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2013 NFL Offseason: Atlanta Falcons

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents

Atlanta Falcons (Last Year: 13-3)

2013 NFL Draft Grade: A-

Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.

Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: Atlanta's offense is pretty much set, save for some depth issues. What the Falcons need to concentrate on is their defense. They need help at every level. Two defensive linemen, a linebacker and two cornerbacks have to be obtained.

2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Thomas Dimitroff is a strong general manager who likes to attack needs without reaching. He utilized his strategy extremely well again this year.

The Falcons absolutely had to shore up two areas: defensive end and cornerback. Given what Dimitroff tends to do, it's no surprise that he doubled up on corners right away and then selected a pair of pass-rushers on Day 3.

The corners are both very good prospects. Dimitroff traded up eight spots for Desmond Trufant, which was probably a necessary move because a couple of teams drafting ahead of him needed a corner. Robert Alford provided much more value at No. 60, given that there were reports that he would be a "top-42 lock." The defensive ends, meanwhile, both fit the range. Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga complement each other very well.

Almost all of Atlanta's other selections were pretty solid. I wish the Falcons would've found some help at linebacker, and I wasn't crazy about Kemal Ishmael (No. 243), but that was an extremely late pick not worth fretting about.

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

22. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington: B+ Grade
I like Desmond Trufant a lot. I mocked him to the Falcons quite frequently at No. 30, but I guess Atlanta felt like he wouldn't fall to them. Moving up eight spots to land him is definitely acceptable. Trufant should be an instant starter across from Asante Samuel, as he fills a huge need.

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60. Robert Alford, CB, Southeastern Louisiana: A Grade
There was a report a few weeks ago that Robert Alford wouldn't make it past the 42nd pick. Well, he did, and the Falcons have to be thrilled. Alford, who provides solid value, really helps fortify the cornerback position along with Desmond Trufant. Atlanta's former greatest weakness now has to be considered a strength.

126. Malliciah Goodman, DE, Clemson: B Grade
The Falcons needed a defensive end despite signing Osi Umenyiora in free agency. Malliciah Goodman projects as a solid complement for the former Giant, and he fits the range.

133. Levine Toilolo, TE, Stanford: B- Grade
This is a slight reach for Levine Toilolo, but that's not a big deal at the end of the fourth round. Toilolo could be viewed as the heir apparent for Tony Gonzalez whenever the future Hall of Famer chooses to retire.

153. Stansly Maponga, DE, TCU: B Grade
The Falcons continue to draft well. This is another pick that makes sense, as Atlanta had to double dip at the defensive end position. Stansly Mapgona fits the range as a fifth-round prospect.

243. Kemal Ishmael, DB, Central Florida: C+ Grade
Why not add another defensive back? Teams can never use enough of them. Kemal Ishmael will provide some help on special teams.

244. Zeke Motta, S, Notre Dame: B Grade
Speaking of defensive backs, Zeke Motta provides more value than Atlanta's other compensatory seventh-rounder. The Falcons didn't have much depth at safety.

249. Sean Renfree, QB, Duke: A- Grade
Sean Renfree is a very smart quarterback who could be developed and flipped into a mid-round pick or better. Why not take a chance on him?

*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

A.Brown 05-06-2013 09:46 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.41 (total posts: 5)

