For a lifelong fan of the game, it’s a painful switch but I’m moving with a smile on my face and an appreciation for everything fans, players, coaches and colleagues have given me over the past three seasons in Atlanta and four additional seasons in the NFL.

Every moment has been fantastic.

Thank you all.

Perhaps you’ve taken note of my enthusiasm in more than 2,000 blog posts on AF.com and numerous articles across the web and NFL publications.

But, as is the case in the light-speed world of new media, I’ve been called to move quickly to the next phase of my life. I take this step with wonderful memories and the hope my blogging — and your support — won’t end once I hit “publish.”

Our staff cartoonist and message board contributor, “Superfan,” sums it up with this special cartoon, which I’ll always cherish.

Many of you have asked why I’m leaving the Falcons. My answer is ‘I’m leaving the building, but not the fan base.’

Too much of my heart is invested to this great game and the organization to simply disappear into Atlanta rush hour with the rest of the business world.

Some of the most uplifting moments of my professional life came in employee of Arthur Blank and this team.

It started in confusion and hurt, but ends with great amounts of hope.

My time in Atlanta began the day before the start of 2007 training camp. It was, without a doubt, the most tumultuous time in franchise history.

The team went 4-12 in my first season and I experienced the pain and frustration caused by a head coach’s abandonment and disappearance of trust.

That’s what made the bounce back to 11-5 and a playoff experience in 2008 so memorable. It also solidified my respect for Head Coach Mike Smith and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff.

It’s what put this franchise in a position to rise up.

It’s what inspired all of you to keep believing a curse could be broken.

It’s what makes us all know the best is yet to come.

Fans need to know our team is in the hands of some of the best football minds — and men — I’ve ever known. Their authenticity is unmatched and they’re supported by a great group of business leaders to ensure long-term success.

It’s those relationships and service to you, the fans, I’m going to miss the most. This team is magnetic and if you spend any time getting to know what it’s all about you’ll get pulled like me.

Yes, I’m saying “goodbye.”

but it’s not forever.

Look for me in the stands in 2010 and beyond.

Now he’s looking to do the same on the dance floor.

Biermann will be raising money for the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in a “Dancing with the Stars” event at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Foundry at Puritan Mill.

The official name is “Dancing Stars Atlanta” and Biermann has been spending a chunk of his offseason practicing for the competition. Ambassador Andrew Young is the honorary event chairman.

“I’ve got a great partner,” Biermann told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “She really knows what she’s doing. I think we’ll come up with a pretty good routine.”

Fans can purchase tickets to support Biermann in person or vote for him online with a monetary donation.

The event was held in front of a small studio audience at Home Depot’s corporate office.

Members of the Falcons leadership spoke for just more than an hour before taking pre-submitted online questions and additional queries from season ticket holders in attendance.

Topics ranged from early discussion of a new stadium to efforts to improve the Falcons pass defense.

SOME INTERESTING NOTES:

• Blank: last 10 most popular events on television were Super Bowls.
• Dimitroff: He and Smith planned for three solid drafts and “sprinkles” of free agents to help solidify team.
• Dimitroff: Pass rush can be helped with improved linebacker and secondary play.
• Dimitroff: Team “attempted aggressively” to obtain second-round pick in 2010 NFL Draft.
• Smith: Falcons will face one team coming off a bye week in 2010.
• Smith: Four of first five opponents sport 3-4 defenses.
• McKay: Falcons focusing on “driveway to driveway” experience for ticket holders.
• McKay: 25 stadiums have been opened or renovated since Georgia Dome hosted its first game.
• Blank: A stadium inside the I-285 perimeter would be “first choice” but not “only choice” for location.

SOME INTERESTING QUOTES:

“We want you to feel like this is your football team… I’m the steward. You’re the owner of this team.” – Arthur Blank

“My way of saying thank you is, as a steward of your team, I’ll promise you we can do everything we possibly can do to make sure you’re proud of this organization.” – Arthur Blank

“You continue to get the right mix inside — the mix with very aggressive football players — It’s going to affect the pass rush along the offensive line and free up some of the outside pass rush.” – Thomas Dimitroff

“(Fans needed to) continue to help us ‘rise up.’ We need your help to crash the door down.” – Thomas Dimitroff

“I can assure you anything Arthur is associated with will be first class; it will be iconic and it will be something you can be extremely proud of.” – Rich McKay

“On defense we’ve continued to add some fast, urget football players… The game is becoming a spacing game. Offensive coordinators are putting defenses in tough positions so we have to have guys that can run and hit.” – Mike Smith

“Our focus is on the 2010 season… We’ve planned for the season. We’ve planned for the uncapped year the past two years… Everything so far is good and we, quite frankly, don’t get too concerned about what’s going to come in 2011 (during the upcoming season).” – Rich McKay (on possibility of work stoppage in 2011)

“Ticket prices have to reflect the cost of running a franchise today, but we want to give everyone in Atlanta a chance to watch these games.”  - Arthur Blank

The earlier the better.

So imagine the reaction when there were almost too many links to list from the Falcons weekend mini camp.

Sure, I could have pulled together some Birdseed but I’d probably lose you after the first key stroke.

Instead, here are my five (six if you count AF.com) for a well-rounded picture of what happened in The Branch. It’s a lot to digest but isn’t that a good thing?

1. Mini Camp Coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
2. Mini Camp Posts on D. Led’s Blog (AJC)
3. Mini Camp Notes from Daniel Cox (Examiner.com)
4. Mini Camp Blog from Pat Yasinskas (NFC South on ESPN.com)
5. Mini Camp Fan Reports on the Falcoholic
6. Mini Camp Fan Breakdowns on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards

Quarterback Eric Ward and defensive back Daylan Walker will re-join the team May 17 when rookies return for a four-practice session.

An Atlanta native, Ward (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) played at Richmond, completing 784 passes for 8,969 yards and 61 touchdowns in his career. He also rushed for 1,406 yards and 22 scores. Ward threw for more than 2,300 yards and 16 scores last season.

He holds single-season school records in completion percentage, passing yards, attempts and completions. He also tied the single-season record with 17 touchdown passes in 2008. Ward ranked 26th in the nation with a career-best 141.5 passer rating the same season.

He joins Matt Ryan, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley and John Parker Wilson on the quarterback depth chart.

Walker (5-foot-9, 177 pounds) totaled 152 career tackles, three picks and 16 passes defensed at Arkansas State. He notched 51 tackles, an interception and seven pass breakups last year and ranked third on the team with 65 tackles in 2008.

Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank watched the last of five mini camp practices Sunday, making it to The Branch after returning from an overseas trip.

The Falcons chief executive walked from station to station and spoke with media on the sideline.

Echoing comments from earlier in the offseason, Blank said he’s excited about the team’s progress and wants to move from back-to-back winning seasons to Super Bowl success.

“I think we had a terrific offseason,” he said. “We had a really good free agency (period). We’re excited about having (Dunta Robinson) here. He looks like a rookie the way he’s running around and providing the speed, youth, experience and leadership we expected.

“I’m excited about where we are as an organization. I think Thomas and Smitty have worked hard coming up on their third season together. We’ve put together an outstanding group of young men. Now we have to develop them over the next couple of months… I feel good but so does probably every other owner in the league.”

Spring football does offer its share of optimism but Blank’s support of acquiring football minds and quality characters has elevated the Falcons to new heights.

Fans are taking action to support a team growing in popularity.

And there’s opportunities for more to join the flock.

“They’ve responded well but, having said that, we still have tickets to sell,” Blank said of the fans. “We’ve led the league in season ticket sales the last two years. This year we want to be there as well… Atlanta has always supported our team. We try to do the right things for the franchise to earn those fans’ respects.”

Blank said Falcons players recorded more than 750 community visits a season ago. Cheerleaders added 200 appearances.

“We don’t make them do these things — they’re not required; it’s not in their contract. It’s because you have the right kind of individuals on the team.”

That level of commitment — authenticity — in the eyes of Blank and the Falcons, will lead to success.

COMMENT ON THE CBA

Blank said negotiations between owners and players for a new collective bargaining agreement had no impact on his plans for the 2010 offseason.

The league currently has no salary cap and, if a new deal isn’t reached, a possibility of a work stoppage arises in 2011.

“We had our budget we established; We had our plan and worked our plan and feel good about our investment in players,” Blank said. ”I’m certainly optimistic we’ll be playing football in 2011. It’s not going to happen automatically and it’s not going to be an easy process but it’s a process you have to go through.”

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

The last mini camp practice is on Mother’s Day. It’s often slightly shorter than other workouts and ends with every player scattering to make it to various events with wives, mothers or friends.

Smith thanked the media for making it to Flowery Branch on the holiday before offering his comments on the three-day, five-practice session that featured rookies alongside veterans for the first time in 2010.

“I think for five practices we were very energetic and I really like the effort of our guys… I thought the attitude was outstanding,” Smith said.

Fans in attendance Saturday learned many things, but of particular interest was the return of Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner. He missed five games in the second half of 2009 adversely affecting an offense that entered the season with much promise.

Smith said Turner is returning to form showing “no ill effects” from the high ankle sprain that derailed his sophomore season with the club.

“I think he’s in very good shape. He spent a whole lot of time this offseason with our athletic performance department working very, very hard,” Smith said.

Other players who were limited due to injury or veteran rest should be ready when offseason activities resume. Rookie Kerry Meier (hamstring) and defensive end Chauncey Davis (knee) were held out of Sunday’s practice for “precautionary” reasons. Running back Jerious Norwood, who missed all but the first mini camp practice with an injury, should be ready for the start of veteran OTAs (organized team activities) on May 25.

“There are a number of guys that did some good things,” Smith said when asked about player performance. “I think their heads are all swimming so it’s tough to evaluate and say one guy stands out. I thought, as a group, the rookie class from the first practice to the fifth practice made a lot of improvement.”

Starting a new tradition, Smith will welcome rookies — drafted and undrafted — back to The Branch May 17 for a four-practice rookie session.

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

That created some difficult situations for the offense, which did manage to even the score a bit with a spirited group of defenders.

Additional highlights of the day include a continued push by the secondary for ball disruptions and some familiar names in the run game…

• Matt Ryan connected with Tony Gonzalez for a 20-yard touchdown in 7-on-7 drills — a beautiful throw that found the perfect spot above Dunta Robinson and two other closing defenders.
• Spencer Adkins had a nice play filling a gap in the afternoon. If it were a live scrimmage, he’d likely drop Jason Snelling for a loss.
• Snelling bounced back with a nice run on a draw play. Again, no tackling during mini camp.
• Head Coach Mike Smith said defensive end Jamaal Anderson will see more time at tackle in camp, particularly in “sub packages.” He’s still an end in base situations.
• Roddy White benefited from a sharper-throwing Ryan, recording several nice grabs over the middle of the field. Same for Michael Jenkins.

For an additional commentary on practices, which were open to the public, I suggestion breakdowns from message boarders (special thanks to all those guys for sharing their thoughts).

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

After one of the Falcons mini camp practices rookie cornerback Dominique Franks could be found with seven-year veteran — and prized free-agent acquisition — Dunta Robinson.

Their conversation didn’t debate lunch options or Atlanta living arrangements.

It was all business. Specifically Franks breaking from his backpedal too quickly after the snap.

“He’s just giving me a couple of pointers,” said Franks a fifth-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. “He’s a great corner so any questions I can ask and he’ll answer I’m all ears.”

Robinson is a No. 1 cornerback with 84 games experience (13 career picks). Franks left Oklahoma after his junior season with hopes of reuniting with former Sooner (current Falcon) Curtis Lofton.

The Birds traded up to pluck him off the board much later than some experts predicted.

Last season he had 47 tackles and two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown. For his career, Franks totaled 95 tackles, six picks (two for scores), 15 passes defensed and a fumble returned for a touchdown. He was an All-Big 12 performer in 2008 and 2009.

But he’s not letting a chip develop on his shoulder from a draft slide.

“No chip on my shoulder because, at the end of the day, having a chip on my shoulder is not going to prove anything,” Franks said.

“It’s (about) going out there and playing hard. Everybody plays hard. Just watch a lot of film. That’s what it boils down to, effort and being a better student in the classroom.”

Franks has already recorded an interception in mini camp practices but his immediate impact could come as a return man (he returned punts and kickoffs occasionally in college). The team hasn’t jumped full-speed into special teams work but, if asked, the rookie is confident he can do the job while continuing lessons with veteran cornerbacks.

“I feel like I can be a good return man for this team,” he said. “But, at the same time, this was a great unit before I got here. It’s really the other 10 that make the return man look good anyway. I’m sure whoever they plug in will go out there and do a great job.”

For additional comments from Falcons draft picks, may I suggest Niki Noto’s (@FalconsNNoto) feature from Saturday evening…

SATURDAY MAY 8, 2010

• NOTEBOOK: Secondary improved, more confident
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• BLOGS: Chatting with Yasinskas
• INTERVIEWS: Head Coach Mike Smith
• INTERVIEWS: DeCoud | White | Sidbury
• VIDEO: A look at Falcons fans at mini camp

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

Besides calling our Flowery Branch home the “nicest practice facility in the NFC South,” Yaskinsas shared his thoughts on the roster and Atlanta’s opponent.

(Quotes by Yasinskas)

• For starters, he said a young Carolina team ”looked a little chaotic” at mini camp last weekend.
• “(Team) hit the field running; it shows where they’re at in what Mike Smith calls ‘the process.’”
• Rookies Kerry Meier and Dominique Franks caught Yasinskas’ eye in the first practice.
• Franks could also get a look as a return man — kickoffs and punts.
• Pass rush may get better with a better secondary — coverage creates time to get to the quarterback.
• “… The secondary right now is much better… strength in numbers. You have Dunta Robinson and all the other corners. I think they’re trying to create a competition and see who steps up.”
• Turner “looked sharp”  (more on the running back in Pat’s Friday blog).

FRIDAY MAY 7, 2010

• NOTEBOOK: Weatherspoon recaps his first day at camp
• TRANSCRIPTS: Players | Head Coach Mike Smith
• BLOGS: Notes on Intensity | Day One Highlights | Five Tryout Players
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• INTERVIEWS: Head Coach Mike Smith
• INTERVIEWS: Ryan | Robinson | Weatherspoon | Turner

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

That’s surprising considering the surface-of-the-sun like heat that found its way to Flowery Branch almost three months early.

Not sure what to say to the 163 people who looked at the picture of my legs on Twitter.

With that awkwardness out of the way…

Complete Mini Camp Coverage from AF.com
Photos, video recaps and more from the web team.

Minicamp: Norwood, Johnson held out of practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If this were training camp, players may work through some pain. But this is a time for precaution and taking mental reps. The season is still a ways off.

Sights and Sounds from minicamp, Day 1, Examiner.com
Heat was certainly one of the stories from Day One.

‘The Burner’ is back and in top shape, ESPN.com
This would be the other story from the first day of practice… Michael Turner showed flashes that resembled his Pro Bowl year of 2008.

Falcons begin 2010 minicamp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AJC photos from the first day of Falcons mini camp. Sunny days equal beautiful images.

Robinson glides through his first practice with the Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The veteran cornerback also took extra time after practice to work with rookie Dominique Franks. That’s the stuff that pays dividends in September.

Dunta Robinson Anxious for Challenge of Reviving Falcons’ Defense, NFL Fanhouse
So eager was Robinson, he went to morning meetings in his practice jersey.

2010 Atlanta Falcons rookies look to add depth, competition, Examiner.com
“The deeper that your roster gets, the more competition that you’re going to have,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “To me, that’s a great thing, not only for the guys on our team, but for the coaching staff and the fans.”

‘Daddy Lion’ Peterson serving as mentor for Falcons’ ‘Baby’ LB Weatherspoon, The Canadian Press
Sean Weatherspoon’s nickname of “Baby Lion” makes Mike Peterson “Daddy Lion.”

Mike Smith demanding more from Falcons in year three, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pat Yasinskas made a great point in our chat Friday afternoon — “The Falcons are a middle-age team.”

Sean Weatherspoon makes a positive first impression with his Atlanta Falcons teammates, Examiner.com
“The young guy can run,” Peterson said. “I’m pretty sure he can hit.”

Atlanta Falcons begin 2010 minicamp with a simple approach, Examiner.com
Three points for the Falcons: Attitude, effort and technique.

The Falcons shift folks around on defense, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Notes on defense and the lack of Big 10 attention in Falcons drafts.

Early impressions of the Falcons, ESPN.com
Rookie receiver Kerry Meier caught Yasinskas eye in practice No. 1. He’s included in our brief, YouTube highlight package.

Yes, it’s months away. Yes, the weather will be much warmer. Yes, this is an example of looking too far ahead when I’m constantly telling fans to live in the moment.

But if the Falcons can keep the enthusiasm they showed Friday morning through the 2010 season, who knows what can happen…

Highlights from the day are mostly on defense (with the exception of that Jerious Norwood spin move at the 1:11 mark).

There were no less than seven interceptions — possibly more since there are some drills that split the team onto different sides of the field with different quarterbacks. Rookie Domonique Franks had a pick. So did Thomas DeCoud, Mike Peterson and Dunta Robinson.

Running back Michael Turner has the burst he showed during pre-injured times and got plenty of work. As did John Abraham.

More coming tomorrow from mini camp, including an interview with ESPN.com blogger and reporter Pat Yasinskas.

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

But the team directed its focus in practice, creating white-hot flames of intensity that left everyone feeling upbeat and optimistic about the next round of workouts and the 2010 season.

It’s the best you could ask for for the first real “practice” of the season.

It threw some players off.

“I was a little bit rocky and had to get used to the NFL tempo,” rookie linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. “I started feeling a little bit better at the end…”

Other players couldn’t contain their excitement.

“It feels great,” new cornerback — and Georgia native — Dunta Robinson said. “I was sitting in meeting with my practice jersey on and everyone was kind of looking at me weird. It felt good to get back out here and run around with my new teammates.”

Some were just happy to be back on the field and healthy.

“It feels great and I feel great getting back on the field as well,” said Michael Turner, who spent the end of 2009 on the sideline with an ankle sprain. “I didn’t get a chance to finish the 2009 season the way I wanted to.

“My health is pretty good, but I still have some things to work out. I’m practicing as if I’m 100 percent. I have to get some kinks out, but I’ll be ready to go.”

CLICK HERE FOR MINI CAMP VIDEO INTERVIEWS

Regardless, the coach was pleased.

“It was fun to see the energy and the good attitude they had when they came out for practice today,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “I think we got a lot accomplished. We exposed our young guys to a lot of things and that’s what we want to do over the next couple of days.”

For more on this topic, here’s Taco Mac Insider Niki Noto (@FalconsNNoto)…

And for more on mini camp, well, you get the idea…

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• BLOG: J. Michael Moore’s updates on Falcons mini camp
• NEWS: News updates on Falcons mini camp
• PHOTOS: Images from Falcons mini camp
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

• P Robert Maver (University of Guelph)
• QB Eric Ward (Richmond)
• WR R.J. Webb (Furman)
• DB Daylan Walker (Arkansas State)
• DE Steven Stone (Vanderbilt)

Ward is the only local player in the group, listing Atlanta as his home town. In 2008, he set Southwest DeKalb school records in passing yards, completion percentage and completions. He tied the record of 17 touchdown passes.

Maver was a fifth-round draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.

Webb played four seasons at Furman totaling eight touchdowns. In 2009 he recorded 31 catches for 322 yards and four touchdowns — career highs.

Walker is a native of Tennessee who recorded three interceptions in 43 career games at Arkansas State.

Stone had started 27 games (nine sacks) heading into his senior season at Vandy but broke his foot on Aug. 17. He returned for the second half of the season.

In just more than two hours the Falcons take the field for the first real “practice” of 2010 — a mini camp workout in Flowery Branch to knock off some rust and start laying the foundation for the pre- and regular-season.

It’s easy to jump to conclusions with the first snaps on mini camp Friday but let’s, for just a moment, look strategically at what the Falcons will do over the next three days.

You can also be an eyewitness judge if you can make it to the open practices on Saturday.

(On a related note, it seems these type posts are popular on the web with D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC and Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com filing similar pieces — both good reads).

So on to the countdown…

1. What’s the gut feeling? The Falcons aren’t in pads during mini camp so some drills just won’t have the same “pop” as they will later this summer. How do you judge production if you come out Saturday or see a few highlights? Simple. Gut. It’s pretty easy to tell when the team is in sync.
2. Does the offense pick up from early 2009? Remember the 45-10 win at San Francisco last season? Remember Michael Turner ripping through defenses in November? Remember Turner’s injury? Ryan’s? Harvey Dahl’s? With healthy bodies, keep an early eye on what the offense can do. Let your imagination run wild.
3. What is the health of the team? Fans need not panic about players being held out of mini camp, reported to include Jonathan Babineaux and William Moore. Others could also miss some practice time in the three-day stretch. This is no time to risk further injury or rush a rehab. The word is “precaution” and it sometimes gets a bad reputation. In other words, don’t panic.
4. What are the position battles? Good question, but don’t expect to see much in the way of spots won or lost in mini camp. The Falcons have young players that will get a chance to work their magic — particularly on the defensive line with Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury — but a depth chart is a long way off.
5. Is chemistry getting stronger? People underestimate it, but consider for a moment this is the third year in a row the Falcons have had a mini camp with Head Coach Mike Smith in May. Outside of a few changes, the coaching staff and system has been the same. The roster changed dramatically from 2007 to 2008 but not as much from 2008 to now. Consistency sets precedence.

MORE ON MINI CAMP:

• ROSTERS: Click here for the updated Falcons roster
• PRINTABLE ROSTERS: Alphabetical (PDF) | Numerical (PDF) | Position (PDF)
• DRAFT: Click here for 2010 Draft coverage from AF.com
• HOMEPAGE: Mini camp information and news archive
• FAQ: Common questions about attending Mini Camp
• DIRECTIONS: Info and directions to Flowery Branch
• TWITTER: Updates on weather if necessary during mini camp

(Hence the start of this great read).

The whole game tape process is broken down in a recent article from CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco (Private showing: Ryan’s road to QB stardom paved with tape).

Rarely do outsiders get a chance to see game film the way players do due to the whole competitive advantage/trade secret thing. But Ryan opens up a bit in this piece to explain why he watches film and what quarterbacks he studies:

• Peyton Manning
• Drew Brees
• Aaron Rodgers
• Matt Schaub
• Philip Rivers

All led offenses ranked in the top 10 in passing yards in 2009.

“I try to look at that tape three or four days a week in the offseason,” Ryan tells Prisco. “Whether I have 25 minutes or I have two hours, I will watch. It just depends.”

This holds true for mascots as well as bloggers.

That said, I’ve got some footage showing Freddie Falcon enjoyed his time away.

The Bird will stay plenty busy over the coming months with appearances and various other events. But good to see he got some R&R…

How’s that for a little Wednesday afternoon randomness?

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and it will be broadcast live on AF.com.

We’ll have more coverage on the site leading up to the event, which will feature  Owner and CEO Arthur Blank, President Rich McKay, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith discussing the offseason and preview the 2010 season.

</program announcement>

When Brian Williams was lost for the season with a knee injury in the Falcons Week 6 victory over the Bears Oct. 18, the floodgates of criticism opened on the team’s secondary.

Now without one of its starting cornerbacks, Falcons coaches needed to mix and match to find the right combination. In the process, Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens and Tye Hill worked their way into the rotation.

By the end of the season, Grimes — a two-year veteran — and the rookie Owens were starting (and succeeding) at cornerback. Grimes led the team with six interceptions in 2009 and Owens had a key pick to secure the team’s Week 17 win in Tampa.

Atlanta’s defense ranked 28th in passing yards allowed per game.

Williams, a veteran of the game and the Mike Smith school of defense, could only watch as the team went through its growing pains.

“I talked to the young guys all the time (and said) we’re only as good everybody in the room,” Williams said Tuesday, leaving team headquarters after another morning of rehabilitation and conditioning. “Last year, with me going down, a lot of younger guys got a chance to play and get experience. Now they come in with confidence and that makes the whole room better.”

Not including two rookie additions, the Falcons return four cornerbacks from last year’s roster. The team also added prized free agent Dunta Robinson.

Williams is still the veteran leader of one of the deepest positions on the team.

He’s also one of the key members of the defense when it comes to career production and understanding the scheme, which he learned during three years in Jacksonville with then-defensive coordinator Smith.

Williams played on the outside and at the nickel — or third — cornerback spot last year, recording a pick and two fumble recoveries. In his career, the 30-year-old has 507 tackles, four sacks, 19 interceptions and 73 passes defensed.

“We have a lot of guys that can play,” he said, summing up what’s ahead at mini camp and Russell Falcons Training Camp. “That was shown last year. Now guys just need to take that next step and be confident… As a secondary, we’re stacked now.

“It’s going to create competition. We’re going to be a better secondary off that alone.”

There are no reports of major damage or injury to anyone in my family or circle of friends, but I’m still thinking about everyone facing tragedy. It’s simply surreal to see footage of one’s boyhood neighborhoods under water.

This is also another case study for the power of social media.

I’ve spent more time on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube learning about the crisis than local news sites (my mother tells me one of the television stations itself is flooded).

I know this isn’t Falcons related, but it is news as it regards to how we consume our information and a reason to — if you haven’t already — reach out to anyone you may know in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

I’d certainly appreciate it.

Falcons Staffers Support Community, J. Mike’s Missives
Friday was a special day for the Falcons front office, this blogger included.

Rookies set to start earning their stripes at mini-camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The fun starts this Friday in Flowery Branch. Fans are welcome to both practices Saturday.

Sports celebrities past and present pitch in at Bethesda’s youth camp, Savannah Morning News
Falcons hit the road for this community event.

The Best and Worst Sports Seasons in Atlanta History, and Other Stuff, The Falcoholic
Graphs, numbers stats and everything in between.

NFL QB’s life-saving advice for men, Savannah Morning News
Former Falcons quarterback shares part of his post-football story.

AJC: Rookie Falcons Look To Have Prominent Roles In 2010, The Falcoholic
Is it just me, or is quarterback about the only position where it’s “OK” for a rookie not to make an immediate impact. Even then, sometimes they do. It’s a “what have you done for me lately” league.

Mini Boot Camp, The Canvas by Superfan
Falco introduces Falcons rookie to a special part of the fan tradition.

A total of 165 employees participated in the second annual All Associates Community Day, spending the morning at Walters Boys and Girls Club and Challenged Child and Friends.

Associates at the Boys and Girls Club worked with landscaping and painted inside the new building, which will soon come online as the newest club location in Hall County.

Those at Challenged Child sealed fences and ramps, painted, spent time with children and cleaned playground equipment.

VIEW MY TWEETS FROM THE DAY
PHOTOS FROM 2010 COMMUNITY DAY

Last year the team partnered with Park Pride to do some landscaping and other work.

“Giving back to the community has always been a fundamental principle for Arthur Blank and the Falcons organization,” said Falcons President Rich McKay. “It’s a great day for the family of businesses to come together as one and make a difference in our Atlanta communities.”

The Home Depot provided financial support and donated supplies at each location.

This blogger included.

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER

Starting around 7:45 a.m. in Flowery Branch all employees of the Blank Family of Business will gather and spread out around the town to serve various programs.

Last year the team partnered with Park Pride to do some landscaping and other work.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White is ready to welcome a new group of receivers to Flowery Branch. But when it comes to getting accustom to the fun-loving, hard-working style of veteran receivers coach Terry Robiskie, they’re on their own.

And mini camp is quickly approaching.

Robiskie brings out the best in receivers (hence, White’s two straight Pro Bowls). He also has a unique way of mentoring players that can include some lighter moments on the practice field…

(note the joke played at the end of this video from last year’s mini camp).

White smiles when asked about rookies coming in — including draft pick Kerry Meier and undrafted rookie Ryan Wolfe.

“I’m excited to get around my teammates and get back on the field,” White said Thursday. “Let’s go from there and see what we have and move forward… Just get (rookies) in here and through the playbook — that’s the biggest thing. It’s learning on the run; that’s a big part of the game. It helps throughout the process and getting acclimated to the league.

“Terry is a good coach. He’s been in this league for more than 30 years. You have to listen to the guy. He knows what he’s doing.”

It makes the Falcons better.

And the sooner it starts, the sooner you see results.

Beyond Robiskie’s work on the field White, who hauled in 85 catches for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago, looks for the Falcons to squash the injury bug in 2010.

Running back Michael Turner, guard Harvey Dahl, quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Jerious Norwood all missed time last season, hampering the group’s chances for success.

Two, easy-to-follow keys from White? Don’t get hurt and listen to the coach.

“Stay healthy. That’s my expectation,” he said. “Everything else will take care of itself. We have good players out there. We can’t have any bumps and bruises. We need everyone out there for a full 16 games.

“If we can do that, the sky is the limit for the offense.”

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff’s post-draft media junket continues.

The Falcons chief player executive went on air three times Wednesday (680, ESPN Radio and Sirius NFL) and twice Tuesday morning to discuss his team’s move in the NFL Draft and goals for the future.

Tuesday on The Rude Awakening (680), Dimitroff touched again on his excitement for the 2010 class.

“We’re very happy with what we targeted and what we actually acquired through the draft,” he said. You never get everything at every position you want — that’s just the nature of the draft.”

Dimitroff said he prepared five different scenarios leading into the event. He closed up shop with the top choice.

MESSAGE BOARD MEMBER’S THOUGHTS ON SIRIUS INTERVIEW

Draft grades for the Falcons have ranged from average to good but it will take time to see if the selections really pan out. The team grabbed two offensive linemen and a defensive tackle — rarely the “flashy” picks, Dimitroff said Wednesday afternoon on Buck and Kincade.

But it’s about sustainability.

“We’ve spent a lot of time analyzing skills and character situations,” Dimitroff said. “There’s much more to this puzzle than just picking the best players off the board… As far as the opinions out there, I think this group will be a very legitimate group contributing to this team.”

Perhaps the biggest question mark — from media and fans — came with the team’s decision not to draft a defensive end.

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE FALCONS DRAFT PICKS

Wednesday Dimitroff said he and Head Coach Mike Smith believe there’s more than one way to “eliminate explosive plays” in the passing game.

With the selection of linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, the return of defensive tackle Peria Jerry (lost to a knee injury in 2009) and the signing of top cornerback Dunta Robinson, Dimitroff said the team is three first-round picks toward addressing that concern.

In multiple interviews he expressed confidence in young defensive ends Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury and said Pro Bowler John Abraham — 16.5 sacks in 2008 — still has “something left in the tank.”

OTHER NUGGETS FROM DIMITROFF ON THE RADIO:

• The team doesn’t have plans to pursue former Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson (AJC).
• The Falcons started “zeroing in” in on linebacker in the first round about the time the Raiders selected Rolando McClain.
• Dimitroff hit the phones heavily before the Falcons No. 19 pick to gauge his counterparts. That’s when he knew the Steelers were likely taking center Maurkice Pouncey — someone the Falcons would consider in certain scenarios.
• The Falcons were open to move up or down in the first round and had “a handful” of players other than Weatherspoon they were willing to take in round one (but they got the top guy).
• Dimitroff feels good about the college free agent class, which includes three tight ends.
• Dimitroff “tried for weeks” leading up to the draft to get a second round pick but, on draft day, stuck to his plans of not giving up a pick in the 2011 draft for an extra selection in 2010.
• Dominique Franks, a fifth-round pick, has “the talent of a second-rounder.”

It’s the NFL version of spring practice, only this group includes rookies and free agent additions.

It’s where a team starts to form.

By the time the Falcons take the field for the first time in 2010 on May 7 the post-draft discussion and criticism will have faded. The team will be a few days stronger from offseason conditioning. The rookies will, if they haven’t all ready, lost the butterflies from stepping into Flowery Branch HQ.

It’s the small, but very important step toward training camp and the 2010 season.

Fans can watch a pair of practices on May 8 and see how it all comes together.

