J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons announced the signing of first-round draft choice Peria Jerry Thursday evening, ensuring all the team’s rookies will be on time for Russell Falcons Training Camp.

Players report to the team’s practice facility on Friday and the first workout is scheduled for Saturday morning.

Financial terms of Jerry’s deal were not disclosed.

This is the second time in the Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith era the Falcons have gotten draft picks signed and into practice on the first day of camp. Last year’s top pick — quarterback Matt Ryan — agreed to terms on May 20. Sam Baker, the 21st overall selection, signed the night before camp and got on the practice field “an hour and 12 minutes” into the first practice.

Jerry, the 24th pick in the draft, totaled 132 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in his career at Ole Miss.

He was a team captain and vocal leader on a defense that ranked second in the SEC and fourth in the nation in run defense (85.5 yards per game).

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The Falcons waived cornerback David Irons Tuesday afternoon, ending a career in Atlanta that started in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Irons, a native of Dacula, played in five games last season before going on injured reserve in December. The injury lingered through the offseason, however, including mini camp and organized team activities.

He was a special teams standout in 2007 (13 tackles, one fumble recovery). Prior to that, Irons was a swift cornerback at Aurburn where he recorded 194 tackles, three forced fumbles, 43 pass deflections and seven interceptions.

His brother, Kenny, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, but fought an ACL injury in his first preseason and was later released.

David, of course, is the Irons of note for Falcons fans, who fell in love with his antics on various segments of the AF.com Rookie Diary.

“Animals in the zoo are going to watch it.”

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Cincinnati Bengals, David Irons, Kenny Irons, NFL Draft, Rookie Diary

Editor’s Cap on…

Get ready for another change in the NFL Draft format though, for now, I can’t think many more adjustments are on the horizon.

The 2010 first round will be shown on Thursday, April 22 in prime time (7:30 p.m. ET). Rounds two and three will be on Friday night and the rest of the draft will take place on Saturday.

Moving the draft into prime time was expected. The league and reporters have talked about that for a few years. Removing Sunday from the schedule and breaking the selection process into three days was a bit surprising.

If the draft were happening this week (and thank goodness it’s not), the Falcons would be picking in the first round and again during the third round. So, the AF.com team would fire up the engines for the bulk of the night on Thursday and — minus a trade to make up for the pick given to Kansas City for Tony Gonzalez — wouldn’t be on the clock again until sometime after 8 p.m. the next night.

We’d spend Saturday waiting on the later round picks and Sunday mowing the lawn.

After careful thought, I like the move but it’s not for me to decide validity or discuss the reasons. It makes the first round more of an event and I fully expect television to adopt more of an “award’s show” feel for the 32 players taken on Thursday night.

But regardless of the changes you make to the draft you’ll never eliminate the waiting.

Lots… and lots… of waiting.

NFL draft’s first round moves to Thursday night for 2010, NFL.com
This certainly changes things but, in general, moving the first three rounds of the draft to the evening creates some opportunities for coverage and planning during the day (I’ll take my Editor’s Cap off now).

Falcons sign second-round pick, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons have just one draft pick left to sign but, with only two first-round choices signed across the NFL, some things are out of the team’s hands. Getting the top 32 deals done often requires some slotting and setting numbers based on the previous pick. Now… We wait.

NFC South training camp preview, ESPN.com
The X, Y, Z of Falcons camp, which starts in just more than a week.

NFL launches ‘Take a Player to School’ sweepstakes, AF.com
If the Titans were in Nashville for my school days I would enter said contest as many times possible. Kids in Atlanta have a chance to bring Gonzalez to school this fall (register to win).

Thomas DeCoud To Take A Starting Role In 2009, The Falcoholic
Consider DeCoud a free safety, William Moore a strong safety and Erik Coleman a veteran that can play both spots. The Falcons have some decisions to make in the defensive backfield.

NFL Training Camp Chat, ESPN.com
If you can stay with a transcript of a live chat you’ll find some good info.