375

This draft was great! This is exactly what Atlanta needed to do inorder to stay ahead in the NFC South. Desmound Trufant was a solid pick even though we lost a 3rd and 6th rounder for him. I still believe Trufant is going to be are #1 CB going into the season and Asante will play great across from him. When Robert Alford's name got called in the 2nd round i thought it might have been a reach! But it seemed like all the "expects" rated him as a top 50 pick. I watched some video and i was convinced! Alford is going to help ATL alot! Even if he doesnt get alot of playing time cause Desmound, Asante and Robert McClain are ahead of him, i think he can push his way into a starting job in a year or 2 depending when Asante declines. In the 4th I liked the pick up of Malliciah Goodman and Levine Toilolo. Goodman has the longest arms in the draft and showed good leverage in college! But he didnt seem to reach his potential. If the coaches can encourage him and keep him from slackin, he could be a solid started across from Osi. Toilolo might be my favorite pick in the draft. He is 6ft 8 and is 265+ lbs. he runs fast for his size and was a basketball player just like Tony G was. He was underrated due to coming from Stanford where the past 2 drafts have produced top rated TE's like Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz. He was overlooked but i believe with the help of Tony and some development, he could be a top 10 TE in the league in 2 years. Then there is Stansley Maponga. He didnt impress me alot on film and seemed slow at times. He is short for a DE at 6ft 1. But Thomas and the coaching staff have to see something else in him because they traded up in the 5th to get him. IN the 7th i think we got good boom for our 3 picks. I wasnt exactly happy we drafted 2 safetys back to back when i think our depth was good. I had no idea who Kemal Ishmael was and i dont think Mel Kiper or Todd McSay did either! But i watched some videos and he stood out on an underrated Central Florida group that has produced solid late round prospects the best few years. Zeke Motta was a good pick and could be that special teams guy that Kroy biermann is. Has good range and hitting ability that favors to William Moore and should make the team as the 3rd or 4th safety. I was suprised when atlanta drafted Sean Renfree. But for some reason i figured they would get a young QB to develope and then trade away. He was a really good QB for Duke and thats saying alot since Duke isnt known for football. He won a Bowl game with Duke and showed to be a smart QB that could develope nicely. Overall i think the falcons draft is a A-. i love the draft picks besides Stansely Maponga. I think they should have tried to draft a DT late. Would have helped them out alot! But they could always still go after Richard Seymour, who Thomas Dimitroff knows from his days in new England and has expressed interest in. I think they filled solid needs and they are set. They just need to add some young depth on the Offensive line and bring in some competition at OLB. But overall this offseason has been a win for Atlanta!

Shut up lance 05-05-2013 06:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.125 (total posts: 1)

We had 6 picks in the last draft. Peter kind did good at guard while the rest learned the play book! How is that a flop?

AhWhtat 04-29-2013 02:58 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.232 (total posts: 1)

"Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals."

rrmoley 04-29-2013 01:04 pm xxx.xxx.xxx65.6 (total posts: 1)

This grade is very subjective with only 2 As and a C at best its a B

RIPRIP 04-29-2013 12:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.238 (total posts: 1)

Obviously has not seen Kemal Ishmael play who is in my opinion better than Zeke Motta.

http://youtu.be/muVANT9nyJs

Lance 04-29-2013 11:50 am xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 18)

Can you give their draft a C, please? The last draft class of theirs you gave more than a C flopped.

JJJ 04-29-2013 10:53 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.75 (total posts: 1)

As a 49er fan I have to say nice job of drafting by the Falcons. Hold off the Bucs and Saints so we can battle it out for the NFC again... Good luck and see you in SF...

Paul 04-28-2013 06:22 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.66 (total posts: 1)

To the haters of this draft: our management has done a great job in the offseason and hasn't failed us in the past few years as we've been consistently making the playoffs. I could have told you before the draft dimitroff wouldn't make "popular" decisions in the draft but the guy knows what he's doing and has a plan. Trading that many picks for julio wasn't a hugely popular decision but it was a genius move. We still have room in the free agency; freeny and Abraham are still available. Relax.

Surg 04-28-2013 11:51 am xxx.xxx.xxx.221 (total posts: 4)

123

One pick that I think will pay dividends instantly is the Levine Toilolo pick...Dude is HUGE and can fly. We will be difficult to stop in the redzone. If he can add about ten more pounds of muscle, oh my goodness. We can develop this guy into a top 10 TE within a couple of years.

Mr. Falco 04-28-2013 11:41 am xxx.xxx.xxx.169 (total posts: 3)

In TD we trust. Practicing with the duo roddy and Julio will make these two corners a lot better. I have faith in this team, Superbowl or bust! Rise Up!

Danny 04-28-2013 01:09 am xxx.xxx.xxx.106 (total posts: 1)

Solid, but unspectacular draft for the Falcons. They had a lot of needs on defense, and couldn't solve them all in one draft. They chose to invest in the secondary this year. The front 7 must improve. Until then, it doesn't matter who they have in the secondary. They are not good enough in the trenches to stop the run or apply pressure.

Bman32x 04-27-2013 11:28 pm xxx.xxx.xxx6.62 (total posts: 1)

This draft literally makes me cringe. You have a team that their weakness is speed in the secondary and defending the pass and they addressed it. This draft plus the Falcons off season FA moves, I'm not going to hand them the NFC title, but they sure have made it a lot harder to beat them now. I would hate to think how much more potent their offense would be had Buffalo traded with them instead of St Louis which was an ugly rumor I heard floating Thursday but only Rams had more than enough ammo they were willing to give up.