And you thought the draft was the only offseason event you could look forward to…

Should the Falcons go after Big John Henderson?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You knew this was going to come up as soon as the Jaguars released the defensive tackle. After all, he had some of the best years of his career when Mike Smith was his defensive coordinator. He also was the subject of one of the greatest web videos… Ever.

Falcons made Browns’ choice on QB, ESPN.com
These are the stories I love reading after the draft.

Chris Dunn’s Falcons draft recap, Fayette Co. News
Another recap of the Falcons moves in the 2010 selection process. As good a time as any for one of these…

More than 1,000 attend funeral for former K-State QB, Kansas City Star
A tragedy for the newest member of the Falcons family. The Meiers are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sean Weatherspoon take lessons from Hurricane Rita, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The major events — and adversities — in life form who we are.

Whether it’s big plays or a big voice, Sean Weatherspoon brings it to Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
Weatherspoon is certainly a character: A vocal presence Falcons players and fans can enjoy for years to come.

Grading Falcons’ draft picks, from Roddy (A) to Jimmy (ugh), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You can’t appreciate the present until you’ve seen where you’ve you been. Keep in mind every team in the league has bad draft classes.

Atlanta Falcons fans united in approval of Sean Weatherspoon selection in 2010 NFL Draft, Examiner.com
The Falcons certainly kept an eye on Weatherspoon for a while. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team started looking at his resume in 2008 when there were rumors he’d come out as a junior.

In all, the Falcons will welcome 22 rookies to mini camp May 7-9 (seven draft picks and 15 undrafted free agents). Mini Camp, by the way, will have one day open to the public.

Undrafted players include…

• Tight end Leroy Banks (Southern Mississippi)
• Wide receiver Tim Buckley (Alcorn State)
• Safety Rafael Bush (South Carolina State)
• Cornerback Dominique Daniels (Nicholls State)
• Safety Gabe Derricks (San Diego)
• Long snapper Justin Drescher (Colorado)
• Wide receiver Brandyn Harvey (Villanova)
• Linebacker Weston Johnson (Wyoming)
• Kicker Garrett Lindholm (Tarleton State)
• Running back Dimitri Nance (Arizona State)
• Tight end Michael Palmer (Clemson)
• Tight end Colin Peek (Alabama)
• Defensive end Emmanuel Stephens (Ole Miss)
• Wide receiver Ryan Wolfe (UNLV)
• Linebacker Bear Woods (Troy)

For additional bio information and stats for each of these players, click here.

Three tight ends join the club two days after the team announced the retirement of Jason Rader. That move left the Falcons with three healthy tight ends (Tony Gonzalez, Justin Peele and Keith Zinger). It’s too early to say if any of the undrafted players will make the team, but the flood of bodies certainly adds depth for training camp and the chance for competition.

Atlanta also added a kicker. Lindholm joins Matt Bryant and Steve Hauschka.

Perhaps the two most recognizable names in the group are Colin Peek and Ryan Wolfe.

Peek was a key member of Alabama’s national championship team and Wolfe leaves UNLV as college football’s active reception leader.

MORE 2010 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• VIDEO: Press conferences, features and more from the Draft
• TRANSCRIPTS: Dimitroff Day One | Smith Day One | Dimitroff Day Two | Dimitroff Day Three
• WEATHERSPOON: Feature from ‘Spoon’s’ first day in Flowery Branch | Transcript
• BLOG UPDATES: J. Michael Moore updates pick-by-pick in the 2010 NFL Draft | Quick Hits
• DRAFTCAST: Exclusive video features from the first night of the Draft (Part 1 | Part 2)
• PRESSER: Sean Weatherspoon meets with the Atlanta media
• TWITTER: Follow the Falcons draft team on Twitter
• FACEBOOK: Support the Falcons as part of the Facebook family

MORE 2010 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• VIDEO: Press conferences, features and more from the Draft
• TRANSCRIPTS: Dimitroff Day One | Smith Day One | Dimitroff Day Two | Three
• WEATHERSPOON: Feature from ‘Spoon’s’ first day in Flowery Branch | Transcript
• BLOG UPDATES: J. Michael Moore updates pick-by-pick in the 2010 NFL Draft | Quick Hits
• DRAFTCAST: Exclusive video features from the first night of the Draft (Part 1 | Part 2)
• PRESSER: Sean Weatherspoon meets with the Atlanta media
• TWITTER: Follow the Falcons draft team on Twitter
• FACEBOOK: Support the Falcons as part of the Facebook family

Here’s the list from D. Led’s blog:

• Leroy Banks, TE, Southern Miss
• Tim Buckley, QB, Alcorn State
• Rafael Bush, S, S. C. State
• Gabe Derricks, S, San Diego
• Justin Drescher, LS, Colorado
• Weston Johnson, LB, Wyoming
• Dimitri Nance, RB, Arizona State
• Michael Palmer, TE, Clemson
• Colin Peek, TE, Alabama
• Ryan Wolfe, WR, UNLV
• Bear Woods, LB, Troy

Official signings will be reported on AtlantaFalcons.com.

We’re all fans and entitled to opinion.

CLICK HERE FOR NFL.COM FALCONS DRAFT ANALYSIS

I just want to remind everyone that you can’t judge anything until you’ve seen players perform on the NFL field. We still have some time to wait on that.

Here’s what some experts are saying about the Falcons draft…

Peter King, SportsIllustrated.com

“Key to long-term success of this draft is whether interior linemenMike Johnson and Joe Hawley can plug holes at guard and center in the next two to three years.”

Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com (B-)

“(Sean) Weatherspoon is an ideal in Atlanta’s cover-two scheme, as is third-round pick Corey Peters, an underrated defensive tackle who several teams were targeting.”

Charley Casserly, CBSSports.com

“The third-round pick from Kentucky was not rated that high in the fall but seemed to rise. He has good quickness to go along with his size.”

FoxSports.com (B)

“…Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon, possibly the most complete linebacker in the draft. He can cover and also rush the passer.”

The Bird Cage (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) (B-)

“Thomas Dimitroff certainly filled a lot of needs in terms of depth, but only a few players stick out as having an immediate impact (Weatherspoon, Franks). TD didn’t go for the flashiest names and was criticized by many fans and experts alike, but he gets the benefit of the doubt and this Falcons team doesn’t need the marquee names that it used to and is committed to building a well-rounded, tough, intelligent team with high character and excellent work ethic. Did many fans hear of Kroy Biermann, Chris Owens, or Thomas DeCoud at the time?”

Scout.com (D+)

“The Falcons started the draft off well with the selection of Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, but just like a few other teams they started to reach for prospects rather than drafting for value.”

Walterfootball.com (C+)

“I really like Sean Weatherspoon as a prospect, and I know all three prominent pass-rushers – Brandon Graham, Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre-Paul – went off the board before No. 19, but Atlanta should have done something to ensure themselves of Graham or Morgan.”

Given his webcam interview before joining the organization it’s little surprise that, at the end of the the Falcons portion of the 2010 NFL Draft, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff turned to his computer and technology tools.

On the screen, he showed Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank all the variables, scenarios and plans his team constructed for the three-day draft.

The Falcons seventh and final pick in the bag, the best scenario held true.

Dimitroff said the players Atlanta selected over the past three days and nights were the ones the Birds “truly targeted.”

“It’s the truth,” Dimitroff said Saturday afternoon while detailing what each new rookie acquired on Day Three will bring to the team.

The general manager also answered some questions of interest to fans curious there was not more of a focus on defense. Head Coach Mike Smith and Dimitroff stressed a balanced draft leading into the week and that’s what happened — three offense and four defense.

“When you’re talking about marquee pass rushers, people we thought could come in here and be marquee for years to come, those players usually come off the board quite early,” Dimitroff said, highlighting the team’s desire and happiness in acquiring Sean Weatherspoon in the first round.

Defensive ends available, according to Dimitroff, weren’t as good a system fit as some that came off the board before Falcons’earlier selections.

“In the end we feel very strongly about our young guys,” Dimitroff said, noting the emergence of Lawrence Sidbury and Kroy Biermann and adding vote of confidence for Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham.

The Falcons can also expect an increase in pressure from the interior of the line with the return of 2009 first-round pick Peria Jerry and the arrival of Corey Peters — the team’s third-round pick out of Kentucky.

“There are a number of ways to eliminate the explosive plays in the passing game,” Dimitroff said. “We’ll be creative with our sub defense as far as getting up field.”

Atlanta Falcons Round-by-Round Picks

Fifth-round pick Dominque Franks and sixth-round selection Shann Schillinger add depth to a secondary that ran into more than its share of injuries in 2009 — an insurance policy at one of the game’s most important positions, according to Dimitroff.

On top of first-round pick Weatherspoon (speed, athleticism, production), the Falcons also added a pair of interior offensive lineman and a receiver known for his football IQ and ability to catch the ball over the middle of the field (Kerry Meier).

They may not all be household names, but they’re Falcons.

And they’re the Falcons the team wanted.

“We came away with everything we were truly looking for, and not just from a position standpoint,” Dimitroff said. ”Very nice Falcon fits.”

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

Rader had several stints with the Falcons over the last two season, the last coming in December 2009. After being cut at the close of Russell Falcons Training Camp, the tight end re-joined the team  on Dec. 8.

Rader, 6-foot-4, 263 pounds, had one catch for 26 yards in five games in 2008. Leading into his last stretch he had played in 10 career games (two starts) in Atlanta, New England and Miami.

He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Falcons in 2004.

Norwood was a third-round pick by the club in 2006 and has totaled 373 rushes for 1,987 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has more than 900 receiving yards and three scores.

One of the most explosive players on the roster, the running back also took snaps as the team’s “Wildcat” quarterback over the last two seasons.

Koenen has spent all six years of his career in Atlanta serving as the team’s punter and kickoff specialists. He’s recorded 366 punts for an average of 42.3 yards. Last season he was tied for second in the NFL with 28 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Both Koenen and Norwood were listed as restricted free agents.

Schillinger is a former college teammate of third-year Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann.

According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, Schillinger “left an impression” with 11 NFL teams that attended his Pro Day, running a 4.51 and 4.53 40-yard dash.

He did not participate in the Scouting Combine.

Schillinger grew up in Baker, Mont. among no more than 1,800 residents. He credits players like Biermann for opening his door to the NFL.

“I feel like I’m very coachable,” he said. “I understand the game. I’m going to study and do whatever I can… to put myself in the right situation.”

In 57 career games with the Grizzlies, Schillinger recorded 255 tackles, 10 picks and 19 passes defense.d he was a second-team All-Big Sky performer in 2008 and the winner of the team’s “Tony Barbour Award” for best exemplifying “Grizzly Football.”

“We brought him in here during our top-30 visits,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said of the speedy defensive back. “He can fly around the field. (He’s) a very smart football player. Hopefully he’ll have Kroy Biermann help him out along the way to be one of his Montana brethren.”

Dimitroff said Schillinger will compete for a safety spot and a core place on special teams.

MORE ON SCHILLINGER:

• BIO: Notes from around the web on Schillinger
• CONFERENCE CALL: Schillinger speaks with the Atlanta media

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

He also has a proven ability to catch the football…

Meier played in 35 games and recorded 226 catches — a school record. In the process he became the first Jayhawk to record more than 100 catches in a season (102) in 2009.

The brother of former Titans tight end Shad Meier totaled 2,309 career receiving yards (18 touchdowns) and 417 rushing yards (six touchdowns) at Kansas.

Unlike other players selected by the Falcons, Meier did not have an individual workout with the club.

“Coming from Kansas and being an ex-quarterback I think (I bring) a knowledge of the game,” Meier said. “I’m not going to wow you with my speed or anything like that but I pay very close attention to what I’m doing… I think I do the ordinary things extremely well.”

Meier said he transitioned to a NFL-caliber receiver over the last two seasons — nothing drastic. He credits the Jayhawk’s spread offense for opportunities to improve his skills in the passing game.

“He’s right on that borderline (for speed) but for a guy who’s 220 pounds and a guy who’s a smart route runner and has a nice feel on the field as far as getting to the open spot,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Combined with his concentration and hands — we were comfortable with that.”

MORE ON MEIER:

• BIO: Additional notes on the newest Falcons receiver
• IMAGES: Pictures of receiver Kerry Meier
• YOUTUBE: Touchdown catch against Missouri
• YOUTUBE: Touchdown catch against Nebraska
• CONFERENCE CALL: Meier talks about the draft and recent loss of his brother (story)

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

Atlanta traded the 149th (fifth round) and 189th (sixth round) selections in Day Three to the St. Louis Rams for the selection, leaving the Falcons with two additional picks on Saturday.

Franks, 5-foot-11, 194 pounds, is noted for his size and durability. He elected to leave Oklahoma after his junior season to pursue his pro career, which could have tremendous upside.

Last season in Norman he had 47 tackles and two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown. For his career, Franks totaled 95 tackles, six picks (two for scores), 15 passes defensed and a fumble returned for a touchdown. He was an All-Big 12 performer in 2008 and 2009.

Last year he became the first Oklahoma player to record 100 punt-return yards in a game since 2003. Franks said he spoke with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff about the possibility of working in the Falcons return game.

“This is where I wanted to go from the beginning,” Franks said, adding enthusiasm for the chance to play with former Sooner Curtis Lofton on the Falcons defense.

After the close of the draft, Dimitroff talked about the move to get Franks.

“I’m not sure exactly why he fell,” the third-year GM said. “We’ve done a lot of work on the secondary — year-in and year-out that will be a focus position for us; it just is in the National Football League… I’ve had a number of conversations with a number of teams that were really surprised he did fall to that point.

“We did the right thing there because there was a real run on corners after that… We were able to get a guy that has good size and proven himself in a league (the Big 12) that’s a very pass-happy league as well.”

MORE ON FRANKS:

• BIO: Notes from NFL.com and other sources
• PHOTOS: Images of the Falcons newest cornerback
• QUICK HITS: Small morsels and info on Franks

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

Hawley, 6-foot-3, 297 pounds, recorded 35 reps in the bench press (225 pounds) at the Scouting Combine and has started at both center and guard in his college career. He was also among the top performers at the Combine in the broad jump and three-cone drill.

Last season with the Rebels, Hawley started 12 games at right guard (no sacks allowed).

In 2008 he started seven games at center and five at guard (allowing just one sack). He also played in 11 games as a true freshman.

He said the Falcons spoke with him at the Combine and visited Las Vegas for a private workout before the draft.

He hoped his phone would ring with Atlanta on the line.

“It’s one of the teams I wanted to go to,” he said. “I’m glad they pulled the trigger on me.”

Hawley must adjust from a spread offense to a pro-style system in the NFL but he fits the mold of physical play Falcons offensive line coaches love — strong and tough.

“I just play fast and finish blocks,” Hawley said. “It’s the way I love to play football.”

The intangibles make Hawley a fit for the Falcons.

He won the Rebel Spirit Award in 2009, given to the senior who showed the most toughness, positive attitude and “strong commitment to his teammates.”

Hawley played in a total of 47 games at UNLV (33 starts).

“This fellow Joe Hawley from UNLV is a center-slash-guard,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Again, versatility is a key in our o-line acquisitions.”

MORE ON HAWLEY:

• BIO: Notes on Hawley from his NFL.com bio
• PHOTOS: Images of the Falcons newest offensive lineman
• YOUTUBE: “A little trickery” on this UNLV ad
• QUICK HITS: Some quick video and interviews

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

Operating on little sleep so forgive any stupid metaphors or incoherent babble in the blog today. With this in mind, we’re going to ease in with some headlines from other reputable news organizations…

Falcons boost both lines in third round, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two SEC players known for versatility and football IQ. Important to note the Falcons first three picks in this draft all got their degrees before going pro.

Weatherspoon arrives right on time, Columbia Tribune
The Falcons newest linebacker became an unofficial spokesman for Missouri athletics during his career. He loves the camera.

Tide’s Mike Johnson: ‘Right when I was just about to give up for the night, my phone rang,’ Mobile Press-Register
Say hello to the third round’s “Mr. Irrelevant.” The Falcons are happy to have this big, talented player.

Falcons select Peters, Johnson in third round, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some notes on the draft picks from the Falcons’ paper of record.