Pre-Training Camp Issues: Atlanta Falcon, Scout.com
Gonzalez on the defense… Can the story lines for Russell Falcons Training Camp be that simple?

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The Falcons announced the signing of 2009 second-round draft pick William Moore Thursday afternoon, leaving just one of eight selections left to agree to terms before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

Thirty first-round picks across the league remain unsigned, including the Falcons’ Peria Jerry (24th overall).

Moore worked with the second team in mini camp and organized team activities but is expected to compete for a spot in the starting lineup during the preseason.

Second-year man Thomas DeCoud spent the offseason working at free safety next to Erik Coleman, a veteran who can play both positions.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff compared Moore to a traditional strong safety during the draft, but the rookie’s speed — measured near 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine — is one asset that makes him a versatile defender.

Moore, 6-0, 227 pounds, started 32 of 48 games at the University of Missouri and finished his career with 284 tackles (182 solo), three sacks, 17.0 tackles for loss, 22 passes defensed and six forced fumbles.

He totaled 11 interceptions in his collegiate career for 162 yards and set a school record by returning four for touchdowns, breaking Erik McMillan’s previous mark.

Moore’s eight interceptions in 2007 also broke the old school single-season record of seven set by Hall of Fame safety, Roger Wehrli (1968). Following his junior (2007) and senior (2008) seasons, Moore earned second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press.

J. Michael Moore NFL Draft, News, Roster Moves Erik Coleman, NFL Draft, Peria Jerry, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Dimitroff, William Moore

The Falcons announced the signing of fourth-round draft pick Lawrence Sidbury on Tuesday. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but that’s not as important as the team’s movement to get picks signed well before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

With 15 days before the first practice (15 days, 22 hours, 36 minutes and 13… 12… 11 seconds to be exact) the Falcons have all but two draft picks signed.

First-round pick Peria Jerry and second-round choice William Moore remain unsigned, but their contracts could be more dependent on slotting, or falling in line with deals near their selection number.

Sidbury, 6′3″, 265 lbs., started in 31 of 52 career games at the University of Richmond, recording 145 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss. His 20.5 sacks rank fourth in school history and his 11.5 quarterback takedowns in 2008 rank third on the school’s single-season records list.

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The Falcons announced the signing of linebacker Spencer Adkins Monday afternoon. Five of the team’s eight picks in the 2009 NFL Draft are now under contract.

First-round pick Peria Jerry, second-round pick William Moore and fourth-round pick Lawrence Sidbury remain unsigned.

Atlanta selected Adkins in the sixth round (176th overall) out of Miami (Fla.).

He was the first player taken from the school in the draft.

Adkins caught the team’s eye with his speed, which was confirmed with times as low as 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

He was a backup middle linebacker and came into games as a pass-rusher. He finished 2008 with 20 tackles and four sacks.

On draft day, Falcons director of player personnel Les Snead said the Falcons like Adkins quickness and look to use him as a rush linebacker and special teams contributor.

“He was a part-time starter mainly used in a sub-package where they rushed him off the edge,” Snead said.

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Another day, another edition of Birdseed…

The more I go through various news sites and read about the Falcons the more I realize the depth of expectations for 2009.

It’s a good thing, because the excitement is contagious.

Team releases Russell Training Camp schedule, AF.com
Start making plans now. The first weekend of training camp is often crowded.

Mughelli to appear at Vinings Publix, AF.com
Ovie Mughelli will be helping at the 11Alive food drive from noon to 1 p.m.

Falcons’ Ryan has focus for improvement, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first of a pair of stories about the Falcons second-year quarterback.

Falcons mates say Ryan making ’scary’ improvement, The Associated Press
More about Matt Ryan and some thoughts from offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coming later today. Let’s just say the quarterback’s improvement is status quo around Flowery Branch. But it never ceases to amaze.

Ex-Falcon Foster likely headed to Rams, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The waiver system is pretty complex and changes based on when — and if — teams make claims. No matter what, it looks like Renardo Foster will find a new home.

Catching up on Madden 10 rankings, ESPN.com
So I often use xBox as stress relief. Just one problem. I love playing Madden and that just doesn’t jive after a day of football at work. Suggestions on a new game appreciated.

