NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

[Aurabolt127]

Morning everyone!

While I've run many dynasties in the 'coaching' section, I've decided to post my latest HC dynasty here, so more people could see it; and maybe introduce some new people to the excellent game of Head Coach that might otherwise not have seen much on it. Since I'm working up the motivation to re-start and post my NCAA14 Cal-State dynasty, Madden 16, and a linked NCAA-Madden player dynasty, I figure it'll be easier for me to track them all in one place. Never enough time to play and post with life going on; but I'll do my best. At the very most, people will read and enjoy and maybe try HC who never did before; at the very least, it lets me keep track of my franchises without writing it down on pen/paper like in the old Tecmo Bowl days...

So, what does this mean? It means I've taken a team, in this case, Atlanta - and completely gutted the roster. When the draft hits, my roster will be ZERO players. I'll build my team off the draft and whoever I can find through free-agency post-draft. Hopefully, I'll be able to cobble together enough talent to survive my first season; and begin to drive towards a Super Bowl one day!

(just a heads up for this franchise: I strive for realism, and won't be hoarding unrealistic numbers of draft picks, picking all the sleepers, cheating the game on contracts, etc. If there's a "sleeper" I want, I'll draft him where he should be drafted, not trying to steal him later. My first year, I'll lean on the GM suggestions - as will be explained in the story. I pull a lot of info from the news from back in the day to help mold my dynasty and track players. I play my games, and start from the offseason to add variety. I'll be pulling some of the starting info from the last time I did my expansion team experiment; but once the draft hits, it'll be rolling live...)



(coming soon for NCAA 14)
CSUFtitans.jpg

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

SRDW-20121221111705.jpg

Breaking News!

An official statement from the league's offices confirms earlier reports that the NFL's Birmingham Stallions have been sold! The following is a summary of the Birmingham Journal's official statement:


"Today, the Birmingham Stallions owner Marvin Warner has announced that the Stallions have been sold.

Marvin was the original owner of the Stallions, bringing the team into the NFL in 1965 (they began play in 1966). Although the team had its shares of highs and lows, they never found real success until the 1998 season, when they advanced their first, and only, Super Bowl. They were defeated by the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII by a score of 34-19, but it seemed the team had finally joined the elite of the NFL.
However, the team failed to maintain that level of success. While there were two seasons where they were able to make it to the playoffs, there were also 8 losing seasons out of the last 10.

The people of Birmingham will no doubt miss the Stallions, the Fillies, and the Warner family themselves."

main logo.jpg

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

Before we say goodbye to the Birmingham Stallions, let's take a look back...

cribbs card.jpg

Joe Cribbs, one of the Stallions best running backs, only played one year for the team. Drafted by the Bills, he earned Rookie of the Year. Cribbs and the Bills had a rocky relationship, forcing him to leave the team for a year, which he spent on the Stallions, before returning to the Bills. He then played for 49ers, Colts and Dolphins. He rushed for 1,487 yards and 8 tds during his season with the Stallions.

stoudt3.jpg

Cliff Stoudt was drafted by the Steelers where he backed up the great Terry Bradshaw for several years. In 1983, Bradshaw's last season, Cliff led the team into the playoffs with a 10-6 record, before they last to the Raiders. With uncertainty regarding Terry's decision to retire or return, Cliff signed with Birmingham for two seasons before ending his career after stops with the Cardinals and Dolphins. In his two seasons in Birmingham, Cliff threw 60 tds and averaged over 3,000 per season.

So, what's next for the franchise? The NFL is making it's announcement later today...

83bstallionsmidstb.jpg

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

nfl.jpeg

The NFL has confirmed that the franchise formerly known as the Birmingham Stallions has disbanded, and the ownership transferred over to the Haskell family. The franchise will be moving to Atlanta, Georgia; and will be re-branded as the Atlanta Falcons.



atlanta-falcons-logo.jpg

The lowdown, dirty recap:

The 2007 season was a disaster. The Stallions star quarterback, Michael Vick, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a dogfighting scandal. The loss of their franchise quarterback forced the team to plug in whoever they could to try to guide them to a respectable finish in this, their lame-duck season. Injuries and defections piled up. It got worse.

Bobby Petrino, in his first year coaching the Stallions, decided the lure of the college ranks was too strong compared the last season in Birmingham, without its franchise QB and the losses piling up. He resigned in December 2007, and Emmitt Thomas stepped in as interim coach - but the season was lost. The Stallions limped to a 4-12 record.

Rumors began to circulate towards the end of the 2006 season that Marvin was ill, and was interested in selling the team. The league approved the sale of the team in December of 2006; however with the same provision as the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens deal. The name, logo, records, statistics, etc. of the Stallions would remain with Birmingham; should the NFL relocate a franchise back to Alabama. There was one difference, however; the NFLPA ruled that since the franchise known as the Birmingham Stallions was no longer an active entity, the players contracts had to be bought out (paying out their effective one year salary for 2008) and the players were become free agents. Naturally, the newly christened Atlanta Falcons ownership attempted to sue for a reversal; but were unsuccessful. To add salt to the wounds, in order to maintain a competitive balance with regards to the salary cap; the Falcons had to count the salaries paid out against the 2008 cap, amounting to close to $40,000,000 in penalties.

Now, with the draft just a couple months away, and the cupboards literally bare - Falcons ownership was forced to cobble together a hodgepodge coaching staff and prepare for the offseason. This was not how the Falcons envisioned their inaugural year. They were able to convince some of Petrino's staff to remain with the team, but the search was on for a Head Coach - someone who would steer his ship right into this Maelstrom, and come out the other side smiling.

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

headtohead.jpg

The new Falcons helmet. The old war with the San Francisco 49ers over color scheme appears over.




Here's one last look at the Birmingham Fillies!

birmingham-stallions-2.jpg




and the first look at the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders!

falcons-2009_2_640.jpg

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

THE QUEST FOR A COACH...

WEIS.jpg

The Atlanta Falcons have announced they will be bringing in 8 candidates to interview for the Head Coaching position. (2007 interim Head Coach Emmitt Thomas has declined to interview for the position, and will return his his position as defensive backs coach.)


1. Charlie Weis (2007: Head Coach at Notre Dame)

Charlie has a tremendous resume. He was the offensive architect of the vaunted Patriots offense that created a hero out of an unknown QB named Tom Brady. Charlie chose to begin his head coaching career in the collegiate ranks, finally reaching the coveted position as Head Coach at Notre Dame; but many wonder if he'd consider rejoining the NFL Coaching Ranks alongside former boss Bill Belichek and former co-worker and Patriots Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel. Crennel is the current Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns.

2. Mike Sherman (2007: Offensive Coordinator with the Houston Texans)

Mike was the Packers head coach for 6 seasons following the departure of Mike Holmgren. He led the Packers to 5 consecutive winning seasons, 4 straight postseasons, and 3 straight NFC North titles. For his final season, the team brought in a General Manager, and the team went south as the friction mounted. Mike was fired after losing the power struggle, and he was the Offensive Coordinator for the Houston Texans for two seasons.

3. Jim Fassel (2007: out of football)

Jim was the Head Coach for the New York Giants when they went to the Super Bowl to face the Baltimore Ravens. Considered an offensive guru, Jim has been eager to return to the sidelines as the Head Coach of a team once again. He spent 2006 as the Offensive Coordinator for the Ravens, but was let go to pursue head coaching gigs.

4. Jim Zorn (2007: QB coach with the Seattle Seahawks)

Jim Zorn is a hot name among first time coaching candidates. A good QB for years with the Seattle Seahawks, Jim returned to the Seahawks as a coach. Learning the trade on the Seahawk sideslines since 2001, Jim has also been linked the opening with the Washington Redskins.

5. Rich Rodriguez (2007: Head Coach at West Virginia University)

Rich has been blazing a path through the NCAA with his exciting spread offense. After years in West Virginia, Rich is ready to take his coaching game to a bigger stage. He has an interview set up with Michigan, but also agreed to interviews with the Redskins, Ravens, and now the Falcons.

6. Brian Billick (2007: Head Coach with the Baltimore Ravens)

Brian led his Ravens team to a Super Bowl title back in 2000. Since then, however, the Ravens have been up and down. After the 2007 season, both sides agreed it was time to part ways. It's rumored that his Defensive Coordinator, Rex Ryan will interview for the Ravens Head Coaching vacancy; but has declined to interview for the Falcons one. It's possible he'll follow Coach Billick wherever he ends up if he fails to land the Ravens job.

7. Kent Austin (2007: Head Coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Kent is undoubtedly a surprise candidate, as he is coming from the CFL, however, as a CFL Champion player and Head Coach, he's definitely in the mix. In 2007, his team only finished 9-9 (the CFL plays 18 game seasons) but they fought their way to, and won, the CFL Grey Cup. Now in a contract struggle with the Roughriders ownership, he's a name to remember.

8. June Jones (2007: Head Coach at Hawaii)

June has been an NFL Head Coach twice before, with the Chargers in an interim basis and Stallions. His stint with Birmingham was from 1994-1996; and only resulted in one playoff appearance. He went 3-7 as the interim head coach for the Chargers in 1998. At Hawaii, however, he ended the season undefeated and ranked #10 in the polls before a loss in the Sugar Bowl vs the Georgia Bulldogs. He is a man of character; and his Run and Shoot offense is still potent and exciting.

So - who will be named the first Head Coach in Atlanta Falcons history? ? ?

Stay tuned!

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

The Atlanta Falcons have announced their Head Coach for the 2008 season!

Mike Sherman!

Mike, 53, has a long and accomplished coaching career. His first coaching stop was at Stamford High School in 1978; and has seen numerous stops over the years. After stops at Texas A&M and UCLA, Mike followed Mike Holmgren from Green Bay to Seattle and spent a year as the Offensive Coordinator before leaving to become the Head Coach with the Green Bay Packers in 2000.

After his previously mentioned successes in Green Bay, Coach Sherman spent two seasons in Houston as an Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for Coach Gary Kubiak. 2007 saw Houston reach 8-8, its first non-losing season.

Regarding the "Power Struggle" that led to his ousting in Green Bay, Coach Sherman said that the ownership decided to "meddle a bit too much". The Head Coach had also held the title of General Manager since the years of Mike Holmgren. (with the exception of one-and-done Coach Rhodes in 1999) Despite his success, the team decided to hire a full-time GM and strip Coach Sherman of the title. The team struggled; and since he was powerless to help it, Coach Sherman knew he had to get out of there. Getting fired was considered a blessing by the Coach.

Now, in Atlanta, they do have a General Manager in place. Coach Sherman said there won't be any issues. "The situation is completely different. In Green Bay, I had the power, and I was winning. They took that from me, of course it was going to create stress and confusion. Here, in Atlanta, the GM (Don Ross) and I are coming in together to build this team from scratch. We both know our roles and both are going to work together to "create" this team. I'll have my input for who I need on the field, and he'll work to crunch the numbers. It's going to be fine."

Coach Sherman brings quite the resume to Atlanta, and is eager to build on his 57 victories and devotion to success....

We wish him luck... the draft is days away!

mike-sherman-packers-2005-jb.jpg

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

falcons.jpg

(Some quick hits on Coach Sherman and the dynasty set-up)

Coach Sherman - 14 overall (Chem/Playcall/Strategy/Performance at 3) All offensive categories are at 3, except a couple at play learning. I will finish upgrading them to 3 before I spend any points on special skills. I want to reflect Sherman's overall skill and background as a former head coach and offensive coordinator. I did take Game Film Analysis to reflect that and leave me with an even 0 points left to spend.)

Offense - Mularky Power Run (Mike Mularky is the Offensive Coordinator. Buffalo still uses his playbook so it makes sense to use it here since it's still in existence. I will sub out about 5-10 plays to alter it a bit and add a couple plays that Coach Sherman would favor, since he is primarily from the Holmgren West Coast camp.)

Defense - Jim Johnson's Plays (Brian Van Gorder is my Defensive Coordinator. This is his first DC gig, and was the LBC last season. Coach Sherman's last DC was Jim Bates, who was last with Denver last season as a DC. He was let go, and is contemplating retirement. He favors small, fast linebackers; and VanGorder is a fan of the Eagles attacking defense of Jim Johnson. Bates is "on-call" as a mentor/sounding board for VanGorder; and will help him design and implement his take on the Jim Johnson defense.



The 2008 Coaching Staff:

Offensive Coordinator - Mike Mularky (22 ovr)
Defensive Coordinator - Brian Vangorder (26 ovr)
Special Teams Coordinator - Keith Armstrong (63 ovr)
QB Coach - Bill Musgrave (32 ovr)
RB Coach - Gerald Brown (5 ovr)
WR Coach -Terry Robiskie (56 ovr)
OL Coach - Paul Boudreau (16 ovr)
DL Coach - Ray Hamilton (75 ovr)
LB Coach - Glenn Pires (9 ovr)
DB Coach - Emmitt Thomas (95 ovr)
Trainer - Ryan King (1 ovr)
GM - Don Ross (38 ovr)

Obviously the staff needs work. Except for VanGorder, Musgrave, and Emmitt Thomas, the entire staff bolted during the Petrino fiasco and offseason. We're hoping VanGorder develops, although it seems that both Emmitt Thomas and Ray Hamilton could be looking for DC jobs of their own soon. Mularky, being a former head coach, may want another shot if the opportunity presents itself. Robiskie may be the only in-house candidate to replace him if he left, although it should be open to outside applicants as well.

[DavidTheGreat20]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

Don't know if I can post yet, but I'll be following along. NFL Head Coach 09 reminds me of my first PS3 memories because I used the be so into the game.

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

Sure, post away! I've gotten through the preseason, I just have to make some time to get it posted. Thanks

[hudso3]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

I love HC09 and I really like the idea of an entirely new team, I'll be following along for sure.

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

500px-2008_NFL_Draft.svg.png

The 2008 NFL Draft, Round 1
Pick	Team	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt
1	Miami Dolphins	Matt Ryan	QB
2	St. Louis Rams	Keith Rivers	OLB
3	Atlanta Falcons	Jake Long	OT
4	Oakland Raiders	Chris Long	DE
5	Kansas City Chiefs	Glenn Dorsey	DT
6	New York Jets	Darren McFadden	RB
7	New England Patriots	Leodis McKelvin	CB
8	Baltimore Ravens	Derrick Harvey	DE
9	Cincinnati Bengals	Sedrick Ellis	DT
10	New Orleans Saints	Vernon Gholston	OLB
11	Buffalo Bills	Jerod Mayo	OLB
12	Denver Broncos	Ryan Clady	OT
13	Tennessee Titans	Brandon Albert	OG
14	Chicago Bears	Joe Flacco	QB
15	Detroit Lions	Rashad Mendenhall	RB
16	Arizona Cardinals	Chris Williams	OT
17	Kansas City Chiefs (2)	Mike Jenkins	CB
18	Houston Texans	Chris Johnson	RB
19	Philadelphia Eagles	Dominique Cromartie	CB
20	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Jeff Otah	OT
21	Washington Redskins	Felix Jones	RB
22	Dallas Cowboys	Kentwan Balmer	DT
23	Pittsburgh Steelers	Gosder Cherilus	OT
24	Tennessee Titans (2)	Aqib Talib	CB
25	Buffalo Bills (2)	Antoine Cason	CB
26	Jacksonville Jaguars	Phillip Merling	DE
27	San Diego Chargers	Kenny Phillips	SS
28	Dallas Cowboys (2)	Sam Baker	OT
29	San Francisco 49ers	Lawrence Jackson	DE
30	St. Louis Rams (2)	Tracy Porter	CB
31	New York Giants	Dustin Keller	TE
32	Miami Dolphins (2)	Duane Brown	OT

Rookie-Class-Hero-microsite.jpg

2008 Atlanta Falcons Draft
Pick	Team	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt
1-3	Michigan	Jake Long	LT
2-34	Michigan	Chad Henne	QB
2-48	Auburn	Patrick Lee	CB
3-68	UCF	Kevin Smith	RB
4-100	New Mexico	Marcus Smith	WR
4-108	Virginia Tech	Xavier Adibi	OLB
5-138	Virginia Tech	Josh Morgan	WR
6-166	Auburn	Jonathan Wilhite	CB
6-183	Miami	Taz McDray	DT
7-218	Michigan State	Kellen Davis	TE
UDFA	Michigan	Adam Kraus	OG
UDFA	Florida State	Geno Hayes	OLB
UDFA	Tennessee	Jonathan Hefney	FS
UDFA	Texas A&M	Chris Harrington	DE
UDFA	Rutgers	Jon Izzo	K

DRAFT RECAP:

1-3 Jake Long: Really a no-brainer here. Atlanta is a team with no players. The key to a successful team is the line. We need a good group of guys to block for the run and the pass; and to have Jake here was a gift. If he was already gone, we definitely would have traded down. This was also a GM pick. Pick approval was 56% though.

2-34 Chad Henne: Jake earned his stripes protecting Chad Henne. We knew we needed a QB, although the plan is to let Chad sit and learn. A lot of QBs get thrown out there and get crushed too early. Maybe if we get a lead, or get blown out, we might let him in - but the plan is to sit, learn and develop. Pick approval: 68 (gm wanted Jordy Nelson)

2-48 Patrick Lee: One thing we noticed was that the CB market was thin. Spending a pick on a corner who maybe could develop was worth it. It was either Patrick or Terrence Wheatley; and while Wheatley is crazy fast and quite the playmaker - he's been banged up too much to risk it. Pick approval: 30 (gm wanted Eddie Royal)

3-68 Kevin Smith: Kevin is a special talent. He's got skills in all facets of the game and he's as tough as they come. I intend to pair him with a veteran this season, however, and let him learn the tougher parts of the game - like pass protection - but there's no way we can keep this kid off the field long. Pick approval: 91 (this was a GM suggestion)

4-100 Marcus Smith: Marcus is a big kid, 6'5", with some quickness. He doesn't know all the routes, but I think he'll create some mismatches and can contribute early; esp in the red zone. Pick approval: 88 (this was a GM suggestion)

4-108 Xavier Adibi: Coach Sherman is used to a Jim Bates defense, with small, but fast, outside linebackers. Defensive Coordinator Brian Van Gorder is going to combine the Bates idealogy with the Jim Johnson playbook - and Xavier could be a key component. Pick approval: 76 (gm wanted ANOTHER wideout, this time Will Franklin.)

5-138 Josh Morgan: The GM has been pulling for wideouts all day, and Josh is a fast, tough kid. He'll definitely get a chance to contribute early, and maybe has a better all-around skillset than Marcus Smith. We're excited to get him into camp. Pick approval: 95

6-166 Jonathan Wilhite: The other half of the Auburn Tigers starting CB duo along with Patrick Lee, Jonathan is a playmaker in his own right. While both he and Patrick will probably start the season as reservers, their familiarity might give us an edge when they're both on the field in dime packages. Pick approval: 43 (this was a gm suggestion)

6-183 Taz McDray: Both the GM (Alvin Bowen) and Coach Sherman both were thinking pass rushers - although the GM was thinking linebacker and Coach Sherman was thinking interior lineman. Bowen is a decent linebacker, but bigger and slower than Van Gorder needs in his Bates/Johnson defense. Taz is a rush DT, which is rare. In passing situations, we think he can be very disruptive - if he can keep his head in the game. Pick approval: 74

7-218 Kellen Davis: Kellen is a big (6'6") tight end with some quickness to him. He'll prob spend a year as our 3rd TE, where he'll need to block mostly; but thinking down the road - having a 6'5" receiver (Marcus Smith) and Kellen could give us an edge in some red-zone plays for sure.
Pick Approval: *unknown, last pick

The Undrafted Rookie Free Agents:

Adam Kraus - Adam played guard next to Jake Long. He's tall, but lean, and probably will get a chance to try out for right tackle. Having Jake and Chad will help.

Geno Hayes - Injuries and attitude pushed Geno from a possible 4th roudn pick to undrafted, but he fits the mold of small and fast. He'll get a chance to make the team if he can pick up special teams play while he learns the tricks of being an NFL linebacker.

Jonathan Hefney - I feel like Jon was a steal. He played CB and FS in college, and was a prolific kick returner. He's small for a safety, but that's where he'll get his first chance to make the team. He'll have to prove his playmaking skills translate to the NFL to stick for long though.

Chris Harrington - A high-motor kid, Chris played very well during his years at Texas A&M. If he can carve himself a niche, be it on run downs or passing downs, he can make this team. If he takes the next step, he could be a dark horse candidate to start in time.

Jon Izzo - Kickers seldom get people excited, but Jon has a strong leg and fair accuracy. His hidden talent? Punting. I fully intend to experiment with one player handling the kicking AND the punting to save a game-day active roster space. We'll see if he can handle it.



So, the 2008 draft is in the books. The GM will be bringing in a couple dozen more players to evaluate over the next few months - and it's up to Coach Sherman to sort through the pieces and assemble the puzzle.

Up next - training camp begins and the Preseason Games are upon us!

[hudso3]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

Nice write up on the draft, I think the Jake Long pick will be huge for you. He's a monsterous LT, and Henne can develop too with time. But since you have a new team with a huge cap penalty have you signed any big name FAs or will you be trying to rely on guys that come in for training camp so you don't go over in cap?

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

My "rules" for this expansion was to have no players on the roster at all until the draft, so I didn't sign any FA's during the FA period. I did the draft, and then filled my roster with whoever was available in Free Agency once the preseason started. I didn't even trade players yet. The challenge for me is going to be seeing who on the team is productive and should be re-signed since, except for my draft class, everyone is on a 1 year deal. The cap hit I'm dealing with this year will definitely have an impact, esp if I want some of the big name FA's next year. I'll have to balance that money while still leaving enough for free agents and draft picks next year. It'll definitely be a fun challenge. I should have my preseason info up this weekend and my final depth chart...

[Aurabolt127]

Re: NFL "Expansion" Team: Atlanta Falcons (hc09)

Just released: The first depth chart as we head into the first preseason game of the year!


Preseason week one depth chart 1a.jpg

Quarterback: NFL Veteran Aaron Brooks heads up the depth chart at QB. Aaron was out of football last year, after spending 2006 with the Oakland Raiders; but as someone who can come in and lead a team while a young QB develops, maybe Aaron can restart his career. Preston Parsons is a solid backup, who's never really gotten a chance to start. He's pretty much an unknown. Chad Henne is a rookie, but maybe he's got a chance to develop into our QB of the future. The goal is to NOT have him starting games this year so he can develop and not fall into the trap so many rookie QBs have before.

This position, like just about every other one, is fluid; and there will be changes throughout the preseason until the Coach feels he's got the 53 best players available to him come Week One.

Running Back: Currently, Noah Herron is the starting tailback. He's young (26) and versatile, with good hands, and good size. 2nd string is Michael Bennett, once a 1200 yard rusher with the Minnesota Vikings, injuries have really derailed his career. He's hoping to stay healthy enough this preseason to rejuvenate his career. Ciatrick Fason is a young kid who spent last year with Minnesota who's looking for a fresh start. Rookie Kevin Smith is fourth on the depth chart, but he has all the tools to be an every down starter for us. Eric Shelton is a monster back, over 240 pounds, who can also play fullback in a pinch. The backfield is crowded, but it's going to be cutthroat as more backs are brought in and others are shown the door. This has to be a position of strength for us.

Fullback: Veterans Kyle Johnson and Boomer Grigsby are competing for the starting fullback job, but we may end up keeping both. Kyle is the better blocker, and Boomer is a better runner - though both are pretty decent at whatever I need them to do. This may be the one position where things seem pretty set already; but you never know what other fullbacks may end up on the waiver wire that are worth taking a look at.

Wide Receiver: Craphonso Thorpe and Courtney Roby will get the first crack as starting receivers. Both are young, have good speed and decent size. Thorpe was buried behind Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez in Indy; so we don't have much game tape on him. LeRon McCoy and Taylor Jacobs are 3rd and 4th; and could get a chance to start in week 2 depending on how much action then get this weekend. Rookies Marcus Smith and Josh Morgan round out the depth chart, keeping with Coach's preference to make the rookies earn their playing time before passing veterans who have already "paid their dues". None of these guys offer much in the return game, so another piece may have to be added. In addition, out of the top 4, at least one veteran will probably not last past week 1, as we will keep scouring the waiver wire for more talent.

Tight End: Billy Miller is a veteran, pass catching specialist. He doesn't have great size, but even on the wrong side of 30, he has good quickness. Teyo Johnson is another fast receiving tight end, and will hopefully create a mismatch vs the linebackers. He's no blocker however, which is why Kellen Davis was drafted. Kellen has great size and surprising speed; although his route running and hands are still being developed. If Billy can hold up (age and injuries) this could be a good group right here as is.

Left Tackle: Jake Long, our first round pick, is undoubtedly the left tackle of the future and the guy we want starting week one, and for the next 15 years... However, he's a rookie, and we don't want him overwhelmed (or getting our QB killed) Nat Dorsey will start at LT while Jake gets adjusted, and he knows that he's holding Jake's spot. Of course, if he does well, he'll be a valuable backup and swing tackle, and could maybe parlay his efforts into a starting gig somewhere else next year. We're lucky to have them both.

Left Guard: Jason Spitz was a surprise cut, and someone who most NFL scouts could be a Pro Bowl player. It seemed to be a contract, as opposed to a legal, dispute; and he'll start week one as our starting Left Guard. Rookie Adam Kraus will need to develop as a backup, though he has the size to learn tackle as well. Having Chad's college left tackle and guard will be a really nice bonus as he learns the pro game.

Center: Philadelphia let Nick Cole go, and he'll quickly slide in to position as our starting center. Built like a dump truck at only about 6 feet tall but over 350 pounds, he should be able to man the center of our line and be a rock for people to lean on. Chukky Okobi will back him up, unless we find some youngster to add competition.

Right Guard: Charlie Johnson was a tackle in Indy, but he's too small to play tackle for Coach Sherman's offense. Here, he'll take over at right guard, and should be really good, especially in the run game, if he can convert. Mansfield Wrotto (22 years old) is young and strong and could surprise us if he takes that next step.

Right Tackle: Kelly Butler will get the first crack at right tackle, but experienced vet Seth Wand will push him. This is probably the one part of our line with serious questions, and hopefully we'll have it sorted out soon.

Left Defensive End: Chris Cooper and Josh Savage are essentially 1 and 1a on the chart. Both have been impressive in practice, and this first game will be just the start of a tough battle. Chris Harrington, a rookie, will try to earn his time on special teams, and maybe passing downs.

Defensive Tackle: Anthony Bryant is a monster, though consistent effort and conditioning have always been a question. If he can step it up, he could be the anchor of our run defense. It's up to him. Atiyyah Ellison broke into the league as a tackle, but played some 3-4 end last year. We're hoping he can convert back and provide some push inside. Taz McDray is a pass rushing tackle, much in the mold of Warren Sapp; and we're hoping he can make an impact in our dime packages specifically. Barry Cofield is good, veteran depth; although if he can't crack the top three, I'm sure he'll want out.

Right Defensive End: Julian Jenkins looked to be a rising star on the Denver defensive line; but they've made some changes there, and got rid of a couple people they felt didn't fit their system. Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder is thinking Julian is a star in the making. Akbar Gbaja-biamila, brother of Packers superstar Kabeer, is a pass rush specialist, who, even at 29, still has fresh legs. He should be a big help when we go heavy pass rush.

Left Outside Linebacker: Reggie Torbor has been a good linebacker throughout his career. In Atlanta, he'll be here to mentor rookie Xavier Adibi (and try to hold him off) Walk on rookie Darren Montgomery is also getting a look to see if he can find his niche.

Middle Linebacker: Leon Williams is the smaller, fast, linebacker Coach VanGorder craves as he builds his VanGorder-Bates attack. Jordan Beck and Trev Faulk are a little out of system, but solid players. I'm sure we'll be looking at bringing in more competition at depth here.

Right Outside Linebacker: Jon Alston, out of Stanford University (and the Oakland Raiders), is smaller, but really fast; and a smart kid. He'll be trying to keep the starting spot over undrafted rookie linebacker Geno Hayes. Geno's drop out of the draft was surprising; but he definitely has talent if he can just learn the complexities of the Pro game.

Cornerback: Mike Hawkins and Karl Paymah are two corners looking for their first legit chance to start. Both young and quick, they have good size and have the tools to succeed. Andre Woolfolk is tall (6'2") and really fast; but has trouble with tiny route running receivers. He's almost better suited to safety. We spent two picks on Patrick Lee and Jonathan Wilhite (both out of Auburn) There's a lot to playing corner in the NFL, but they'll get their chance to learn; and maybe start one day. BJ Sams is mainly a return specialist, though he has the speed to make up for some of his coverage shortcomings. His real value is special teams though.

Free Safety: Matt Ware is a quick safety with good size, a stark contrast to our other free safety in camp, Jonathan Hefney. Jonathan was most often used as a corner in Tennessee, but played safety for several games, and was a prolific return man. He's got a lot of value.

Strong Safety: Standing all of 6'5", Pat Watkins is the tallest strong safety in the league. His coverage skills weren't really up to par the way Dallas was hoping for, so they let him walk; but here in Atlanta, he'll get a chance to play a more physical style of safety, something we think he'll be tremendous at. CC Brown build his reputation as a fierce hitter, and he'll get every chance to build on that reputation here in Atlanta if he can keep his game up.

Kicker: Tony Yelk and Jon Izzo will battle for the kicking job. On paper, the edge would go to the veteran Yelk, but Izzo has some surprises up his sleeve he's hoping will give him the edge.

Punter: Ryan Dutton is trying to hold off the last stand of Josh Miller at punter. Josh is 37 years old, but still a steady punter with a strong leg. Age may work against Josh however, as at his age he'd really almost be a one and done.

Kick and Punt Returner: BJ Sams and Jonathan Hefney are the primary returners. We still might need to add another name to the mix. For now, we might try a couple other people as well, but we feel pretty good with this duo.

(whoever ends up being the starting center will be the long snapper, at this moment, it's Nick Cole.)

Our first preseason game will be against the Jacksonville Jaguars... time for people to earn their paychecks...or walking papers!!