Birdseed: Jan. 23, 2009

Call the friends, order a pizza and set the DVR for re-watching… The Senior Bowl kicks off tomorrow evening in Mobile, Ala. (7 p.m ET on NFL Network).

Due in part to the Falcons run into the playoffs the AF.com team isn't on the scene covering the festivities. And, while a chilly Southern Alabama day doesn't make me want to pack up the gear, I do miss the chance to get a look at who front-office officials are eying for selection in the NFL Draft.

The Scouting Combine is great. It provides a chance to get standardized measurements on players and extensive media interviews in a more hospitable (heated) environment.

But something about the sound of pads clicking and the sight of offensive and defensive formations makes for better scouting. I'll make sure to watch the game at least once to form some more opinions on available talent.

I suggest anyone wanting to get an early glimpse of possible future Falcons do the same. Four Falcons picks from last season played in the all-star game: Sam Baker, Chevis Jackson, Harry Douglas and Thomas DeCoud.

MORE ON THE UNDER ARMOUR SENIOR BOWL:

NFL.COM: Coverage of the game from NFL.com
OFFICIAL SITE: More info on the game's official site
ROSTERS: North | South

And more on the Falcons in an offseason edition of Birdseed…

Falcons improve NFL Draft position, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saying 'thank you' to the Cardinals? I guess I can do that… But it won't be easy.

Breaking down Atlanta's free-agent class, ESPN.com
It's a lengthy free agent list for the Falcons who have plenty of priorities despite an 11-5 finish and an obvious turn to the positive side of the NFL curve. Re-signing players is tricky, especially given the richness of the market at key positions and the early indications on the depth of the 2009 NFL Draft. Foresight is a must.

Don Banks' 2009 Mock Draft, SI.com
Welcome to mock draft season. Banks has the Falcons going with a defensive tackle in the first round.

NFL experts analyze Falcons draft prospects, UGA's Massaquoi, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Early-round talent at positions of need for the Falcons. What else can you ask for in evaluating a draft class?

Dimitroff: Falcons in store for defensive upgrade, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let's not forget Thomas Dimitroff and his staff had the luxury of a full season of review (interior and exterior) before entering this Senior Bowl together. There's also no coaching search getting in the way. Dimitroff can devote his full attention to something he loves: scouting.

49ers ink former standout DB, Jimmy Williams, The (San Jose, Calif). Mercury-News
Maybe Jimmy Williams can right his career playing for one of the greatest defensive players in league history.

Former Falcon teammates struggle to deal with Dronett's death, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It's a sad time for the Falcons family, who lost a football player and friend earlier in the week.

Former Rock star Butterworth back in NFL, The Online Rocket (Slippery Rock University)
We sometimes talk in the AF.com newsroom how great it would be to spend a day on the practice squad. Then we realize it would involve the hard knocks of the NFL (there's a reason why I write).

Though tempting, Falcons shouldn't bite on Pacman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Adam Jones seems to stay in the news for the wrong reasons. He's a great talent, but he'll always be linked with the NFL's emphasis on personal conduct.