Falcons’ McClure says he’s not retiring, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Todd McClure’s presence on the offensive line can’t be overlooked. You may not hear much out of him, but he’s key to success.

Ryan weighs in on setting bar for Freeman, ESPN.com
Something tells me the Josh Freeman story in Tampa Bay won’t be exactly like the Matt Ryan experience in Atlanta.

Team releases offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich, AF.com
I enjoyed chatting with ‘Step’ on the bus on road trips. Wishing him well.

Ranking the NFC South front offices, ESPN.com
I tried to predict this list with PR man Matt Conti when he read the headline. My guess? Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay. Missed it by that much.

Dimitroff says Falcons will be better (and he can enjoy it), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every coach and scout deserves a vacation. So do the players. Now we wait.

A Falcons 1st Round Draft Pick Retrospective (Part 1), The Falcoholic
The NFL Draft is not an exact science. But, looking back more than 40 years can really put things in perspective.

Falcons special teams developing ‘attitude,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No wonder NFL teams devote entire practices in training camp to special teams. I’m not sure if any are open to the public, but if they are, I encourage fans to come take a look. It’s something you need to see at least once.

Atlanta Falcons’ Chauncey Davis sets an example on and off the field, Examiner.com
Fans are going to appreciate the re-signing of defensive end Chauncey Davis, on the field and off.

Shockley waiting, helping Falcons any way he can, AccessNorthGa.com
D.J. Shockley is not like the other Falcons quarterbacks.  Throws come out of his hands with great force. As he tells it, he also provides an extra set of eyes for Ryan.

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports a pair of Falcons roster moves along the offensive line.

According to the report from Tuesday afternoon, the team has agreed to contract terms with fifth-round draft pick Garrett Reynolds and released two-year veteran Renardo Foster.

Reynolds, the only offensive player selected by the Falcons in the 2009 NFL Draft, would join William Middleton and Vance Walker as the only selections under contract.

A massive lineman (6-foot-8, 309 lbs.), Reynolds is noted for his toughness.

What he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in grit.

Director of Player Personnel Les Snead said that played a role in the decision as the team looked to add some depth back to the offensive line in the wake of Todd Weiner’s retirement.

Reynolds was a three-year starter at North Carolina, primarily at right tackle.

The Falcons like tough, hard-working offensive linemen and used work ethic to put together one of the best years in franchise history for the front five. The group led the way for Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner’s 1,699 yards and finished with a franchise-low 17 sacks allowed.

Reynolds is the nephew of former 49ers linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.

Foster missed all of 2008 with a knee injury but started two games at left tackle in 2007. He played in seven games that season before going on injured reserve after the team’s loss at New Orleans.

Stay with AtlantaFalcons.com for official news on roster moves.

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The Falcons signed a pair of draft picks Friday, beginning the yearly round of pre-camp signings and the inevitable league-wide speculation about rookie salaries and holdouts.

But rest easy Falcons fans, so many things went right in 2008 that 2009 comes with a healthy dose of boredom.

That’s right… Boring is good.

Getting fifth-round pick William Middleton and seventh-round selection Vance Walker under contract is a key first step to the Falcons getting the entire draft class into Russell Falcons Training Camp.

There will be more signings to come with varying levels of hype.

But don’t let that temper your excitement.

It’s business as usual in The Branch.

And that’s a very good thing.

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Welcome to Flowery Branch, Khalil Jones. Your gift for joining the Falcons? A new practice jersey and a spot on the field for the opening day of OTAs.

Jones, an undrafted wide receiver out of Miami (or “The U” if you’d prefer) signed with the team Wednesday.

The 6-foot-2, 223-pound player, caught 13 passes for 135 yards (10.4) in four seasons with the Hurricanes. In 2006, he caught five passes for 51 yards and was the recipient of the team’s Humanitarian Award at the MPC Computers Bowl.

Jones also ran track for the Hurricanes.

A quick Google search revealed this brief video interview produced by the university.

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