Atlanta Falcons draft Kentucky’s Corey Peters in third round of NFL draft, The Courier-Journal
A motivated player looking for his opportunity — Corey Peters.

“Another versatile offensive lineman… We are fired up that he was there,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said at the close of the third round.

The third-year GM also noted Johnson’s role as a guard-slash-tackle in a pro-style system.

Johnson, 6-foot-5, 312 pounds, was a leader on Alabama’s 2009 National Championship team and graduated as the longest-tenured player on the squad (41 consecutive games). He also set the school career-record by appearing in 54 contests.

For two straight years Johnson was voted a first-team All-American.

He didn’t miss a start his last two years.

“I’ve had a dream year,” he said when asked about playing for a national champion in college to going to a team that has a Pro Bowl running back in Michael Turner. “I couldn’t ask for a better year. This just continues the dream. This is really the team I wanted to play for all along.”

Johnson recorded 264 knockdown blocks, 39 touchdown-resulting blocks and 18 downfield blocks in his collegiate career. He totaled a career-high 98 knockdown blocks and 16 touchdown-resulting blocks as a senior.

“I knew they were interested,” Johnson said of the Falcons. “I had been at their complex and had a good meeting with Coach (Paul) Boudreau and Coach (Paul) Dunn.”

Johnson added he’s not shy of hard work, saying he’s looking to arrive in Atlanta and “bust his butt.”

MORE ON JOHNSON:

• BIO: Notes on Johnson from NFL.com
• PHOTOS: Images of the Falcons newest offensive lineman
• VIDEO: Highlights on Johnson from Alabama
• QUICK HITS: Some quick video and interviews

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

Peters, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, posted a career high in tackles with 42.5 in his senior season. He also had 12 tackles for loss. He was a three-year starter for the Wildcats.

The team visited with Peters toward the end of the pre-draft process. He said he got to know the coaching staff during those visits and is excited to get involved in the Falcons system.

Peters said he worked at nose and under tackle in Lexington.

“I’m extremely comfortable in a 4-3,” he said.

Peters recorded 146 career tackles (83 solo), 27 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and one interception.

He was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection from 2007-09 while being named Kentucky’s Most Improved Defensive Player by the team’s coaches in ‘07.

“I maintain we’re always looking to have a very depthful and active defensive line,” Dimitroff said. “Rotation (and) versatility is huge along the front. We believe we added some consistency there as well.”

“I knew they were interested but I got so nervous once the third round started,” Peters said of his interaction with the Falcons. “Everything was so crazy as far as the draft went… I really didn’t know what was going to happen but I was just hoping and praying for the best opportunity.

“I’m excited to get down there.”

MORE ON PETERS:

• BIO: Notes on Peters from NFL.com
• PHOTOS: Images of the Falcons new defensive tackle
• VIDEO: Highlights on Peters from Kentucky
• YOUTUBE: “…not the typical football player”
• QUICK HITS: Some quick video and interviews
• CONFERENCE CALL: Peters talks with the Atlanta media Friday night

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

New Orleans Saints
NFL.com Draft Page

The Saints picked Patrick Robinson at No. 32, adding to a secondary that’s full of youth and in need of some health. His career at Florida State was compared to Deion Sanders. Now he has to contend in a division with a second-year quarterback (Josh Freeman) a former Rookie of the Year (Matt Ryan) and a young signal-caller in Carolina (Matt Moore).

In the second round, New Orleans selected USC offensive tackle Charles Brown. I guess they’re serious about protecting Madden cover boy Drew Brees.

Carolina Panthers
NFL.com Draft Page

The farther Jimmy Clausen tumbled down the board, the more likely this pick became. The draft geek in me was a little surprised the Notre Dame quarterback fell that far. You have to wonder if the Panthers thought he’d be there. Clausen had a solid college career but any number of intangibles had him slipping through the first and half the second round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL.com Draft Page

The Bucs took advantage of prime draft position (brought about by poor finish) and grabbed a pair of defensive tackles in the first two rounds — Gerald McCoy at No. 3 overall and Brian Price at No. 35. Both can step in immediately and add a little nastiness back to the Bucs front four.

Tampa Bay also traded up in the second round to take speedy Illinois receiver Arrelious Benn. The team has had busts at receiver before, but the urge here was to give Freeman a weapon.

With their first pick in the third round Tampa Bay took a player from one of my favorite college teams — Myron Lewis of Vanderbilt (yes, I know, I’m a Vandy fan).

More to come on the Falcons picks shortly…

It may be a beginning for Weatherspoon, but the team is familiar with his abilities.

“This process started 14 months before actually picking Sean’s card off the draft board,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “We’ve been monitoring this young fellow much more than 14 months.”

Weatherspoon led Missouri in tackles during each of the three seasons he was a starter. He finished his career with more than 400 tackles and second-team All-American honors.

“It became apparent for us early in the process there were some traits we really liked,” Head Coach Mike Smith said, adding Weatherspoon’s athleticism will help defend offenses that spread the field with receivers, tight ends and running backs in increasing numbers.

“Spoon” just wants to get to work.

“(Life) hasn’t changed that much,” he said. “I just get a lot of text messages and a lot of phone calls… My family members were more excited than me. It’s just football… I’ve been doing this for a long time.”

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

Of course, it’s already taken.

Judging from the FalconsLIFE Message Boards, fans are thrilled to have a reason to scream “Spoon!” for the former Missouri linebackers (I can just hear the chant in the Georgia Dome now after a big hit… “SPOOOOON!”).

But what does the media have to say?

Falcons still need linemen (and Weatherspoon video-palooza), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Already talking about the rest of the draft? Well, I guess that’s what you get when it’s a three-day process.

In MU’s Weatherspoon, Falcons hit their target, Kansas City Star
This is the pick the Falcons had in mind for a while.

Weatherspoon to compete for starting job, Rotoworld.com
Perhaps a little premature, but draft picks certainly add competition.

Falcons select Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons made this pick, calling Weatherspoon at 9:32 p.m. and not using the allotted 10 minutes to make a selection.

The Impact: Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, The New York Times
Judge how big of an impact Weatherspoon will make by learning what he leaves behind.

When it comes to Mock Draft Version 5.0, I nailed the first three picks. At pick No. 4, things started to spiral out of control. In all, I got four selections right (including the Falcons pick of Sean Weatherspoon). So, I guess I got it going where it counted.

In five instances I got the position right. I got 24 of the players taken in the first round correct.

That’s about it for this blog post… Looking forward is more important than looking back anyway, right?

The first NFL Draft in prime time appears to be a ratings success. That’s good news for the league and an encouraging sign for the AF.com team, which rolled out some new features to an after-work audience.

If you missed the two, 30-minute “DraftCast” segments during the first round you can check out the archived video. We’ll also have more live hits from Flowery Branch throughoutt the weekend including Sean Weatherspoon’s introductory press conference and General Manager Thomas Dimtiroff’s post-pick comments to the media.

Don’t forget… We have six rounds left.

PART ONE – An interview with Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank, President Rich McKay, former tackle Todd Weiner and WXIA’s Randy Waters. Also hear Wes Durham, me and the new Taco Mac Insider Niki Noto.

Click here to view the embedded video.

PART TWO – Dimitroff joins the festivities for his initial comments on drafting Weatherspoon. Additional comments from Weiner and Noto.

Click here to view the embedded video.

MORE ON WEATHERSPOON:

• BIO: Weatherspoon’s bio on AF.com
• PHOTOS: Images of new Falcon Sean Weatherspoon
• VIDEO: NFL Network highlights of Weatherspoon

WEATHERSPOON HIGHLIGHTS:

• YOUTUBE: Universal Draft Presents
• YOUTUBE: Sean Weatherspoon “Right Now”
• YOUTUBE: Post-Practice Interview
• YOUTUBE: A Day in the Life — Sean Weatherspoon

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

With the No. 19 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft the Atlanta Falcons selected linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.

FOLLOW ‘SPOON’ ON TWITTER

“This is a guy we targeted and all the contemplation went out the window when we had this guy in our sites,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said Thursday evening, moments after the selection.

A tackling machine at Missouri, Weatherspoon left school with more than 400 stops. The Associated Press named him a second-team All-American last season. He posted 41 career starts, 415 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 43.5 tackles for loss on his collegiate resume.

He was also on the mock draft radar for the Falcons for weeks and Weatherspoon himself had a hunch this would be the team to draft him.

“It’s an honor. It’s a blessing from God,” he said. “When I got the call I was smiling from ear to ear because I knew it was about to go down.”

The Jasper, Texas native is third in Missouri history in career tackles and 10th on the Big 12’s all-time charts.

“We’re very excited for the opportunity to take an outside linebacker who is going to ramp up our speed, our enthusiasm (and) our athleticism,” Dimitroff said. “In our minds he’s a guy that’s going to be a four-down player for us.”

Head Coach Mike Smith — a defensive coordinator before taking over in Atlanta in 2008 — likes Weatherspoon’s versatility.

“He’s an urgent, passionate football player that can play both (outside) linebacker spots in our scheme,” Smith said. “Our outside linebackers are interchangeable… He will be competing for an outside linebacker position.”

Click here to view the embedded video.
WEATHERSPOON HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Dimitroff said the team also spoke with William Moore — a 2009 second-round draft pick that played at Missouri — about Weatherspoon, who will become a teammate again.

“You always seek insight from teammates,” he said. “It’s not the end-all, obviously, but it’s important to discuss interaction… William was very positive and I know through our interviews with Sean he was positive about having the opportunity to work side-by-side with William.”

Weatherspoon, who has remained active and conversational on his Twitter feed during the pre-draft process, said he’s looking forward to talking with Moore and using him as a resource in learning the team’s defense.

At the close of the first round the Falcons did not have a second-round selection, but Dimitroff said the team would consider opportunities to get into that round, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday.

MORE ON WEATHERSPOON:

• BIO: Weatherspoon’s bio on AF.com
• PHOTOS: Images of new Falcon Sean Weatherspoon
• VIDEO: NFL Network highlights of Weatherspoon

WEATHERSPOON HIGHLIGHTS:

• YOUTUBE: Universal Draft Presents
• YOUTUBE: Sean Weatherspoon “Right Now”
• YOUTUBE: Post-Practice Interview
• YOUTUBE: A Day in the Life — Sean Weatherspoon

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

• Four straight players from the Big 12 to open the first round (three from Oklahoma).
• Mock draft took a hit with picks No. 4 and 5 (two misses in a row but two good picks).
• Russell Okung to Seattle at No. 6. I have a feeling there’s a cornerstone player on their offensive line now.
• Is it just me or does it look like Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy — opting to stay away from New York — are throwing killer parties at their house?
• Trades, trades, picks via trades… Yikes!
• Brandon Graham to the Eagles, who jump to No. 13. Fans, you certainly liked him for the Falcons. So what does this mean? Time will tell.
• I thought Ryan Matthews may have been around at the Chargers pick. But, the way it shakes up, The Bolts have to trade up to get him.
• Amazing how things change. Before the draft, fans had totally different thoughts on trades. Now some are asking for their vote back!
• Not a surprising pick with the Giants and Jason Pierre-Paul. He’s an incredible athlete. Just have to wonder if there’s a learning curve he’ll have to (pardon the pun) tackle.
• Derrick Morgan doesn’t have to travel far to start his pro career. Titans get probably the most well-rounded defensive end in the draft.

And here’s when things got a little crazy.

Sean Weatherspoon is a Falcon.

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

The pre-draft talk about trading down in the first round (or out of the first 32 picks all together) is starting to pick up steam on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards.

So let’s put it to a vote…

Most of this speculation comes from the general idea that trading a pick to gain more picks makes practical sense and that Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff isn’t afraid of wheeling and/or dealing on draft day.

There’s also the matter of players tied to the Falcons — either in reports of pre-draft visits or fan affinity — are rising up the board.

If the Falcons do make a trade down you can expect some value in return. Perhaps that’s in the second round, where the team does not have a selection.

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

With the first round in prime time, it makes little sense to sit around all day second-guessing the work you put in over the last 14 months.

The team’s “war room” will be an epicenter of fierce activity soon enough.

The team’s “fan” war room on NFL.com has been open for business for a while, but it seems to be stalling before the draft even begins. I understand it’s hard to get over-the-top excited for the No. 19 pick but it’s surprising this page hasn’t seen the same level of action as som other teams around the league.

I guess it’s the wait-and-see approach…

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

This is of particular interest to Falcons fans, whose team holds the No. 19 pick but could find itself entertaining trade offers from teams lower in the first round. Last year the No. 17, 19 and 21 picks were involved in draf-day trades.

Anything could happen.

Mike Florio — the man behind ProFootballTalk.com — threw out some names this morning of players that have falling draft stock.

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

Some names and topics…

• Dez Bryant — for obvious reasons (various reports of character concerns) Florio sees his stock falling.
• Jhavid Best — the California running back has “serious durability issues.”
• Golden Tate — Notre Dame wideout has a fan in the Steelers, but size is a concern.
• John Jerry — brother of Peria Jerry may slip into the later rounds.
• Jason Pierre-Paul — athletic defensive end is “very raw” according to Florio.
• Brandon Spikes — “too slow” is the commentary on the Florida linebacker.

MORE NFL DRAFT COVERAGE

• DRAFTCAST: Video coverage, photos and a fan chat from The Branch
• DRAFT BLOG: All my draft-related updates
• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter | Other Falcons users
• FORUMS: Talk about the draft with other fans
• HOMEPAGE: Complete draft coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com

So, while we play the waiting game, let’s start trimming down our focus.

• TWITTER: Follow me on Twitter (FalconsJMoore)
• BLOG: Plenty on this blog through the weekend

I’ve spent some time over the last couple of days reviewing the Falcons Football Communications Department’s NFL Draft Release (PDF). It’s a perfect companion piece for the real Falcons draft nut, complete with a history section and notes on recent players.

From there, I distilled five “things to watch” as we near and get into the first round.

1. Three Days, Two Nights: No it’s not a vacation to Bermuda. It’s the new timetable for the NFL Draft. Will it add to the number of trades? Can a team adjust its strategy for Rounds 2-7 on Thursday night after round one? It’s the big thing to watch.
2. Offense or Defense: General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith have each said to expect a more “balanced” draft. Anyone who expects only defense is, well, most likely wrong. That includes the first-round selection. Anything can happen.
3. Jerry Family Reunion: Yes, this would be out of left field, but the brother of defensive tackle Peria Jerry, John, is in the 2010 NFL Draft. He’s an interior offensive lineman. That is a place sportswriters think the Falcons need help. Crazy odds?
4. Center of Attention: AJC beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter took some heat when he suggested — and continued to report — the option of selecting Florida center Maurkice Pouncey in the first round. It would be a move for immediate depth and, perhaps, long-term success. It would also be the first time the Falcons selected a center in the first round (by the way, D. Led did a nice job with his “radar” piece).
5. Talkin’ Trade: When it comes to the first-round of the draft, the Falcons have experience with trades. The team got back in the first round in 2008 to select Sam Baker. Let’s assume a team calls and wants the 19th pick and the Falcons can recoup a second rounder given up for Tony Gonzalez last year? Do you listen?

I certainly won’t limit myself to only these topics over the next three days, but you have to start somewhere… right?

Here are some sites to get your draft info, keeping in mind the AF.com live coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. Now I’m off to take some pictures of what is still a very quiet Falcons headquarters.

• AF.COM DRAFT HOME: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/draft
• MESSAGE BOARDS: http://life.atlantafalcons.com
• FALCONS BLOGS: http://blogs.atlantafalcons.com
• TWITTER: Breaking news updates and draft selections

Let me first remind all of you loyal and supportive readers that I make these selections based on my six-plus years in the NFL and knowledge of the Falcons as a reporter — not unlike other mock drafts you see around the Internet.

In short, don’t take this for more than a set of opinions just because my office is in the same building as General Manager Thomas Dimitroff.

Thanks to everyone for sharing comments on the four previous versions of this draft, which outlined samples of how the first round could break down and introduced a few players that may fit the Falcons mold at No. 19.

In just more than 24 hours we’ll see what happens for real.

1. St. Louis Rams – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
4 . Washington Redskins – T Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs – T Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (last week: Eric Berry)
6. Seattle Seahawks – T Trent Williams, Oklahoma (last week: Bryan Bulaga)
7. Cleveland Browns – S Eric Berry, Tennessee (last week: C.J. Spiller)
8. Oakland Raiders — T Anthony Davis, Rutgers (last week: Jason Pierre-Paul)
9. Buffalo Bills – QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
10. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
11. Denver Broncos (from CHI) – WR Dez Bryant, Okla. State (last week: Rolando McClain)
12. Miami Dolphins — DE/LB Sergio Kindle, Texas
13. San Francisco 49ers – CB Joe Haden, Florida
14. Seattle Seahawk (from DEN) –  S Taylor Mays, USC
15. New York Giants – LB Rolando McClain, Alabama (last week: Sean Weatherspoon)
16. Tennessee Titans — DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida (last week: Kyle Wilson)
17. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) – DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

==========

19. Atlanta Falcons — LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (last week: DE Everson Griffen)

As my colleague Dave at The Falcoholic has said, this pick almost feels inevitable. Weatherspoon has consistently been featured with the Falcons in Internet mock drafts.

While the feeling is there, I wouldn’t go as far to say any selection in this draft is a foregone conclusion.

There likely won’t be a pre-draft contract with a No. 1 pick, so anything could happen. And, since the Falcons hold the No. 19 pick, Thomas Dimitroff and Co. will spend just as much time on draft day analyzing picks and figuring out who may be available as narrowing down prospects on the board.

The team must have several options.

But let’s go with the fan favorite in this final mock draft of 2010.

The pick would also make sense.

Weatherspoon finished his collegiate career with more than 400 tackles. He said he fits at weak side linebacker but — in a popular sentiment from Combine participants — will play wherever he’s asked.

If he plays weak side in the NFL, he’ll work at the same position as veteran Mike Peterson. However, if he’s as flexible as some scouts predict, he could play on the other side with Stephen Nicholas, the middle with Curtis Lofton or work at all three spots.

Experts around the Web have the Falcons taking linebacker or defensive end in the first round. Dimitroff said his team isn’t locked into any scenario but this move would show confidence in a group of linemen that struggled at times in 2009.

Getting defensive tackle Peria Jerry back from injury could change the look of the Falcons pass rush, opening the door for another position.

==========

20. Houston Texans — CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State (last week: Earl Thomas)
21. Cincinnati Bengals – S Earl Thomas, Texas (last week: Dez Bryant)
22. New England Patriots – DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
23. Green Bay Packers – RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (last week: Trent Williams)
24. Philadelphia Eagles – DT Brian Price, UCLA
25. Baltimore Ravens – CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
26. Arizona Cardinals – TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
27. Dallas Cowboys – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
28. San Diego Chargers — RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
29. New York Jets — DE Jerry Hughes, TCU
30. Minnesota Vikings — LB Daryl Washington, TCU
31. Indianapolis Colts —  T Charles Brown, USC (last week: T Anthony Davis)
32. New Orleans Saints — DE Everson Griffen, USC (last week: Carlos Dunlap)

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

You also know a lot depends on the actions of teams with the first 18 picks.

So why do football fans and journalists make mock drafts in the first place? For some, it’s something to do. For others — like me – it’s a way to learn the players whose names will get called at some point Thursday or Friday.

Which means I should probably get to work…

Falcons to host a Monday night game in 2010, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two prime time games at home. Not too shabby.

Atlanta Falcons schedule analysis, ESPN.com
Anything that could be considered a problem on the schedule is corrected, hence the three-straight road games followed by two at home to close the season. That said, the back-loading of division games may prove both exciting and problematic.

Adam’s Patented Annual Totally Premature Falcons Schedule Prediction, The Falcoholic
Totally premature, yes. Bad read? Absolutely not. We all have to start breaking down the schedule sometime and this is one of the best.

Falcons to teach golf to youth of First Tee of Atlanta, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anything having to do with golf is awesome in my book.

A closer look at the 2010 Atlanta Falcons schedule, Examiner.com
Before we start counting predicting wins and losses let’s look at some of the technical aspects of the schedule.

NFL Draft series: Build your own draft board, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This headline gives me an idea for a cool feature. Wish we could put it together in a day but we’ll still have some cool stuff on AF.com for you this weekend.

Long enough?

Good, because there’s serious business to discuss when it comes to the placement of Falcons games in 2010.

We’ve known the opponents and the locations since early January, but it’s not until you stack up the order and travel of the regular season that you start getting a clear picture — or prediction — on how the year may actually go.

==========

2010 Atlanta Falcons Schedule*
Click here for another listing and printable schedules

1 Sunday, Sept. 12 – Atlanta at Pittsburgh – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
2 Sunday, Sept. 19 – Arizona at Atlanta – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
3 Sunday, Sept. 26 – Atlanta at New Orleans – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
4 Sunday, Oct. 3 – San Francisco at Atlanta – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
5 Sunday, Oct. 10 – Atlanta at Cleveland – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
6 Sunday Oct. 17 – Atlanta at Philadelphia – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
7 Sunday Oct. 24 – Cincinnati at Atlanta – 1 p.m. – CBS-TV
8 Sunday, Oct. 31 – BYE WEEK
9 Sunday, Nov. 7, Tampa Bay at Atlanta – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
10 Thursday, Nov. 11 – Baltimore at Atlanta – 8:20 p.m. – NFL Network (national)
11 Sunday, Nov. 21 – Atlanta at St. Louis – 4:05 p.m. – FOX-TV
12 Sunday, Nov. 28 – Green Bay at Atlanta – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV
13 Sunday, Dec. 5 – Atlanta at Tampa Bay – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV^
14 Sunday, Dec. 12 – Atlanta at Carolina – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV^
15 Sunday, Dec. 19 – Atlanta at Seattle – 4 p.m. – FOX-TV^
16 Monday, Dec. 27 – New Orleans at Atlanta – 8:30 p.m. – ESPN (Monday Night Football)
17 Sunday, Jan. 2 – Carolina at Atlanta – 1 p.m. – FOX-TV^

The Falcons preseason schedule was released earlier this month:

1 Friday, Aug. 13 – Kansas City at Atlanta – 8 p.m. – WXIA-TV
2 Thursday, Aug. 19 – New England at Atlanta – 8 p.m. – FOX- TV (national)
3 Friday, Aug. 27 – Atlanta at Miami – 7 p.m. – WXIA-TV
4 Thursday Sept. 2 – Atlanta at Jacksonville – 7:30 p.m. – WXIA-TV

* All times listed for Eastern time zone
^ Eligible for flex scheduling

==========

Let’s start by stating the obvious — marking wins and losses before the season begins is often a pointless exercise. No one knows how well (or how poorly) some teams will do based strictly on the season before.

Some additional thoughts when I look at the schedule…

• The Falcons face four 2009 playoff teams in the first eight games — Arizona, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
• Three-straight road trips in December won’t be easy but two of them (Tampa and Charlotte) are close.
• The Falcons will face the Saints on Monday Night Football, but this game will be at the Georgia Dome in Week 16 (playoff implications)?
• The Falcons will play on Thursday night for the first time since Thanksgiving 2007 (a Colts win).
• Atlanta plays just one division game in the first eight weeks of the season.
• Four of the last five games are division games.

So what are your thoughts Falcons fans?

I know you have them.

• AF.COM DRAFT HOME: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/draft
• MESSAGE BOARDS: http://life.atlantafalcons.com
• FALCONS BLOGS (ongoing coverage in my blog): http://blogs.atlantafalcons.com
• TWITTER: Breaking news updates and draft selections

The Falcons will bring you live video from Flowery Branch April 22, 23 and 24 allowing for a special look at the NFL Draft and the players the team selects. Tune in at 7:30 p.m. April 22 when you can chat with other fans, see breaking Falcons news, look at photos from Flowery Branch, get exclusive reaction from the team and have a chance to listen to draft selections soon after the name is called.

All live and archived video will reside at “atlantafalcons.com/draftcast” so be sure to check that out at launch.

Here’s how the three-day event will break down (some coverage highlights)…

• THURSDAY: Falcons personnel talking about the first pick, exclusive chat with the first-round selection
• FRIDAY: Press conference with the first pick carried live (estimated time 4 p.m., but subject to change)
• SATURDAY: Ongoing audio from draft-pick conference calls and Thomas Dimitroff’s draft wrap-up

You can also catch exclusive video content at Atlanta Taco Mac locations Thursday night. Click here for more on that if you live in the area.

At the very least, the schedule release is a respite from the topsy turvy world of draft planning and speculation (I don’t know about anyone else, but by this time in the pre-draft season I grow weary of all the different opinions).

The Draft is a wonderful part of the year — so is the schedule release — but there comes a point where you just want the bottom-line info (i.e. draft selection and dates and times for games).

We’re one step closer to one of those and another foot closer to the second.

Busy week, NFL fans.

Enjoy it.

You’re on clock for Falcons (and why not Thomas?), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This, I must say, is an intriguing suggestion. The only thing I ask before you go nuts in the comments would be to remove any bias toward Georgia Tech or Georgia. The scouts do that. As draft prognosticators we should do the same.

NFL’s final week only division games, ESPN.com
Here’s the sneak peek at the schedule we’ve all been waiting for. Sort of…

2010 Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: Tag Team Title Belt Edition, The Falcoholic
Now this, I like. If you get through this massive dose of draft talk without you’re head exploding you’ll be good for the weekend.

Dimitroff on the draft: Falcons aren’t ‘locked in’ on Graham, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh how the GM dances around draft conversation. It’s a mark of a true veteran in this game and something that could be considered an art form.

Not many people in Flowery Branch are allowed in the war room these days for obvious reasons but rest assured the team’s braintrust has made significant strides in making plans for Thursday evening — the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said he’ll start looking at some mock drafts from around the Internet and from his staff Monday morning in preparation for some of the intangibles but, if the team doesn’t have a grade on a player by now, it may be just a little too late.

Up to 14 months of preparation go into a single draft.

Nothing is overlooked.

So, with just more than three days remaining, the hay is in the barn.

Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon could land with Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Weatherspoon pick is growing in popularity. But how often do things in the NFL Draft go exactly the way Internet writers predict them? Not saying it won’t happen, just saying something weird is bound to happen in this selection process.

Falcons Fans Should Embrace the Calm, BloggingDirty.com
Take it from a team employee — nothing wrong with a “calm” offseason.

A Full Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft, The Falcoholic
The full mock draft returns. I admire people who go beyond the third round. Really, after that point, it’s anyone’s guess as to what may happen.

Falcons Expert Panel, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That’s a lot of names… Certainly one of those could prove accurate. Right?

NFL draft preview: South, Los Angeles Times
Another publication leaning toward defense for the Falcons… Am I the only one that thinks the first round is wide open?

NFL player tackles middle school, Plano Star-Courier
One of the first rules for NFL players looking to make impacts in the community: Don’t forget your roots.

High school coaches get to learn from the pros, Gainesville Times
One of the greatest events of the offseason, especially for coaches — and writers — that love to watch film.

This kid stuff can be rewarding, Houston Chronicle
Free agency doesn’t get in the way of community commitments.

Atlanta Falcons turn to MMA for offseason training, YahooSports.com
Another way to get a training edge.

Head Coach Mike Smith welcomed high school coaches from around the region to Flowery Branch Friday evening for a special coach’s clinic, including dinner and instruction from the Falcons staff. Members of the Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia State staff were also in attendance and shared knowledge.

Smith recruited the Atlanta area as a college coach and is a fan of giving back to the coaching community whenever possible.

“We are a fraternity,” Smith said to the crowd of coaches. “Think about it… The men in this room, we’re a fraternity. The profession we’re in I have no doubt is the greatest profession going. It’s not just about teaching the game of football. It’s much more than that.”

Smith said his high school coach still emails him every Monday after a Falcons game… To tell him his mistakes.

Participants spent the night rotating through stations around the team’s practice facility getting demonstrations on technique and info on strength and conditioning.

“We affect a lot of lives and I think it’s something we often overlook,” Smith said.

Coaches were also introduced to a new fundraising program from the ticket office.

Starting this season, high school booster clubs can purchase discounted tickets and re-sell them for a $10 profit among additional incentives. Visit http://www.atlantafalcons.com/tickets or click here to talk to talk with a ticket representative.

The team also hosts an awards luncheon for top high school programs each fall.

But, for many, it’s a time to reflect on the past.

While Atlanta has had its share of rough drafts, there are countless players whose NFL careers started and blossomed at the team’s headquarters — from Suwanee to Flowery Branch, to Fulton Co. Stadium to the Georgia Dome.

One of those players, former quarterback Steve Bartkowski, is still involved with the team as an advisor and appears at various events to show his support.

At Head Coach Mike Smith’s media golf tournament earlier this week he recalled his time in the draft. Bartkowski — as Falcons fans know — was the first pick in the 1975 NFL Draft.

A lot has changed.

“It was a scramble prior to draft day because I didn’t own a tie… or a sports coat for that matter,” Bartkowski joked.

The former Cal quarterback played 10 years for the Falcons and holds career records for the club in many passing categories.

He’s amazed out how the draft has grown into an offseason spectacle. Now in it’s 75th year, the event takes up three days (two primetime slots).

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “ESPN changed the way we view sports. Since they’ve been on the scene it’s made everyone ramp up to keep up… We’re a football-crazed country. Everyone loves the game and wants to stay involved and be involved.”

Bartkowski is included among a list of Falcons picks the league is using to determine the “most valuable” draft selection — a special contest for this historic year. More than 40 million votes have been cast and fans can hit the polls through April 18. The 10 most valuable picks will be announced during the draft at Radio City Music Hall.

The league is ranking the top 75 picks, so it’s not too late to vote for other Falcons including:

• Brett Favre
• Deion Sanders
• Keith Brooking
• Alge Crumpler
• Bill Fralic
• Claude Humphrey
• Mike Kenn
• R.C. Thielemann
• Jeff Van Note

Thursday, four of those players signed the tenders, agreeing to a deal just before restricted free agency closes.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME DETAILS ON TENDERS

Harvey Dahl, Tyson Clabo, Quinn Ojinaka and Jason Snelling were included in a press release detailing the news.

After Thursday, teams can’t extend offer sheets to restricted free agents and this move will keep the four mentioned in Falcons uniforms.

Clabo and Dahl anchored the right side of the Falcons offensive line, leading the way for a running game that finished second in the NFL in 2008. The group averaged one sack allowed every 21.1 plays last season, allowing for the second-fewest allowed in a season in the franchise’s history.

Ojinnaka proved a valuable backup and started five games for an injured Dahl toward the end of the year. At one point in training camp he saw action at all five line positions.

Snelling’s role in the run game increased when Michael Turner was off the field with an ankle sprain. The third-year player carried the ball 142 times for 613 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 147 yards in a season-ending victory at Tampa Bay.

He’s a hard-working man that prefers comfortable clothes for the long hours of research and planning. As expected, he’s spending nights at the office leading up to next week’s NFL Draft.

“We’ve been working on these players for almost 14 months,” Dimitroff said during our one-on-one chat Thursday morning. “It’s a busy time; we’ve had a lot of conversation, discussion and comparatives up and down the board. We’re encouraged by what we might get at No. 19 and, honestly, what we’ll get through the draft.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DIMITROFF’S PRE-DRAFT PRESS CONFERENCE

Entering his third NFL Draft as a general manager Dimitroff has more options. Atlanta got the quarterback of the future in 2008 with Matt Ryan and took major steps to overhauling the defense in 2009, making seven of eight selections on that side of the ball.

He and Head Coach Mike Smith have preached the idea of a “balanced” draft in every media opportunity. Throw in the fact the No. 19 selection is prime ground for trading up or back and the Falcons have a plethora of choices.

But there’s one challenge: Finding a space for some of those immediate impact players.

“Because of the depth of the draft I think you can get some solid players in almost every round,” Dimitroff said. “Some of those players may not always contribute early. The closer you get to having the roster you truly want the harder it is to place those players.”

(This is where building for the future comes into play)

Here are additional topics covered in the one-on-one…

• The health of William Moore, Peria Jerry and Harry Douglas — all missed most or all of 2009.
• Trading of first-round picks and if the Falcons are in a postion to move up or move back.
• Finding and evaluating the “hidden” talent (think Kroy Biermann — lineman/kicker).
• Evaluating “injury prone” college players and deciding to draft them.
• The overall depth in the 2010 NFL Draft.

According to the National Football Post, Graham has met with the Falcons and a host of other teams.

Graham turned heads at the Senior Bowl in January last month, earning defensive MVP honors with five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. He started his college career as an outside linebacker, so he’s happy to show that flexibility at the next level.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons weren’t “locked in” on Graham, despite rumors and mock drafts to the contrary. He was complimentary of the Michigan stars game, however.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said Thursday at his pre-draft press conference the Falcons will welcome an NFL Network camera into the “war room” for portions of the draft.

There will be no sound and it will be a wide-angle shot, but fans can expect to see Dimitroff and other decision-makers at work starting with the No. 17 pick (leading up to the Falcons selection at No. 19).

There will be additional live air time around other Falcons selections.

Atlanta is one of four teams allowing such camera placement.

“I think you’re going to have to approach it, as NFL Network would like us to approach it, in a natural way,” Dimitroff said. “This business is entertainment. I think it’s very important and we’re prepared enough to deal with the element of distraction.

“It’s going to be very good for this organization to have the Atlanta Falcons logo (on camera).”

Dimitroff’s scouting and personnel resume includes time with some of the more secretive organizations in the sport — including the New England Patriots. Dimitroff, as a general manager, still plays things close to the vest but he admits teams need to realize the power of information and how it’s spread over the Internet.

Hence the draft room camera and special access for Falcons fans.

“I believe 15 or 20 years ago there was as stress on secrecy,” he said. “Now with the reality of information passing right now we have to have an understanding… We can’t be so laden with fear and paranoia that it’s affecting our decision making.”

The NFL Draft is little more than one week away and we’ve seen no exchanges of first-round picks or reputable discussion of the same.

John Kincade of 680 the Fan brings up an interesting topic when it comes to what the Falcons may do with the No. 19 pick. If the team can’t move up to get a headliner or draft someone at its current position, trading out may be a logical move.

In 2008 the Falcons traded back into the first round to take Sam Baker with the No. 21 pick. Last season the 17th, 19th and 21st selections in the first round were involved in trades.

It’s an area of the draft prone for movement, especially if a team in the bottom of the round feels it needs to skip ahead to get the right player.

It puts the Falcons in a good postion.

But will we see a trade?

Not in Mock Draft Version 4.0.

Click here to view the embedded video.

1. St. Louis Rams – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
4 . Washington Redskins – T Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs – S Eric Berry, Tennessee (last week: Anthony Davis)
6. Seattle Seahawks – T Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
7. Cleveland Browns – RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (last week: Eric Berry)
8. Oakland Raiders — DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
9. Buffalo Bills – QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
10. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
11. Denver Broncos (from CHI) – LB Rolando McClain, Alabama (last week Dez Bryant)
12. Miami Dolphins — DE/LB Sergio Kindle, Texas
13. San Francisco 49ers – CB Joe Haden, Florida
14. Seattle Seahawk (from DEN) –  S Taylor Mays, USC (last week: C.J. Spiller)
15. New York Giants – LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (last week: LB Rolando McClain)
16. Tennessee Titans — CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State (last week: Sean Weatherspoon)
17. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) – DE Brandon Graham, Michigan (last week: Kyle Wilson)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

==========

19. Atlanta Falcons — DE Everson Griffen, USC (last week: Taylor Mays)

In this scenario, the Falcons trade one USC player for another.

Griffen is almost universally considered a first-round prospect but he’s flown under the radar for much of this pre-draft process. That said, the Falcons did reportedly hold a workout with him.

He was among the top performers in the 40-yard dash and bench press at the Combine.

This move wouldn’t necessarily be flashy, but the Falcons would get a solid, strong player who was an All-Pac 10 performer as a senior.

==========

20. Houston Texans — CB Earl Thomas, Texas
21. Cincinnati Bengals – WR Dez Bryant, Okla. State (last week: Brandon Graham)
22. New England Patriots – DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
23. Green Bay Packers – T Trent Williams, Oklahoma
24. Philadelphia Eagles – DT Brian Price, UCLA
25. Baltimore Ravens – CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
26. Arizona Cardinals – TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (last week: Anthony Davis)
27. Dallas Cowboys – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
28. San Diego Chargers — RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
29. New York Jets — DE Jerry Hughes, TCU (last week: WR Golden Tate)
30. Minnesota Vikings — LB Daryl Washington, TCU
31. Indianapolis Colts — T Anthony Davis, Rutgers (last week: Everson Griffen)
32. New Orleans Saints — DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

]]> http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/2010/04/14/2010-mock-draft-version-4-0/feed/ 32 http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/2010/04/14/regular-season-schedule-coming-tuesday/ http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/2010/04/14/regular-season-schedule-coming-tuesday/#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:46:54 +0000 J. Michael Moore http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/?p=5875 News is starting to spread that the 2010 NFL regular season schedule will be released during a primetime special at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 on NFL Network.

You can also, of course, get the Falcons schedule on AF.com.

League PR man Brian McCarthy mentioned the news on his Twitter feed about five minutes ago.

In reality, the news started spreading around Twitter about five minutes before that. But how do you track these things?

For more on the Falcons list of 2010 opponents, click here.

Assistant coaches, reporters and photographers aren’t likely pairings on a Saturday afternoon of golf. But for a Tuesday golf tournament, the mix works just fine.

It’s a favorite event for Smith, who in 2010 welcomed his co-workers and media to The River Club.

I captured some exclusive video from Tuesday’s event…

OK, so that’s not really WXIA personality Randy Waters. But he can quote every line from Caddyshack. If he or others in the Atlanta and national media have their own “cinderella story” it remains to be seen.

Check back later for some updates on winner (yes, even in a friendly game they keep score).

I also used my morning at The River Club to talk with D. Orlando Ledbetter, former quarterback Steve Bartkowski and radio personality John Kincade about the Falcons and 2010.

UPDATE: Turns out the team of Waters, Buck Belue, Steve Bartkowski and Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank won the tournament. Congratulations to them.

According to Scout.com, the Falcons hosted Alabama cornerback/return man Javier Arenas.

According to the National Football Post, the team plans to work out Michigan punter Zoltan Mesko.

And, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons took a look at Florida center Maurkice Pouncey and Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham.

Arenas may be available in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft and perhaps more intriguing as a full-time return man than cornerback. The Falcons spent big money on cornerback Dunta Robinson and return both starters from the end of 2009.

That said, cornerback is a spot where depth can be valuable.

Arenas had 71 tackles, five sacks and five interceptions for Alabama last year.

Pouncey has been mentioned in mock drafts for the Falcons and would be a selection for offensive line depth and future placement. Center Todd McClure has started 168 straight games for the team. Pouncey also has the ability to play guard.

Tony Gonzalez returns as the team’s primary tight end. Gresham is considered one of — if not the — top tight end prospect in the draft.

“I think Jermaine Gresham is the next Kellen Winslow, Sr.,” said Gil Brandt NFL.com analyst. “He is a tough match up problem is what he is because of his height. . .  and he runs extremely well.”

Mesko had 15 punts downed inside the 20-yard line last season. He moved to the United States from Romania and switched from soccer to football in the eighth grade.

Ironically, the hardest question he fielded at the Combine was from a Falcons coach. According to Mesko, he was asked to “tell a joke.”

Speaking at the Hacks vs. Jocks golf outing Tuesday morning Kincade, who can be heard on AM 680 the Fan and ESPN Radio (Sunday mornings) thinks the Falcons can contend in the NFC and are at a point where third-year General Manager Thomas Dimitroff can take a few chances in the NFL Draft.

The Falcons hold the No. 19 pick in the draft, which kicks off a week from Thursday.

“I’m thinking Thomas Dimitroff has something up his sleeve… I’m thinking he may be targeting someone higher than the 19th pick, which may mean a move up in the draft or considering a move backwards,” Kincade said.

Atlanta is coming off a 9-7 finish and a playoff spot in 2008. The team doesn’t have a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft thanks to a pre-draft trade to acquire All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez last year.

“(Dimitroff has) shown he’s always thinking,” Kincade said. “He’s always shown he’s looking at what other teams are doing and trying to react…

“Moving back to me is the better option because of the fact there is such value. Second- and third-round picks this year may be better than we’ve seen in a long time.”

Kincade said the Falcons should take a look at defensive end in the draft because “getting the quarterback on his back” will help a secondary that finished 28th in the league in 2009. He likes the talent at cornerback and believes a pass rush will help improve their play.

It’s a targeted evaluation many wouldn’t expect from Kincade just two seasons ago.

But now the Falcons are moving in the right direction.

“I have never believed in the leadership of an Atlanta franchise — except the Braves — more than I believe in what’s going on in Flowery Branch right now,” he said.

Chaney draws comparisons to current Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo and Pro Bowl 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis. Himself an SEC standout, Chaney’s stock is rising into the middle rounds of the selection process.

He’s projected as the fifth-best inside linebacker according to NFLDraftScout.com.

Chaney, 6-foot-1, 242 pounds, was among the top performers at the Scouting Combine in the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle.

Atlanta returns starting middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, but has a one-year starter in Stephen Nicholas and veteran Mike Peterson on the outside.

By rule, teams are allowed to visit with and workout draft-eligible players who are considered “local.” In the Falcons case, it’s athletes that live in the Atlanta area.

Cornerback William Middleton (2009) and Thomas Brown (2008) are among local players that have joined the Falcons via the draft.

More than 40 million votes have been cast and fans can hit the polls through April 18. The 10 most valuable picks will be announced during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.

In order to accomplish this the league gathered some experts to select draft picks from each team and placed them in a database with a small description of career milestones.

Fans are also shown if the player is a Hall of Famer or active in the NFL.

Two Falcons selections currently sit in the top 10, but neither played their entire career in Atlanta.

Former Falcons, Packers and Jets quarterback Brett Favre and former Falcons, 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins and Ravens cornerback Deion Sanders rank among the leaders, though the league did not announce numerical standings.

• Troy Aikman – Dallas Cowboys
• Terry Bradshaw – Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tom Brady – New England Patriots
• Jim Brown – Cleveland Browns
• Dick Butkus – Chicago Bears
• Brett Favre – Atlanta Falcons
• Ray Lewis – Baltimore Ravens
• Ronnie Lott – San Francisco 49ers
• Peyton Manning — Indianapolis Colts
• Dan Marino – Miami Dolphins
• Joe Montana – San Francisco 49ers
• Randy Moss – Minnesota Vikings
• Walter Payton – Chicago Bears
• Jerry Rice – San Francisco 49ers
• Barry Sanders – Detroit Lions
• Deion Sanders – Atlanta Falcons
• Mike Singletary – Chicago Bears
• Emmitt Smith – Dallas Cowboys
• Lawrence Taylor – New York Giants
• Rod Woodson – Pittsburgh Steelers

I can’t argue with anyone on the list. Many were league MVPs, so how can you say they aren’t deserving of draft MVP status?

Interesting to note all but Brady (sixth), Favre (second), Montana (third) and Singletary (second) were first-round selections. The early list also includes four current players (five if you believe Favre will come back for another season with the Minnesota Vikings).

Now for Favre and Sanders…

Before you grumble about this skewed inclusion of the Falcons, remember it’s a list of valuable draft picks. For better or worse, Sanders and Farve started their careers in Atlanta before playing with other teams.

Plenty of great memories out there of Sanders, especially.

He has the second-most kickoff return yards in team history, one of three 100-yard returns for scores and the longest punt return for a score. “Primetime” also had 24 interceptions as a member of the Falcons.

Favre played in just two regular season games in Atlanta, completing four passes (read about his preseason debut in an old “Time Machine” post).

That said, any memories or thoughts to share on Sanders and Favre? Can you argue with their — or any other — placement of the top 20?

The league is ranking the top 75 most valuable draft picks, so it’s not too late to vote for other Falcons, including:

• Steve Bartkowski
• Keith Brooking
• Alge Crumpler
• Bill Fralic
• Claude Humphrey
• Mike Kenn
• R.C. Thielemann
• Jeff Van Note

Who is your most valuable draft pick in that list?

Thought by many as a late first, early second-round selection, Lee would figure on the fringe of the Falcons first-round plans at No. 19. But, if his stock keeps rising, teams in the middle of Day 1 could take notice.

National Football Post’s source also has Lee scheduling visits with the Giants and Steelers.

Atlanta does not have a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, trading that selection to the Kansas City Chiefs last season for tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Lee bounced back from knee surgery which forced him to miss the 2008 season in Happy Valley.

A team captain, he draws praise for his instincts, effort and football IQ. At 6-foot-2, 236 pounds he also has the frame of a linebacker.

Lee recorded 86 tackles, two sacks and interception last season.

Walton, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, was a steady contributor on the Bears line after transferring from Arizona State. He was also among the top performers in maneuverability drills at the Combine, particularly the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle run.

Atlanta returns every starter along the offensive line, including veteran center Todd McClure. He ended the 2009 season with his 128th consecutive start.

But, Head Coach Mike Smith said at the Combine a more balanced draft (offense and defense) is not out of the question and a move on the offensive line could help secure the position for future years. Building a core through the draft is a trademark of General Manager Thomas Dimitroff’s scheme.

Walton is listed as the third-best center in the 2010 NFL Draft according to NFLDraftScout.com. He ranks behind Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey and Boston College’s Matt Tennant.

Pouncey and Tennant have been mentioned with the Falcons in either mock drafts or reports on workouts and visits.

Keep in mind the Falcons pick changes each week to introduce an option no one thought of (doubt it) or generate some healthy pre-draft discussion.

In this mock draft (Version 3.0) we look at the Falcons in a position to draft for the future, not so much for the immediate needs of the franchise.

Most experts thought it would be close to five years before the Falcons were in this position again. Amazing what back-to-back winning seasons will do.

Click here to view the embedded video.

1. St. Louis Rams – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
4 . Washington Redskins – T Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs – T Anthony Davis, Rutgers (last week: Eric Berry)
6. Seattle Seahawks – T Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
7. Cleveland Browns – S Eric Berry, Tennessee (last week: Joe Haden)
8. Oakland Raiders — DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
9. Buffalo Bills – QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
10. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
11. Denver Broncos (from CHI) – WR Dez Bryant, Okla. State
12. Miami Dolphins — DE/LB Sergio Kindle, Texas
13. San Francisco 49ers – CB Joe Haden, Florida
14. Seattle Seahawk (from DEN) –  RB C.J. Spiller (last week: Jerry Hughes)
15. New York Giants – LB Rolando McClain, Alabama
16. Tennessee Titans — LB Sean Weatherspoon (last week: Kyle Wilson)
17. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) – CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State (last week: Taylor Mays)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

==========

19. Atlanta Falcons — S Taylor Mays, USC (last week: Maurkice Pouncey)

This one comes with a caveat.

If Mays switches to outside linebacker in the NFL he falls more into the Falcons wheelhouse and fans may enjoy his hard hits and speed for years to come.

(This is a popular pick among fans on the FalconsLIFE message boards).

The Falcons return both starting outside linebackers from a season ago — Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas — but if you’re in the Sean Weatherspoon fan club and think the team needs to change things up at the position, Mays should be one of your choices.

… If he switches to linebacker.

At 6-foot-3, he certainly looks imposing enough to play near the line of scrimmage and has some experience in that area in sub-packages. He finished with 96 tackles and an interception last year.

“If I’m on the field it doesn’t really matter (where I play),” Mays said at the Combine. “I’m a safety, but I can play linebacker.”

==========

20. Houston Texans — CB Earl Thomas, Texas
21. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
22. New England Patriots – DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
23. Green Bay Packers – T Trent Williams, Oklahoma
24. Philadelphia Eagles – DT Brian Price, UCLA (last week: Sean Weatherspoon)
25. Baltimore Ravens – CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
26. Arizona Cardinals – TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (last week: Anthony Davis)
27. Dallas Cowboys – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
28. San Diego Chargers — RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
29. New York Jets — WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame
30. Minnesota Vikings — LB Daryl Washington, TCU
31. Indianapolis Colts — DE Everson Griffen, USC
32. New Orleans Saints — DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida

Defensive linemen Brian Price (UCLA) and Everson Griffen (USC) and linebacker Vuna Tuihalamaka (Arizona) have either worked out or will workout for the team.

Tuihalamaka was not invited to the Scouting Combine in February but did start every game for the Wildcats last season.

Griffen has been a regular in mock drafts for the Falcons and is regarded as one of the first-round defensive end prospects. Price, a defensive tackle, is moving up draft boards with his solid play and status as the Pac 10 Defensive Player of the Year for 2009.

This year’s audition process will be similar to past seasons but the team is revamping the cheerleader program in 2010, looking to make the squad larger, more involved in the community and a bigger part of the game day lineup.

There will also be more celebrity judges this year.

Cheerleader coordinator Chato Waters — a 13-year veteran of the Falcons organization and a former cheerleader — took some time to answer some questions about the process.

If you’re interested in being a cheerleader, it’s not too late to attend tryouts. Click here for more information.

JMM: How have you seen the cheerleader program evolve over time?
CW: “I would say it’s in the amount of exposure the program is getting, especially this year. This offseason the organization worked extremely hard to promote the ladies and incorporate new aspects in the program. I think it’s gone to a new level.”

JMM: How many ladies are you looking to place on the squad?
CW: “We’re actually looking for 32 to 40 ladies. This year we’re adding eight additional ladies to help with the appearances, provide more game day exposure and entertainment and excitement for our fans. Ladies interested in trying out should have some form of cheer or dance background.  If they’re not as technically trained with cheer or dance they’d be a perfect fit for the appearance team.”

JMM: What will you and other judges be looking at?
CW: “The criteria is definitely attractive, talented women but also ladies who have charisma and personality because when your’e interacting with fans it’s very engaging. We want to make sure you can articulate well, as well as promote spirit or energy at an appearance, civic event or at the actual game.

“We are also having a calendar this year. We’re shooting it in Cancun…  Being physically fit is an important piece because of some of the programs we will offer this year.”

JMM: What are practice requirements fo those who make the squad?
CW: “Rehearsals will take  place weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays approximately from 7-10 p.m. but we meet as a group to see what works for everyone because a lot of ladies either work full time or are in school.”

JMM: What kind of careers do most of the cheerleaders have?
CW: “If you have a full time job or are a student you can still participate. We have educators, attorneys, entrepreneurs, you name it, on the team because the program is organized with a set schedule. If you’re interested and have a demanding schedule you should know up front what’s expected of you.”

JMM: The squad becomes a big family I guess?
CW: “You have your Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 home games and the amount of appearances and the bonding actives that take place during the season is a lot… You really get to know each other, support each other and care for each other during this time.”

Peters tips the scales at more than 300 pounds and was a three-year starter at Kentucky.

Weatherspoon is a popular pick on various mock drafts for the Falcons while McClain is regarded as the best inside linebacker in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Weatherspoon finished his collegiate career with more than 400 tackles. He said he fits at weak side linebacker but — in a popular sentiment from Combine participants — will play wherever he’s asked.

He said he planned to meet with the Falcons in Indianapolis.

All but one of Atlanta’s picks in the 2009 NFL Draft were on defense, including first-round pick Peria Jerry and second-round selection William Moore.

That said, Head Coach Mike Smith said at the Combine a more balanced draft may be in order come April 22.

As the team enters its third week of offseason conditioning some stories from time off have emerged, though they are, in many cases, boring.

“I unplugged from football,” safety Thomas DeCoud said simply, adding he took trip to his childhood home to California and spent more time on social networks staying in touch with family and friends.

DeCoud is entering his third season in the NFL. He was a full-time starter at free safety for the Falcons in 2009, registering 113 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and seven passes defensed.

“Unplugging” from the game was a way to heal his body and refocus on improving in 2010.

Though just 25 years old, DeCoud is being called upon as a leader in the secondary, which finished 28th against the pass last season.

He said his goals for 2010 include making sure players in the secondary grow and develop together.

“I’ve tried to step into a leadership role,” he said. “I’m not the most vocal guy during workouts or on the field but I like to lead by example, get the guys to follow my lead.”

He said the team is performing well in offseason conditioning, with most every Falcon player participating.

“It was a mood of excitement,” he said when asked about the first team meeting with Head Coach Mike Smith. “We’re excited to get ready for next season and build on what we’ve built the last two years…

“It’s building that team camaraderie. When the New England Patriots won almost four championships in a row, you could tell they were a team that knew where each other was going to be and had a good feeling for how each other played the game of football. That’s one of the things we want to build here in Atlanta. We’re reacting as a group, not just 11 guys individually.”

There’s something special about driving to the office with less traffic and more mist floating over the country roads around Lake Lanier.

My father calls this the best time of day and it’s when I feel the most creative.

While this isn’t the time of year Falcons players are drawing up plays or fine-tuning pass routes, it is a time to feel similar benefits of early-morning trips to the office.

A large number of players hit the building around 7:30 a.m., go to meetings and dash to the field for sprints and weight room for conditioning. It’s this way until offseason practices begin and it’s where the roots of “team” find fertile soil.

“The biggest thing for me is getting acquainted with my teammates,” new Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson said Thursday when asked about offseason conditioning.

CLICK HERE FOR ROBINSON’S INTERVIEW

Robinson, who spent the first six years of his career with the Houston Texans, said he’s learning a new conditioning program but  spoke more about the process of working — actions speaking louder than words.

That starts early.

And finishes late.

“I’m the last guy in the weight room on purpose so the guys can see I’m commited to winning a championship,” he said.

Such unspoken communication is crucial for a team with players of different abilities and backgrounds.

Two-time Pro Bowler Roddy White also talked of relationships when he was asked about the offseason program. The Falcons are just two weeks into the process, but laughter in the weight room and conversations in the locker room are positive litmus tests.

CLICK HERE FOR WHITE’S INTERVIEW

“We’re getting where we need to be and we have everybody here, which is a good thing… A lot of people came in pretty good shape,” he said, adding players seem to be returning to The Branch in better shape with each passing offseason.

“Team camaraderie and being around your teammates helps your team bond. We learn from each other and we always compete.”

Quarterback Matt Ryan, a team captain, stressed the importance of unplugging physically and mentally during the NFL offseason but plans to have 100 percent attendance at the end of the conditioning program.

CLICK HERE FOR RYAN’S INTERVIEW

He spent the last three months recovering from a turf toe injury that forced him out of three games in 2009. He played on the toe in the last three weeks, all Falcons wins.

“I spent some time not doing anything as I needed to do (for) the foot — no running or anything like that. At this point (I’m) back to normal.”

An early focus to healing helps now.

An early focus on weights helps the team in the future.

An early focus on friendship helps the team any day of the week.

“I think everyone’s plan is to come in here and work when we need to work so we’re as prepared as can be when the season comes around,” Ryan said.

Haven’t we heard this before?

A year after selecting franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and left tackle Sam Baker in the first round, Atlanta looked toward defense — selecting all but one player on that side of the ball in 2009.

Should we expect more of the same in 2010 as the team looks to rebound from ranking 26th in sacks and 21st in overall defense?

Charles Davis of NFL Network thinks so.

“They have to get that defense going,” Davis said, referencing the pass rush and John Abraham’s drop from 16.5 to 5.5 sacks from ‘08 to ‘09. “I think you have to look for a pass rusher to help that out.”

Davis spoke on NFL Network as part of the “State of the Falcons” segment leading into the draft and — in the Falcons case — offseason conditioning.

CLICK HERE FOR IMAGES OF FALCONS WORKOUTS

Fellow analyst Jamie Dukes said the Falcons will only go as far as their quarterback will take them. With his third professional year looming, it’s easy to see why more should ride on Ryan’s shoulders.

Dukes doesn’t balk at Ryan’s 14 interceptions in 2009 but said the signal-caller should offset that with closer to 30 touchdown passes.

“If they’re going to be an elite team, “Matty Ice” has to be the catalyst,” Dukes said.

Ryan was named Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press after leading the Falcons to an 11-5 record and playoff appearance in 2008. He missed three games last year but threw 22 touchdowns. He guided the team to three-straight victories to end the year and wrap up the first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history.

But, for now, the Falcons have to focus on adding younger talent.

The NFL Draft is but a few weeks away and Davis and Dukes agree Senior Bowl MVP Brandon Graham, a hard-nosed defensive end, and versatile linebacker Sean Weatherspoon could be available when Atlanta goes on the clock.

Here we go with the defense again…

The first round of the Taco Mac Insider skills challenges continued Wednesday night at the Prado location with finalist Rebecca Hill taking the mic for an interview with safety Thomas DeCoud.

The Taco Mac Insider Reality Show, designed to let fans and celebrity judges pick the next face of AF.com web video, began Monday with Britton Lynn interviewing Curtis Lofton. Noto interviewed Michael Jenkins Tuesday night John’s Creek. Each night the contestants did not know their interview subject until a half hour before the event.

Video and fan voting will be available at 10 a.m. EST but there’s nothing like a sneak peek.

Here are some topics from Hill’s interview.

• DeCoud’s offseason vacationing and going home to California
• The team’s goals for improvement on defense
• DeCoud’s personal goals for the 2010 season
• The importance of teamwork and continuity on defense

Atlanta will open with a home game against the Chiefs the weekend of Aug. 12 before hosting the New England Patriots in a nationally-televised game at the Georgia Dome Aug. 19. The Birds then hit the road the weekend of Aug. 26 for a game at Miami and close out the preseason Sept. 2 at Jacksonville (time TBD).

New England is the only 2009 playoff team on the slate.

It’s a favorable schedule as far as preseasons go.

Traveling for the final week — a short turnaround — can be tough, but it’s a short flight to Jacksonville and its a place Head Coach Mike Smith and his staff (many former Jaguars coaches) are familiar with.

The second game against the Patriots — General Manager Thomas Dimitroff’s former employeer — will grab the headlines but don’t expect starters to work much outside the first quarter.

The big exhibition game has, and will be, the third.

When the Falcons take the field at Sun Life Stadium in late August, starters for both teams will likely play into the second half.

The Dolphins lost to the Falcons in the 2009 regular season opener and saw their playoff hopes take a hit when quarterback Chad Pennington went down with a season-ending injury. But Tony Sparano, a third-year coach that finished behind Smith in Coach of the Year voting in 2008, kept his team playing consistent.

Miami finished 7-9 but remained a trend setter with the Wildcat offense.

The games themselves may not count to the final standings, but you can’t argue with the value of tuning up against professional opponents.

It’s an exciting time of year as the team finds more details about its 2010 path.

We already know it will be challenging.

The film does a nice job breaking down some of the issues for 2010, including the Falcons overcoming a 21st-ranked defense, getting healthy, facing nine teams that finished above .500 in 2009 (six made the playoffs) and playing three of 2009’s top-five defenses (Steelers, Bengals and Ravens) in the regular season.

I also made some notes when the opponent list was finalized in January.

Keep in mind 2009 performance isn’t everything in evaluating schedule strength.  More important for the Falcons is how the opponents fall.

Will there be a stretch of four road games in five weeks? Will the bye week be early and force a string of 12- or 13-straight games? Will division opponents be spaced out or clustered together?

Ask these questions first before making predictions — positive or negative.

And, while we’re at it, see if you can guess the preseason opponents (two home, two away).

The floor is yours, Falcons fans…

The first round of the Taco Mac Insider skills challenges continued Tuesday night in John’s Creek with finalist Niki Noto taking the mic for an interview with wide receiver Michael Jenkins.

The Taco Mac Insider Reality Show, designed to let fans and celebrity judges pick the next face of AF.com web video, began Monday with Britton Lynn interviewing Curtis Lofton. Rebecca Hill will be at Taco Mac Prado at 6 p.m. Wednesday to interview a “mystery” player.

Contestants don’t know the subject of their interview until a half hour before the event. Footage with judge comments will be posted on AF.com Thursday to begin fan voting.

Here are some of the topics Noto and Jenkins discussed.

• The impact of Head Coach Mike Smith and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff
• The best part of being an Atlanta Falcon
• Offseason travel plans (the Jenkins boys may have a trip to Disney World in their future)
• What’s on Jenkins’ iPod
• Matt Ryan’s role as a leader of the team and the offense

The Falcons played the Lions, Rams, Chargers and Ravens last preseason.

No official indications have the team facing the Ravens again, but they have been a regular preseason opponent for the Birds. Baltimore and Atlanta have faced off in six of the last seven preseasons.

Look for the schedule via the blog and AF.com tomorrow afternoon.

“They made more game-changing plays than I did,” Lofton said Monday evening after his appearance at the Taco Mac Insider Reality Show. “I have to impact the game. Tackles are going to be there; that’s a given. I just have to work on making game-changing plays.”

Lofton started every game at middle linebacker in his second NFL season, totaling 160 tackles, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed.

San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis started for the NFC at inside linebacker in the Pro Bowl. He had 152 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions.

That’s the performance curve Lofton wants to attack in his third professional season. He also wants to take part in a defensive revival for the Falcons a year after the team showed mixed results and took heavy criticism.

“We only (allowed) one 100-yard rusher,” Lofton said, referring to Fred Taylor’s 100-yard game in Week 3 of the 2009 season. “We take that and use that momentum to carry us into next season. We have to improve against the pass which was obviously one of our weak points.”

Atlanta ranked 28th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game last season, but Lofton highlighted — and praised — management’s moves to improve the secondary. The team signed marquee free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson who, according to Lofton, will allow the defense to do “new things.”

Another year working with veteran linebacker Mike Peterson will also help Lofton’s personal improvement.

The former Oklahoma star said Peterson assisted regularly, detailing aspects of Mike Smith’s defense he learned as a middle linebacker in Jacksonville and helping Lofton identify keys to suggest an offense’s next move.

Other teammates have also bought into making strides over 2009.

A Pro Bowl is one thing, but building a better defense is what concerns Lofton most as the offseason conditioning program continues.

“Guys are on time and ready to work,” he said. “This is where the chemistry starts. For us, as a defense, that carries over into the season.”

But that wasn’t the biggest part of the challenge.

The first round in the competition which, along with your votes, will determine the face of AF.com video in 2010, is built on research and surprise.

Britton didn’t know her interview subject until a half hour before the start of the event.

Tuesday and Wednesday finalists Niki Noto and Rebecca Hill will visit area Taco Mac locations (fans are invited) and will interview their own “mystery” player. Fan voting for the first round of the competition begins Thursday morning.

Video from Britton and other finalist interviews will be made public Thursday morning but, here’s some of the things she and Lofton discussed.

• Chemistry of the Falcons heading into 2010
• Lofton’s college fight song (singing included)
• The “Gritz Blitz” and the 2010 Falcons perhaps setting defensive records
• His favorite Falcon of all time (I’ll go ahead and tell you it’s Jessie Tuggle)
• The Falcons chances against the 2009 Super Bowl Champion Saints in 2010 (he made some guarantees)
• Rookie hazing and his training camp experiences

Until 2009 a winning season was always followed by a losing one.

Now with the back-to-back winning season monkey gone, the team can look even further into the future. But, as Pat Yasinskas points out in one of his recent features, Mr. Blank and the current leadership hate to stay content with fresh accomplishments.

It’s about moving forward.

Constantly.

“Being average in this league is not acceptable,’’ Blank said at the NFL Annual Meeting last week.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff calls finishing 9-7 and recording a second-straight winning season a “nice accomplishment.” He issued game balls to team employees but has made it clear that’s the end of looking too far in the past (I placed mine on a shelf on the side wall, not right in front of me).

Head Coach Mike Smith tells his team not to look at past victories at the expense of future success.

If 2009 taught Falcons fans anything, it’s the nature of teams intense desire to keep marching forward in the face of injuries, setbacks, accomplishments and thrills.

The eye is on the prize.

Can you feel it?

Falcon Nation Charity Organization: Helping Atlanta, one Falcons fan at a time, Examiner.com
You hear about players taking on the personality of their head coach or owner. Well, this is fans taking on the personality of the Falcons intense drive to give.

Mike Mayock: Georgia Tech WR Thomas headed to Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve read the opinions of many fans who would love the team to take a receiver in the first round. With his injury history, Demaryius Thomas may be available later in the draft.

Falcons To Workout Local CB, Coltpower.com
Report says Minnesota cornerback Traye Simmons will workout for the Falcons. If accurate, this is an example of how the acquisition of one player — in this case Dunta Robinson — doesn’t necessarily make the team feel safe and sound about a position. Every player in the NFL Draft is scrutinized and graded.

Source: UNLV players visit Falcons, National Football Post
According to this source, wide receiver Ryan Wolfe and offensive lineman Joe Hawley visited with the Falcons.

Why You Should Become a Falcons Fan, The Falcoholic
Odd. “Really cool blogger” was left off the list of reasons. Guess I need to do better.

Michael Turner is fine with a reduction in carries, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No question, the Falcons need Turner to stay in the pre-season mix of teams to watch in the NFC. Once the season starts, however, as Turner says, take it game-by-game.

Fix the Franchise: Atlanta Falcons edition, The Inquisitr
Another vote for defensive end in the first round. What does that bring the tally to?

Friday the Falcons announced three finalists for the Taco Mac Insider Reality Show — the search for the primary on-air personality for the team via AtlantaFalcons.com.

Instead of going out and selecting a person for this video internship, the team decided to let fans have a say on who will cover the team from the 2010 NFL Draft through the season.

Starting Monday, finalists Niki Noto (video), Rebecca Hill (video) and Britton Lynn (video) will compete in a series of skills challenges with select events open to the public at area Taco Mac locations.

Friday, the trio came to Flowery Branch for an orientation to the team and take some promotional photos.

More to come as the contest really gets going.

I’ll be the emcee for the three-part competition in Round One at various Taco Mac locations. You can find us at 6 p.m. March 29, 30 and 31 at the Taco Mac stores at Lindbergh, John’s Creek and Prado respectively.

Today’s question focuses on a single position, the Falcons and the draft. Read the question and vote for your answer below. As always, go with your gut and let’s get a real test of fan knowledge.

Anyone could look it up on Google, right?

Now for the answer (updated March 29, 2010).

If you cheated and looked online or just really know you’re Falcons history you arrived at the correct answer of “five.”

Atlanta has selected a quintet of quarterbacks in the first round in team history with Ryan, of course, being the most recent. Brett Favre was a second-round selection in 1991.

1. Matt Ryan (2008)
2. Mike Vick (2001)
3. Chris Miller (1987)
4. Steve Bartkowski (1975)
5. Randy Johnson (1966)

I’ll be back with another trivia question on Friday.

That said, draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. made his opinion known in the brief discussion with three other ESPN analysts (you can find the full video here).

“(The) defensive end position they need,” he said. “They need to get someone that can get after the quarterback.”

Longtime ESPN football reporter Chris Mortensen said the Falcons will benefit from a healthy and improved Matt Ryan in 2010, saying the quarterback’s “decision making wasn’t as good” in his sophomore season. Former pro quarterback and current analyst Trent Dilfer agreed as the group put a seal of approval on the Falcons — if healthy — as a contender in the NFC.

But, we’ll just have to wait to see which player the team selects in the draft to reach that goal.

At least it is in the mind of the Falcons starting quarterback.

“I’ll be ready to go,” a flip-flop wearing Ryan said Thursday. “I feel good. I took time to do the rehab and everything I needed to do to get the toe back to where it needed to be… I’ve been running this week, no limitations in the offseason program, which I feel good about.”

Ryan and the rest of the Falcons started the voluntary offseason conditioning program Monday but the quarterback, who missed two starts in 2009 only to come back to lead the team to three-straight wins at the close of the season, said he started reviewing game film early last month.

He said he’s watched offensive tape from other teams, particularly those with similar personnel to the Falcons.

“I think I’ve come up, along with the coaching staff, with some good stuff we can do differently this year,” Ryan said.

Ryan threw for 2,916 yards, 22 touchdowns and 14 interceptions a year after being named Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press.

In a series of fan questions in Thursday’s interview, the third-year player said he’ll look to become more consistent in 2010.

“Regardless of statistics, I think I got better from season one to season two,” Ryan said. “There were periods where I felt like I played really well and periods where I felt like I didn’t make good decisions — sometimes trying to do too much. My focus this offseason is to be more consistent in everything I do, whether it be workouts, watching tape, throwing… All those things so I can be more consistent through the year.”

Smith and other coaches were quizzed repeatedly about the change, which creates a provision for both teams to touch the ball in overtime and not have the game end on a first-possession field goal by the coin-toss winner.

Smith called the change “an improvement.”

“I’m excited about the new overtime rules,” he said. “The biggest thing is (the game) is not going to end on a field goal and (teams) not have an opportunity to get the ball.”

Now, in the playoffs, the team that gets the ball first in overtime must score a touchdown to immediately end the game. A field goal or no score and the opposing team has a chance on offense. If the teams remain tied after swapping possessions, sudden-death rules apply.

Smith said coaches will need to look at their end-game strategy, but he’s a fan of the new rules.

As for the Falcons activity in the offseason — primarily the signing of free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson — Smith described the team as “judicious.”

“We identified the corner position as one we needed address,” Smith said. “Dunta was available and we went full-speed ahead to get him on our team… I feel very good about our roster. We need to continue to add some pieces and we’ll do that in the draft.”

I’ve made further adjustments in the second attempt at a mock draft this year, forming opinions off what I’m reading in various mocks from around the Internet while keeping an eye on the plethora of players the Falcons may consider at No. 19.

Again, keep in mind the Falcons pick changes each week to introduce a scenario no one thought of (doubt it) or generate some healthy pre-draft discussion.

Get comfortable. It’s 2010 Mock Draft: Version 2.0

1. St. Louis Rams – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
4 . Washington Redskins – T Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs – S Eric Berry, Tennessee (last week: Bryan Bulaga)
6. Seattle Seahawks – T Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (last week: Eric Berry)
7. Cleveland Browns – RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (last week: Joe Haden)
8. Oakland Raiders — DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
9. Buffalo Bills – QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (last week: Dez Bryant)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
11. Denver Broncos (from CHI) – WR Dez Bryant, Okla. State (last week: Sergio Kindle)
12. Miami Dolphins — DE/LB Sergio Kindle, Texas (last week: Dan Williams)
13. San Francisco 49ers – CB Joe Haden, Florida (last week: Taylor Mays)
14. Seattle Seahawk (from DEN) –  Jerry Hughes, TCU (last week: Jimmy Clausen)
15. New York Giants – LB Rolando McClain, Alabama (last week: Carlos Dunlap)
16. Tennessee Titans — CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State (last week: Rolando McClain)
17. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) – S Taylor Mays, USC (last week: Kyle Wilson)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee (last week: C.J. Spiller)

==========

19. Atlanta Falcons — C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (last week: Brandon Graham)

The popular choice for the Falcons on various mock drafts remains Sean Weatherspoon, a linebacker out of Missouri. Don’t worry… I’ll make him this pick eventually.

This week I thought I’d go a little more abstract, originally penciling in Ole Miss running back/receiver Dexter McCluster. Fact is this utility player who could play an immediate reserve role at several positions for the Falcons will probably be available outside the first round.

The Pouncey selection comes on the heels of Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter picking him in an earlier version of his mock draft. So, let’s take a look at what this pick means.

Pouncey, a 6-foot-4, 304-pound interior lineman, was a steady performer at Florida that also played guard.

Important to note the Falcons return all starters along the offensive line and any move at that position — initially — would likely be for depth. If you believe in building for the future and getting the “best player available” you’ll understand this pick.

Then again, it’s just one idea that’s been floated around the Internet.

We’ve all seen wilder predictions.

==========

20. Houston Texans — CB Earl Thomas, Texas
21. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Brandon Graham, Michigan (last week: Golden Tate)
22. New England Patriots – DT Jared Odrick, Penn State (last week: Dexter McCluster)
23. Green Bay Packers – T Trent Williams, Oklahoma
24. Philadelphia Eagles – LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
25. Baltimore Ravens – CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers (last week: Perrish Cox)
26. Arizona Cardinals – T Anthony Davis, Rutgers (last week: Brandon Spikes)
27. Dallas Cowboys – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
28. San Diego Chargers — RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
29. New York Jets — WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame (last week: Jermaine Gresham)
30. Minnesota Vikings — LB Daryl Washington, TCU (last week: Devin McCourty)
31. Indianapolis Colts — DE Everson Griffen, USC (last week: Jared Odrick)
32. New Orleans Saints — DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida (last week: Morgan Burnett)

MOCK DRAFT ARCHIVE:

Week 1: Falcons Pick – Brandon Graham

If a playoff game is tied at the end of regulation, a coin toss will be held to determine who receives the ball in overtime. If the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown, game over. If it’s a field goal or no score, the other team gets a chance to win on the next possession. If the teams swap field goals or remain tied at zero, traditional sudden-death rules apply.

According to NFL.com, league owners approved the change 28-4. The new process could also be considered for the regular season at a later date.

Falcons President Rich McKay, who is also co-chairman of the league’s competition committee, talked about the change on NFL Network.

What do you think Falcons fans?

The Falcons have selected three finalists to compete for the chance to be a personality on AtlantaFalcons.com through the 2010 football season, beginning with the NFL Draft on April 22.

Finalists will compete in three skills competitions, the first taking place March 29, 30 and 31 at Metro Atlanta Taco Mac locations.

Fans can attend at each location listed below where they can hear the contestants, talk a little football with a celebrity judge and get autographs from a mystery Falcons player.

In this skills challenge, three Taco Mac Insider contestants will be asked to interview the mystery player “on the fly,” not knowing the interview subject until just before the event. Fans can watch the interviews on http://www.atlantafalcons.com/insider and vote for who they think has what it takes to be the first Taco Mac Insider!

The event starts at 6 p.m. at each location…

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF FALCONS PICKS

Compensatory picks are awarded by the NFL to compensate teams for free agent losses in the previous year. The practice started in 1994 when the current form of free agency took root. The idea is that, in order to maintain competitive balance, teams that have players signed away need to replace them with comparable talent.

Atlanta did not receive a compensatory pick last season but was awarded a third-round choice in the 2008 Draft. The club has been awarded 10 comp picks since 1994.

Players lost by the team in free agency before 2009 included Keith Brooking, Domonique Foxworth, Michael Boley and Grady Jackson.

Choices are awarded in rounds three through seven. Rounds are decided from a secret formula that takes into account playing time and performance of players lost weighed against a team’s own acquisitions.

An online prognosticator of comp picks, “AdamJT13″ had the Falcons down for — an accurate — third- and fifth-round selection. Of course, the formula is still secret and can’t be defined as a simple “lose a player, get a draft pick.”

Additional selections significantly alter the landscape of the NFL Draft. Even though compensatory picks can’t be traded, the newfound firepower allows teams to make a splash or feel more comfortable about trading its own picks.

Falcons running back Michael Turner, who missed five games with an ankle sprain in 2009, said Monday he’ll be ready to hit the field for mini camp and other offseason practices.

Speaking after the first workout of the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program, Turner said he is “still finishing up some things” with his rehab, but is looking forward to being a regular in the weight room leading into the spring and summer.

“It’s good to see all the guys again,” he said. “Hopefully we can accomplish the team goal, which is to win a Super Bowl.”

Turner was named to the Pro Bowl after a 2008 season in which he rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns but he got off to a slow start in 2009. He had just one 100-yard game in the first six weeks of the season before rushing for 151 and 166 yards (three touchdowns) in back-to-back games against the Saints and Redskins.

He rushed for 111 yards on just nine carries Nov. 15 at Carolina before leaving the game with a high-ankle sprain.

Turner returned to the lineup two weeks later and carried the ball 12 times before aggravating the injury. He had just one start and one carry the rest of the season, totaling 871 rushing yards and five scores.

“Not being able to finish the season was a different experience for me,” Turner said Monday. “Hopefully I won’t have to do it again. I just want to come back stronger and be here every week with the guys.”

The Falcons offense didn’t change its personality with Turner on the sideline in 2009. The team remained committed to the run, which provided an opportunity for third-year pro Jason Snelling to shine.

Snelling rushed for 422 yards and four touchdowns in the last eight games, including 147 yards in the season-finale at Tampa Bay.

Turner said his absence from the lineup, though personally frustrating, will benefit the Falcons in the future.

“A lot of the young guys got playing time and experience,” he said. “That’s going to help us out… It’s a different feeling. They have the confidence in their abilities now because they’ve been tested on the field. Experience does a lot for the team.”

Turner and the Falcons will continue with conditioning until after the NFL Draft. Mini camp, which will be in early May, is the first mandatory event of the offseason. The team is also allowed a series of “organized team activities” in June before training camp — dates to be determined.

I’ll post one each Friday morning for the next five weeks, let you vote on the answer and reveal the right selection Monday. I’ll also throw in some commentary and some additional nuggets of Falcons Draft history.

I can’t stop you from looking up the answer on Google but, in the spirit of fairness, vote with your gut before you do your search.

Question No. 1

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Now for the answers (updated March 22, 2010).

The correct answer is Roell Preston.

The Falcons selected the wide receiver from Ole Miss in the fifth round of the 1995 NFL Draft.

Looks like the majority taking part in the poll selected Justin Griffith. Right state; wrong school. Griffith, a fullback, was selected out of Mississippi State. As was tight end Reggie Kelly.

Mike Dennis was selected out of Ole Miss way back in the 1966 Draft (third round). He was also selected in the AFL Draft, going to the Buffalo Bills with the eighth overall pick.

At his postseason press conference, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said he estimates three compensatory selections in the Draft, which would bring the Falcons total to nine.

Compensatory picks are awarded by the NFL to compensate teams for free agent losses in the previous year. The practice started in 1994 when the current form of free agency took root. The idea is that, in order to maintain competitive balance, teams that have players signed away need to replace them with comparable talent.

Atlanta did not receive a compensatory pick last season but was awarded a third-round choice in the 2008 Draft. The club has been awarded eight comp picks since 1994.

Players lost by the team in free agency before 2009 include Keith Brooking, Domonique Foxworth, Michael Boley and Grady Jackson.

Click here for an earlier discussion on compensatory picks.

Linebacker Daryl Washington and defensive end Jerry Hughes are two players mentioned on the radar.

Washington, 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, led the Horned Frogs with 109 tackles as a senior and is viewed as a solid prospect at his position (click here for highlights).

Hughes, 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, had 54 tackles and 11.5 sacks last season (click here for highlights). He describes his game in the style of Colts Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney.

“He’s somebody who, whenever I get a chance to turn on the TV, I always see myself kind of mimicking him,” Hughes said at the Scouting Combine. “He goes out there, he plays full speed, 100 percent all the time. That what I try to watch and just mimic myself after him.”

By the end of the year, he wants to surpass that accomplishment with a Super Bowl title.

Gonzalez was the featured guest on NFL Total Access Thursday night, boldly saying the 2010 Atlanta Falcons could be the best team he’s ever played with.

“I’m excited,” Gonzalez told Rich Eisen. “I’m always that way, anyway, but I really feel this could be the best team I’ve ever played for. Every position is covered, we just have to go out there and work for it.

“We have the horses to go out there and get the job done this year.”

The Falcons finished 9-7 in Gonzalez’s first year in Atlanta — his 13th in the NFL. The future Hall of Famer had 83 catches for 867 yards and six touchdowns. He’s the league’s all-time leader among tight ends in almost every statistical category but had a streak of 10-straight Pro Bowl appearances snapped after the 2009 season.

Gonzalez also talked about his new business venture — All-Pro Science — and what could happen in the NFL if a new collective bargaining agreement is not approved.

“If we can’t figure out something to make this thing happen — to get to the bottom of this and let it be fair for both sides — it would be shame,” he said.