SB Nation Atlanta - 2012 Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: A Position By Position Breakdownhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2012-06-08T08:00:57-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/27708442012-06-08T08:00:57-04:002012-06-08T08:00:57-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: KR/PR
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<p>With Eric Weems leaving the Falcons to head to Chicago there's a vacuum at both return positions. For the last few years Weems had been a reliable way to cover two special teams positions with one roster spot. Now, there's a mix of unproven and young players to populate the position.</p>
<p>Thus far UDFA Cody Pearcy has been the primary kick returner in OTAs. The speedy receiver out of Huntingdon ran a speedy 4.36 in the 40 leading up to the draft, but like many players found in his position went undrafted with a combination of small school, and lack of convincing production. That being said- thus far he's looked fantastic in OTAs, and hopefully that will continue for Atlanta.</p>
<p>At punt returner the current inside track is held by DB Dominique Franks. He had a rather inauspicious introduction to the position in 2011 when he attempted and fumbled his only punt return of the season. Even if you chalk that up to early jitters, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence. This is still early days, and it's likely James Rodgers, along with Pearcy will also get a shot at the PR spot. My bet is on Harry Douglas to steal the job in camp; while it depends on how much he's used on offense, there is a good chance he could be used as a PR also.</p>
<p><b>Projected Depth Chart</b></p>
<p>KR: Cody Pearcy</p>
<p>PR: Harry Douglas</p>
<p>This is a unit that is very young and inexperienced, and could quickly become an Achilles heel is not kept in check.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/6/8/3071857/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-kr-prJames Dator2012-06-06T08:00:48-04:002012-06-06T08:00:48-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Punter
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<p>There's little doubt the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> made the right decision when they let the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> overpay for punter <span>Michael Koenen</span>. Don't get me wrong, he's a good punter in his own right- but for over $3 million per season he should be the best punter in the NFL... he wasn't.</p>
<p>That doesn't mean Atlanta are sitting pretty at the position. <span>Matt Bosher</span> was 30th in the NFL in average punt yards, and tied 10th in punts inside 20-yards. Neither of these inspire long term confidence in the third year punter. It's easy to write off a team's punter as superfluous, but the truth is a good punter makes the life of a defense infinitely easier, and it's imperative the Falcons get better play from the position. Yes, Bosher was a rookie and still has a lot of room to grow, but the leash should be short.</p>
<p>Training camp will host a competition between the incumbent Bosher, and UDFA <span>Dawson Zimmerman</span> from Clemson, but realistically nobody is taking the spot from a drafted rookie punter after his first season. Bosher will remain the starter, and the Falcons will hope he's able to take the next step needed in 2012. If he's unable to it will be a long season before Atlanta can find a suitable replacement.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/6/6/3067029/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-punterJames Dator2012-06-04T08:00:58-04:002012-06-04T08:00:58-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Kicker
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<p>Just because we've taken a look at the major positions and battles, it doesn't mean we're not going to spend some time delving into the specialists also. Obviously <span>Matt Bryant</span> is locked in as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>' kicker, and he's not going anywhere. A year from now this could be a very different look at the position due to Bryant's age (he'll enter the 2012 season at 37 years old), but for now he's still in the upper echelon of kickers in the NFL.</p>
<p>The 2011 season was a good year for the Atlanta kicker. Bryant went the entire season missing just two field goals, both of which were from the 40-49 yard range. His 93.1% accuracy was tied for 1st in the NFL among kickers who attempted more than 20 FGs, and he was one of only three players who were perfect from the 50+ yard range.</p>
<p>For older kickers the risk is that their range will quickly degrade, but based on what we saw from Bryant last season there doesn't seem much of a risk there. Despite being so reliable, it was a little surprising we didn't see the Falcons bring in a UDFA kicker to at least get some time in training camp, and evaluate some talent for the long term good of the position. As a way to extend Bryant's career kickoffs are handled by punter <span>Matt Bosher</span>. We'll look at Bosher later this week, but he's not nearly as safe as Bryant- and his 28.4% touchback rating was one of the worst in the NFL among kickoff kickers. </p>
