Falcons: FalconFocus: Twenty Things “I think” about the Falcons’ Offseason

[RFlagg]

Original Article

Quote:

I’m in a speculating kind of mood today so I thought I’d jot down some things I think will happen this offseason. These aren’t necessarily things I want to see happen, although some are (like No. 10 and No. 20, for instance).

It’ll be interesting to see how badly I missed the boat on some of these…

1. I think that without a pick in the first round this year, Thomas Dimitroff will address the left tackle position in free agency…

2. …and I think that free agent left tackle should be Jared Gaither.

3. I think the Falcons will re-sign either Curtis Lofton or Brent Grimes, but not both…

4. …and I think it’ll be Lofton that is brought back, seeing as how he, Chris Owens and Dominique Franks were all drafted by Dimitroff. (If the Falcons allowed Grimes to walk, I’m sure either Owens or Franks would get the nod to replace him.)

5. I think either John Abraham or Robert Mathis will be the team’s starting right defensive end next season.

6. I think the Falcons will part ways with Kroy Biermann and make Lawrence Sidbury their No. 3 end for 2012.

7. I think Todd McClure’s days with the Falcons are likely over and that Joe Hawley will be the starting center in 2012.

8. I think there’s a very realistic chance that Ovie Mughelli has played his final down in Atlanta as well.

9. I think the Falcons will address the right guard position in the draft, although I wouldn’t be surprised if they signed a veteran to compete with Mike Johnson. Either way, I expect Dimitroff to be frugal at the position.

10. I think Sam Baker will be among the team’s cuts this offseason and if he’s not, then I think the Falcons are insane if they believe he can resurrect his career as a guard.

11. I think the Falcons will find their future tight end in either the second or third round.

13. Despite the wishes of some fans, I think Thomas DeCoud will once again be the starter at free safety next year…

14. …but if DeCoud isn’t brought back, I think the Falcons will sign free agent Reggie Smith to take his place.

15. I think Harry Douglas is the least of the Falcons’ concerns this offseason. If he’s back, great, I’d love to see Dirk Koetter actually use him (unlike Mike Mularkey). But if he’s not, then the Falcons will have plenty of other options for the No. 4 receiver in their offense.

16. I don’t think Michael Turner is going anywhere for at least another year.

17. This should be obvious but I don’t think Dunta Robinson is either.

18. I don’t think Channing Crowder will be in a Falcons’ uniform next season. If the Falcons don’t re-sign Lofton, adding another two-down linebacker to complete with Akeem Dent makes little sense.

19. I think Peria Jerry has one more year to prove that he can be, at the very least, a more valuable asset than he has been.

20. I think my dream offseason would consist of the Falcons re-signing Grimes, Lofton and Abraham, cutting Baker, signing Gaither and Mathis (yes, even with Abe back, as it’s never a bad idea to stock up on pass rushers), and drafting a tight end that can beat opponents down the seam. If those acquisitions happened, I wouldn’t mind in the least if Mike Johnson or a rookie second-round pick started at right guard and DeCoud was back at free safety, as long as his deal was inexpensive. Is all of that realistic? Probably not. But it’s my dream, damn it…

What are some of your “I thinks?”

[ATL FlyBoi]

I would love to Mathis & Gaither in a Falcons Uniform! Add in a young TE through the draft, and I can live with dream!

[juraitwaluzka]

Quote:What are some of your “I thinks?”

I thinks you left off #12

[monoxide]

Gaither looked like he was going to be the next Jonathan Ogden early with the Ravens. Not for sure what happened, but at his age, it's still possible to get back to that elite level. I remember last year, the Chiefs put him in for the first play of his Chiefs career in the 4th quarter and he was called for a false start. Immediately afterwards he was taken out and not used again. With the right coaching, I think he could do great things as a Falcon.

[ggp]

Should #14 read: Reggie Nelson?

Mathis would be a nice value addition.

Gaither or Bell: whomever is healthier

If a significant investment is made along the OL, don't be surprised to see Turner released. Snelling and Rodgers may be viewed as better value in tandem and a better fit for the scheme. RBbC is the trend.

[markdzul]

Is there an advantage to releasing Turner or am I missing something??? His cap hit is significant either way (correct me if im wrong)... I like Snelling, but if he was going to make a significant impact would he have not already done so??? J. Rodg. is still young and has loads of room for improvement....

Offensive line has to improve and Mike Nolan has to do what Mike Nolan does best and we will be great......

[Jesus]

The team wont resign snelling. When Turner gets holes he can't be stopped. Its all about the line.

[ggp]

(02-10-2012 06:25 PM)Jesus Wrote:  The team wont resign snelling. When Turner gets holes he can't be stopped. Its all about the line.

You don't think that Snelling can do well with a better line? I know he can handle the passing game much better than Turner.

[Jesus]

(02-10-2012 07:36 PM)ggp Wrote:  You don't think that Snelling can do well with a better line? I know he can handle the passing game much better than Turner.

Nope. He has no burst. Look at turner in the last game against TB. Every time he had a hole he shot right through. Snelling doesn't have that. Besides Quizz got the carries over snelling this year. He was barely on the field this year

[Radical]

Snelling doesn't have burst, but he's good at fighting for extra yards. He's made some exceptional plays on the 2nd level for us.