What does TD know that the rest of us do not? I'd like to hear TD's answer.

Kellen Livingstone 04-28-2012 12:22 am xxx.xxx.xxx.199 (total posts: 1)

I actually thought they were saying the Falcons select Lamar Miller which would have been a great selection then he said holmes and I asked who the hell is that?

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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 - June 19

2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

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