Falcons Team Report

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Inside Slant

The Falcons recently completed a three-day minicamp. To say the team has been deconstructed is an understatement.

Other than safety Lawyer Milloy, linebacker Keith Brooking, linebacker Michael Boley, defensive end John Abraham and maybe wide receiver Roddy White and running back Michael Turner, there might not be another player on the team anyone outside of Atlanta could name.

Throw in the fact that coach Mike Smith is a first-timer and an argument could be made that Atlanta is but a step or two above an expansion team. It is incredibly young and will get younger after the draft.

There are gaping holes in the offensive line, defensive line, depth at linebacker and in the secondary — not to mention quarterback. For leadership that wants to build through the middle, the soil is ripe for planting.

While Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley won't be considered the most threatening trio of quarterbacks in the NFL, Atlanta actually has greater immediate concerns.

Along the offensive line, starting left guard Justin Blalock has been moved to right tackle, where regular starter Todd Weiner's return is in question because he had major knee surgery. Quinn Ojinnaka, a backup tackle, was used at starting left guard. Pat McCoy, an undrafted free agent with the Eagles in 2006, lined up as the starting left tackle.

Center Todd McClure and right guard Kynan Forney remain intact but there is major surgery going on around them. Veteran line coach Paul Boudreau should be an asset to whatever crew he's provided after the draft, but he could have the toughest task of any member of the coaching staff.

Atlanta still does not have its ideal defensive interior, although tackle Jonathan Babineaux is a very capable rotational player, as is Kindal Moorehead. Even so, neither is the type of anchor Smith wants, which is another reason why LSU's Glenn Dorsey is being viewed as the Falcons' likely selection at No. 3 — if he's still available.

Though free-agent signee Von Hutchins lined up as the starting left cornerback, which was vacated by DeAngelo Hall, the coaching staff prefers Hutchins be the nickel back. That indicates Atlanta wants a starting cornerback and likely will pursue one high in the draft.

Should it trade back from the No. 3 spot, possibly to No. 8 with Baltimore, Georgia native Leodis McKelvin out of Troy would be an ideal fit — especially since he's also a standout return man, something the Falcons desperately need. Depth at both safety spots also is an issue.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Wide receiver Joe Horn, 36, does not sound like a man wanting to spend potentially his last season in the NFL as a backup on a losing team helping groom younger players to make plays he feels he can make. Though Horn said he would behave professionally and accept such a role, he doesn't seem like he'd be happy doing so.

"I'm not a hater. If I can still run with the young guys and I can still play, play me," Horn said. "I don't want to be making the money I make ($2.5 million) sitting on the sideline or backing a guy up. At the same time, I'm 36 years old and I know how it is. After 10 years, 12 years in this league if you don't know your role will diminish to bring younger guys along you're fooling yourself. You play your role and you make the team a better team by setting the example. You show them with your actions. I have to play my role and be there for the guys like I have been since I've been here."

—Free safety Jimmy Williams, the Falcons' top draft pick in 2006, did not attend the final two workouts of the team's minicamp after being present on Day 1. No reason was given for his absence other than coach Mike Smith saying the workouts are voluntary and that players don't have to be there.

The coaching staff — Smith met with Williams after the first practice — did not seem bothered at all, which signaled that Williams gave a good reason why he had to leave or that they have more pressing things to concern themselves with. Williams and his agent could not be reached.

Williams, who was selected in the second round out of Virginia Tech as a cornerback, was moved to free safety last season and was given countless opportunities to unseat starter Chris Crocker. He never did and was even rendered inactive on game days twice because of poor effort on special teams.

Williams was supposed to get the opportunity to compete with free-agent acquisition Erik Coleman for the starting job but at mini camp, we worked behind Coleman and Antoine Harris.

—Outside linebacker Michael Boley, the team's top defender, and tailback Michael Turner, signed as a free agent from San Diego, did not participate in the minicamp, although they were present. Smith said both were recovering from offseason, arthroscopic procedures — Boley (ankle), Turner (shoulder) — and were held out for precautionary reasons.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's not going to be about a coach making up all these great schemes. It's going to be about the players going out to play. I think that's why the Patriots do so well. They don't need superstars at every position. Every man does his job and the offense works. If we do that, we'll make plays, win games." — Fullback Ovie Mughelli, taking a shot at former coach Bobby Petrino, on Mike Mularkey's offensive scheme.