Surg 04-27-2013 10:41 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.221 (total posts: 4)

130

104

Got Damn...100 thumbs down lmao

Were we not 29th in rushing yards allowed per attempt (4.8 ypc)? Yeah we kept teams out the endzone in the REGULAR season, but were exposed in the playoffs against Seattle and the 49ers. These mobile/shifty QB's and the spread can wear down defenses. In the 49ers game, when the d-line wore down we had to play zone and spy the QB. When that happened Vernon Davis torched us for huge gains. The battle in the trenches is the most IMPORTANT battle. If you disagree with that, I don't know what the hell to tell you. Super Bowl winning teams win the battle in the treanches (Giants, Patriots, Steelers). We need our front line to be solid in the middle. We did great drafting DE's but we need to look at Kwame Geathers and TJ Barnes.

Surg 04-27-2013 08:00 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.221 (total posts: 4)

266

217

For all of the ones disagreeing with my assessment of Trufant. In my opinion, the CB draft class was the absolute DEEPEST in the draft. After Dee Milliner and Xavier Rhodes, I couldn't tell much difference talent-wise between one DB and the next. Many could argue that Darius Slay, Jamal Taylor or even Johnathan Banks were better than Desmond Trufant. Yes, we needed a CB, but if that was the first-round priority, I would've traded down instead of up. D-line is a priority because I don't care who you have lined up on the outsides, if you can't get in the QB's face, those wr's will get open eventually. Babs is in his 30's dude, Floyd would have been an EXCELLENT replacement. But besides that, we have not only struggled with stopping runs up the middle, we struggled with getting pressure up the middle and FINISHING PLAYS. We will face some of the best QB's in the league this year...Newton. Brees, Rodgers, Brady, RGIII. We shouldn't put all that pressure on Matt Ryan and the offense to win all those games. We need two big bodies in the middle to wreak havoc and as of right now we haven't added anyone at DT...We can not go into this season with Osi as our best pass rusher. We need to be thinking about the playoffs now. One pass-rusher won't do it.

Surg 04-27-2013 07:40 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.221 (total posts: 4)

154

104

@A little annoyed

That is what's currently driving me MADDDD!!! I want them to pick up both, I'm surprised they slid down this far especially Kwame Geathers. Dimitroff needs to pick them both up to add beef to the middle of our weak-ass non-run stopping d-line. PICK THEM UP NOW DIMITROFF!!!!

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Season Summary:
The Falcons finally got over the hump and won in the playoffs. They were yards away from advancing to the Super Bowl, but Matt Ryan's shoulder injury - as well as a great 49er team - ruined those chances.

Offseason Moves:

Dolphins sign OT Tyson Clabo

Falcons cut OT Tyson Clabo

Falcons sign LB Brian Banks

Dolphins sign CB Brent Grimes

Falcons sign DE Osi Umenyiora

Browns sign CB Chris Owens

Raiders sign DT Vance Walker

Patriots sign OT Will Svitek

Falcons re-sign TE Tony Gonzalez

Falcons sign RB Steven Jackson

Falcons re-sign OT Sam Baker

Falcons announce retirement of C Todd McClure

Colts sign DE Lawrence Sidbury

Falcons re-sign S William Moore

Falcons re-sign G Garrett Reynolds

Falcons re-sign RB Antone Smith

Falcons cut RB Michael Turner

Falcons cut DE John Abraham

Falcons cut CB Dunta Robinson

Team Needs:

Two Defensive Ends: The Falcons can't put any pressure on the quarterback whatsoever. John Abraham and Ray Edwards were released in the past six months. The front office could double dip at this position during the draft. Signed Osi Umenyiora
Running Back: This is an obvious need. Michael Turner was cut, so the Falcons need to bring in a replacement. There will be plenty of backs available on Day 2 of the 2013 NFL Draft. Signed Steven Jackson
Linebacker: The Falcons' play at linebacker must improve. Stephen Nicholas can't be on the field on all three downs, while Akeem Dent was a disappointment in his first season as a starter. The team needs to find a linebacker capable of playing all three downs with Sean Weatherspoon. Signed Brian Banks
Defensive Tackle: Atlanta will look for a defensive tackle to complement Jonathan Babineaux this offseason. Someone like Kawann Short makes sense at the end of the first round this April.
Cornerback: Depth is needed. Brent Grimes is a free agent coming off a torn Achilles. Dunta Robinson, meanwhile, was recently cut.
Right Tackle: Tyson Clabo was a surprising release. He'll have to be replaced.
Tight End: Tony Gonzalez will likely retire this offseason. If that's the case, Atlanta may draft a tight end early. If he comes back, a successor could be found. Re-signed Tony Gonzalez
Interior Lineman: The Falcons will need a new right guard or center, depending on where they want to put Peter Konz. Todd McClure retired. Luckily, this upcoming draft is deep in terms of interior blockers. Re-signed Garrett Reynolds
Left Tackle: Sam Baker finally got over his chronic back issues, which is why he played well in 2012. However, he's now a free agent who must be retained. Re-signed Sam Baker
Strong Safety: William Moore is another free agent who has to be brought back. Re-signed William Moore
Wide Receiver: Atlanta has to find receiving depth, especially with Roddy White turning 32 in November.

2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Steven Jackson, RB, Rams. Age: 30.
Signed with Falcons

Steven Jackson ran like he had plenty left in the tank this past season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry behind a battered offensive line. However, he turns 30 and has 2,385 career attempts under his belt. He could fall off at any moment.
Osi Umenyiora, DE, Giants. Age: 31.
Signed with Falcons

Osi Umenyiora had some decent games this past season, but was mostly invisible. It's fair to wonder if Umenyiora's talents have eroded. He'll be 32 in November.

Atlanta Falcons Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

William Moore, S, Falcons. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Falcons (5 years, $30 million)

William Moore missed the final quarter of the season with a hamstring injury, but he performed extremely well in all facets otherwise.
Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons. Age: 37.
Re-signed with Falcons

Tony Gonzalez somehow recorded 93 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns as a 36-year-old. He's expected to retire, but if he comes back, he'll still probably be able to play at a high level.
Sam Baker, OT, Falcons. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Falcons

Sam Baker was deemed a bust prior to this season because of years of underachieving, but he actually played well in 2012. The difference was that he was finally over his back problems. Remember though that those things tend to linger and resurface.
Tyson Clabo, OT, Falcons. Age: 31.
Signed with Dolphins

Tyson Clabo was Atlanta's top lineman last year, so even though he was due $4.5 million over the next three seasons, his release was a surprise. I do not have him rated highly, however, because he'll be 32 in October. He could begin to regress quite soon.
Todd McClure, C, Falcons. Age: 36.
Announced retirement

Todd McClure is still getting the job done despite being in his mid-30s, but he could completely drop off soon.
Brent Grimes, CB, Falcons. Age: 30.
Signed with Dolphins (1 year)

Brent Grimes would be ranked much higher if he weren't coming off a torn Achilles' tendon. He'll be 30 in July, so it'll be tough for him to bounce back.
John Abraham, DE, Falcons. Age: 35.
John Abraham still got the job done as a 34-year-old last season, registering a team-high 10 sacks. He was cut because of his $7.25 million cap number. He can still start, but it's fair to wonder how much he has left in the tank, given that he'll be 35 in May.
Dunta Robinson, CB, Falcons. Age: 31.
Signed with Chiefs (3 years)

Dunta Robinson was due $8 million in 2013, so there was little doubt that he would be cut. Robinson plays the run well, but has been torched in coverage the past two seasons.
Mike Cox, FB, Falcons. Age: 28.
Mike Cox came on as a solid run-blocker at the end of the season.
Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. Age: 31.
Michael Turner is still capable of being a functional No. 2 goal-line back, but his days of being a starter are finished. He's lost all explosion.
Garrett Reynolds, G, Falcons. Age: 26. -- Re-signed with Falcons (2 years)
Will Svitek, OT, Falcons. Age: 31. -- Signed with Patriots
Vance Walker, DT, Falcons. Age: 26. -- Signed with Raiders
Christopher Owens, CB, Falcons. Age: 26. -- Signed with Browns
Chris Hope, S, Falcons. Age: 32.
Michael Palmer (RFA), TE, Falcons. Age: 25.
Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Falcons. Age: 27. -- Signed with Colts
Mike Peterson, OLB, Falcons. Age: 37.
Luke McCown, QB, Falcons. Age: 32. -- Signed with Saints (1 year)
Antone Smith (RFA), RB, Falcons. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Falcons (2 years)

2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 17

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2013 NFL Offseason: Atlanta Falcons Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents