Atlanta finished an impressive first week of free agency, and filling the holes on the defensive side becomes dire after resolving offensive vacancies. Pro Bowl safety and free agent William Moore was re-signed as well as offensive starters Sam Baker and Tony Gonzalez. Free-agent running back Stephen Jackson was brought in to replace veteran Michael Turner, and the organization sees the 29-year-old Jackson as an upgrade from the franchise’s all-time rushing leader. Jackson told the organization he saw both a role and an opportunity for a Super Bowl in Atlanta over any other offers, which says a lot about the organization’s attitude heading into 2013.
OPTIMUS GRIMES …
Re-signing cornerback Brent Grimes after Dunta Robinson was released March 1 is significant. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan runs a lot of nickel packages that require three reliable cornerbacks. Asante Samuel and Robert McClain proved to be solid starters last season, but if Grimes cannot be resigned, a draft pick or free agent move will have to be made.
In 2012 the Falcons lost Kelvin Hayden, Curtis Lofton, James Sanders and Eric Weems to free agency and will be rewarded with the maximum four compensatory picks in the April Draft as a result. Atlanta will now get 11 picks including an extra one in the fourth round and three extras in the seventh. A defensive end will be a top priority in the draft and there are plenty of athletes that Nolan could implement into his aggressive schemes.
MARGUS MANIA …
Margus Hunt is just one end prospect, and at SMU he played every position on the defensive line. Hunt is as versatile as they come and at 6-foot-8, 277 pounds ran a 4.60 40-yard-dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 38 times. Hunt will be likely be available around the late first to early second round, and his freakish athleticism and potential will tempt teams to take a chance. The Falcons ran a 4-3 defense that was suspect to the read option in 2012, and a 3-4 with an athletic anchor on the outside could be a route Nolan may choose depending on the personnel he has at his disposal.
At linebacker, aging Mike Peterson is one of only six linebackers on the active roster.
Loading ...