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STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Coaches have shuffled players along the offensive line to see how some of them adapted to playing new positions. In turn, the coaching staff gained insight on how it could draft after seeing the success and failure with the versatility of some players.

Most notably, starting left guard Justin Blalock, who struggled as a rookie, was moved to right tackle, and backup left tackle Quinn Ojinnaka was moved to left guard. Blalock's shift is two-pronged. Regular starting right tackle Todd Weiner is recovering from major knee surgery and his return is questionable. Secondly, Blalock's skill set might be better suited at tackle.

If Blalock is moved, Atlanta could opt to pursue a guard to compete with Ojinnaka later in the draft than a right tackle earlier in the draft. The Falcons still have to acquire a left tackle and that could be the priority.

Should it decide to keep Blalock at tackle and pursue a guard in the middle of the draft, Atlanta could use some of its higher selections to address other need areas.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—PK Morten Andersen is a reliable geriatric kicker that still has some leg left but the signing of Jason Elam takes him out of the picture.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—FB Corey McIntyre (tendered at $927,000 with no compensation) was the special teams captain, but he might not be an ideal fit in the offense.

UPDATE: Falcons signed restricted free agent FB Corey McIntyre to a one-year, $927,000 contract.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—FS Erik Coleman: UFA Jets; $10M/4 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

—K Jason Elam: UFA Broncos; $9M/4 yrs, $3.3M SB.

—DE Simon Fraser: Not tendered as RFA by Browns; terms unknown.

—TE Ben Hartsock: UFA Titans; $9M/4 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

—CB Von Hutchins: UFA Texans; $9M/4 yrs, $2.5M.

—DT Rashad Moore: Not tendered as RFA by Patriots; terms unknown.

—DT Kindal Moorehead: UFA Panthers; terms unknown.

—C Alex Stepanovich: UFA Bengals; terms unknown.

—RB Michael Turner: UFA Chargers; $34.5M/6 yrs, $15M guaranteed.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—DT Tim Anderson: UFA; terms unknown.

—LB Michael Boley: RFA; $2.017M/1 yr.

—OL Tyson Clabo: ERFA; terms unknown.

—DE Chauncey Davis: RFA; $927,000/1 yr.

—QB Joey Harrington: FA, had been released by Falcons; $1M/1 yr, $300,000 SB.

—P Michael Koenen: RFA' $1.47M/1 yr.

—QB Chris Redman: UFA; $4M/2 yrs, $2M guaranteed.

—NT Montavious Stanley: ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

—TE Courtney Anderson: UFA Bills; terms unknown.

—TE Dwayne Blakley: UFA Titans; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—DT Rod Coleman (released).

—S Chris Crocker: UFA Dolphins; 1.15M/1 yr, $300,000 SB.

—TE Alge Crumpler (released).

—RB Warrick Dunn (released).

—WR Jamin Elliott (released).

—OT Wayne Gandy (released).

—CB DeAngelo Hall (traded Raiders).

—QB Byron Leftwich (released).

—S Omare Lowe: UFA Seahawks; $605,000/1 yr.

—CB Lewis Sanders (released).

—LB Marcus Wilkins (released).

—OLB Demorrio Williams: UFA Chiefs; $16M/5 yrs, $5.5M guaranteed.

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Smith, Dimitroff discuss Draft preparation
by J. Michael Moore, Atlantafalcons.com Managing Editor

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith may be new in their roles, but they've already mastered one art necessary for survival in the NFL Draft.

They can say something without really saying anything.

Dimitroff and Smith hosted their first pre-draft press conference Monday afternoon. The hinted at options for next weekend's draft, but stopped short of revealing any secrets. They met with the media for about 20 minutes at the team's Flowery Branch headquarters answering questions about character evaluations and depth at various positions, particularly on the offensive and defensive line.

Dimitroff said he's received calls about trading the No. 3 overall pick, but wouldn't go into further detail.

Currently the Falcons have seven picks in the first 103 selections (four in the first 48). The team is poised to make big moves with players or trades into advantageous positions.

"We could potentially use all 11 (picks)," he said. "There are some quality players that could be major contributors in those first seven picks. I also believe that you can get quality players later in the Draft and hit a home run on them. We are not closing the door on any later opportunities in the Draft as well."

Dimitroff said this Draft will be "system specific" at every position.

"I know this seems evasive, but every position is up for recalibration and consideration," he said. "It’s not like there are two or three positions we 100 percent need to have and we're not looking at the entire board. We're looking at what comes our way and if we are faced with a situation where there is a player that we think can help us and move us in the right direction then we'll consider him despite what the position might be."

Dimitroff said the team built its Draft board with character in mind. Smith spoke of focusing on both sides of the ball.

"We've had some good discussions and that's all part of the process," the coach said when asked about evaluations. "It's a process that the whole organization is really involved in. It's not just Thomas and I. It's also the input of the scouts. It's been a great process."

A former defensive coordinator, Smith said he used to push for defensive players in the Draft. He's now turned his attention to the "universal view" of his football team, but isn't a stranger to some of the defensive players preparing for this year's selection process, particularly on the defensive line.

"I think it's a pretty deep draft in terms of the defensive line," he said. "... I think there are a number of good players who have redeeming qualities at that position. You also have to consider some of the guys who play defensive end. There are some defensive ends who could possibly play defensive tackle in certain schemes. I think it’s a strong group in terms of the defensive line."

When it comes to quarterback, Smith said he was pleased with Chris Redman and Joey Harrington's performance in last week's mini camp and that he's excited to see D.J. Shockley recover from season-ending ACL surgery. That said, the team could still draft a quarterback.

Protecting a new quarterback could also become an issue, as offensive line has been widely reported as a position of need for the Birds. Dimitroff seemed pleased with versatility at the position but wouldn't tip his hand as to what spot the team could be eying.

"Most of these guys have ability to play (right or left) tackle," he said. "I think it’s a good group when you consider it that way. I think there is versatility there and I think that’s what makes their value that much better. That’s why you are going to see these tackles go earlier than they would otherwise."

Dimitroff and Smith went on to offer other nuggets on the team's preparation, but nothing of the breaking news variety.

Still, one bit of the team's approach rang crystal clear.

The front office has done it's homework.

"I pride myself in being an honest person," Dimitroff said. "I want to approach this in a right way with a sound mind. Any decision we make, I don’t want it to be emotionally driven. I don’t want it to be a situation where we are fired-up and being competitive with another team. I know Coach Smith doesn’t want that as well. This is about doing the right thing for the Falcons. I want to stress that we have another five days before the Draft and we are going to continue our process. We’ll come up with that final decision on Saturday. I know everyone wants to know what we are doing at No. 3, but we are still working at that."

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Inside Slant

Call it a lesson learned.

While first-round draft pick Matt Ryan will be used in the team's marketing strategies, he won't get exclusive top billing as Michael Vick did.

The Falcons found out the mistake of hitching every facet of their franchise to one player when their economic and on-field fortunes crashed once Vick was indicted and later imprisoned on federal dogfighting charges last fall.

A roster that had been built for Vick suddenly seemed miscast. A coach brought in to perfect Vick bolted after not getting the chance to coach him. The one-time waiting list for season tickets disappeared and season-ticket renewals, according to the team, are down.

Though Vick can be blamed for some of the woes, the Falcons appear to be accepting their share of the blame in the carnage for attaching themselves to the wrong side of the wrecking ball.

The team's marketing and sales representatives are formulating a vastly different strategy to regain season ticket holders and attract new customers. They not only need to put butts in the seats but they also needs to find occupants for the suites.

Luxury boxes could be emptier than they have been the past few seasons, the team acknowledged. The downturn in the economy coupled with the Vick-straining, 4-12 season in 2007 has provided a difficult challenge in persuading fans to invest in a team having little more to sell than hope.

That hope includes Ryan, the fresh-faced, publicly polished rookie from Boston College. He's done a variety of television, print and radio interviews — on sports, rock and urban music stations.

Yet, he's just part of the plan, according to the Falcons. Veterans, rookies and coaches will be included in team-concept promotions to convert the scorned and doubtful.

The plan was set in motion within hours of the draft's first day being completed. The Falcons put Ryan's draft-day jersey for sale on their website but they also pushed memorabilia from fellow first-round pick Sam Baker (USC) and second-round selection Curtis Lofton (Oklahoma).

Unlike most teams, the Falcons don't have a hardcore fan base because there isn't tradition in place. They've never had back-to-back winning seasons so prolonged success is foreign to fans. Thus, they have to constantly sell the product.

That product no longer will be a one-man option.

NOTES, QUOTES

—It has not taken new general manager Thomas Dimitroff long to start the process of getting some of his longtime associates in place. It also hasn't taken long for some of Atlanta's current employees to read the tealeaves.

Dimitroff hired longtime Colts regional scout David Caldwell as the Falcons' director of college scouting, a role Dimitroff held with the Patriots before being hired by Atlanta.

Caldwell replaces Phil Emery, who served in the role for three seasons. Emery was reassigned to be and Eastern-region scout.

Atlanta also received permission to speak to Ravens' personnel men Lionel Vital and Vincent Newsome.

—A vacancy was created for a salary-cap manager when highly respected Brian Xanders accepted the assistant GM job with the Denver Broncos. Xanders, who worked his way through the ranks after more than a decade with the team, was considered one of the brightest minds in the front office.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is a great pick for us. We knew earlier in the week when we were going through this decision making process. It was on Thursday that we came to a conclusion that this was the direction that we wanted to go. If something were to happen at the last minute there at the third spot, we were going to get a good football player. We were very at ease with this." — Falcons coach Mike Smith on the decision to stick with drafting Ryan even though LSU DT Glenn Dorsey was available.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

By not drafting any defensive tackles, the Falcons possess a unit stocked with players best suited for the three-technique tackle spot. The limited options on the roster to play nose tackle leaves the door wide open for the re-signing of veteran free agent Grady Jackson.

Jackson was cut in the middle of last season, despite being the most productive defensive lineman on the team in 2006 and the portion of 2007 he was there. The coaching staff soured on him for some reason and surprisingly cut him, creating a furor in the locker room.

Rookie Trey Lewis stepped in played well until tearing his ACL in his knee (he re-tore the ligament in the offseason and had to have a second operation). Jackson, meanwhile, moved on to Jacksonville where he played for current Falcons coach Mike Smith, then the Jags' defensive coordinator.

If a move is made for Jackson, it likely won't come until closer to training camp. Jackson still lives near the team facility in Flowery Branch and stays in touch with players on the team.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—PK Morten Andersen is a reliable geriatric kicker that still has some leg left but the signing of Jason Elam takes him out of the picture.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—FS Erik Coleman: UFA Jets; $10M/4 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

—K Jason Elam: UFA Broncos; $9M/4 yrs, $3.3M SB.

—DE Simon Fraser: Not tendered as RFA by Browns; terms unknown.

—TE Ben Hartsock: UFA Titans; $9M/4 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

—CB Von Hutchins: UFA Texans; $9M/4 yrs, $2.5M.

—FB Corey McIntyre: RFA; $927,000/1 yr.

—DT Rashad Moore: Not tendered as RFA by Patriots; terms unknown.

—DT Kindal Moorehead: UFA Panthers; terms unknown.

—C Alex Stepanovich: UFA Bengals; terms unknown.

—RB Michael Turner: UFA Chargers; $34.5M/6 yrs, $15M guaranteed.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—DT Tim Anderson: UFA; terms unknown.

—LB Michael Boley: RFA; $2.017M/1 yr.

—OL Tyson Clabo: ERFA; terms unknown.

—DE Chauncey Davis: RFA; $927,000/1 yr.

—QB Joey Harrington: FA, had been released by Falcons; $1M/1 yr, $300,000 SB.

—P Michael Koenen: RFA' $1.47M/1 yr.

—QB Chris Redman: UFA; $4M/2 yrs, $2.75M SB.

—NT Montavious Stanley: ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

—TE Courtney Anderson: UFA Bills; terms unknown.

—TE Dwayne Blakley: UFA Titans; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—DT Rod Coleman (released).

—S Chris Crocker: UFA Dolphins; 1.15M/1 yr, $300,000 SB.

—TE Alge Crumpler (released).

—RB Warrick Dunn (released).

—WR Jamin Elliott (released).

—OT Wayne Gandy (released).

—CB DeAngelo Hall (traded Raiders).

—QB Byron Leftwich (released).

—S Omare Lowe: UFA Seahawks; $605,000/1 yr.

—CB Lewis Sanders (released).

—LB Marcus Wilkins (released).

—OLB Demorrio Williams: UFA Chiefs; $16M/5 yrs, $5.5M guaranteed.