<p>It's for this reason alone I'm surprised we didn't see a UDFA kicker to possibly come in as a kickoff specialist, but it seems the organization are still happy with using Bosher, or possibly another punter they have in camp. For now, there's no reason Falcons' fans shouldn't remain thrilled with Matt Bryant; even at his age he's one of the league's best, and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. He will again be a big factor in Atlanta's success in 2012.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/6/4/3062046/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-kickerJames Dator2012-06-01T09:00:39-04:002012-06-01T09:00:39-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Offensive Guard
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<p>One of the hardest positions to project for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> is the offensive guard position. 2011 showed the glaring weaknesses in the interior offensive line, which ultimately led to the decision to solidify the future at center by selecting <span>Peter Konz</span> in the second round.</p>
<p>Up until the OTAs it was fairly easy to see how the depth chart would shake out at guard, but personnel decisions and rotations really threw a wrench in the works. Arguably the biggest early surprise is <span>Garrett Reynolds</span> working with the first team OL in the RG spot. He played okay during his seven starts in 2011, but it didn't seem that he would be viewed as a long term answer.</p>
<p>Seeing Reynolds get the nod this early is surprising after the move Atlanta made to sign <span>Vince Manuwai</span> during free agency. It's not that Manuwai is stellar, but he is an experienced starter with a history of blocking for a North-South back in Jacksonville. This could be little more than throwing mud at a wall during OTAs, but I get the sense they have a lot of faith in Reynolds to shoulder the burden.</p>
<p>The left guard spot is still locked down by <span>Justin Blalock</span>, and that's not going to be changing any time soon. At only 28 years old he has many years left in the tank at a position where we see players last well into their mid-late thirties. Concurrently, his back-up <span>Mike Johnson</span> is a lock to remain as the first OL off the bench after being selected in the third round in 2010.</p>
<p><b>Projected Depth Chart</b></p>
<p>LG: Justin Blalock/ Mike Johnson</p>
<p>RG: Garrett Reynolds/ Vince Manuwai</p>
<p>The key to the Falcons' OL success will be that RG spot. Neither player is amazing, and will need to find a way to lead block for Turner, and support Ryan in the passing game or the offense could falter.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/6/1/3055124/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-offensive-guardJames Dator2012-05-30T08:00:52-04:002012-05-30T08:00:52-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Offensive Tackle
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<p>At this point I probably sound like a broken record, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> offensive tackles are underrated. <span>Sam Baker</span> and <span>Tyson Clabo</span> are not household names, nor do they inhabit vaunted position rankings when judged by the national media. One thing they do really well though is block- and to this end they're one of the better units in the NFL.</p>
<p>Football Outsiders ranks the Falcons' offensive line as 7th in the NFL in pass protection- allowing just 26 sacks on the season. Given the issues with the team's interior offensive line in 2011 this is a testament to just how good the pairing of Baker and Clabo was.</p>
<p>It's easy to forget the talent in the NFC South at the defensive end position. Whether it's <span>Will Smith</span>, <span>Charles Johnson</span> or Adrian Clayborne there's no 'easy out' for an offensive tackle in the division. Couple this with Matt Ryan, who's not the most mobile QB and you have a formula that could be a disaster; however the line remained resolute, which is a large reason for the team's success. </p>
<p>In order to keep the position strong the Falcons invested their 2012 third round pick in <span>Lamar Holmes</span> out of Southern Mississippi. It's tempting to project him as a left tackle, but really he's far better on the right side where he can use his large frame to his advantage in the running game. At 31 years old Clabo isn't getting any younger, and this ensures the Falcons have a plan for when he finally hangs it up.</p>
<p>The battle behind Baker will be fascinating between <span>Will Svitek</span> and <span>Garrett Reynolds</span>. Ultimately I can't help but feel like Reynolds is the better long term option, and will win the job.</p>
<p><b>Projected Depth Chart</b></p>
<p>LT: Sam Baker/ Garrett Reynolds</p>
<p>RT: Tyson Clabo/ Lamar Holmes</p>
<p>It's smart of the organization to start looking at long term answers at tackle, but this is still a very good unit out of the gate. Baker and Clabo have another 2-3 years left as a pair, and they are good enough to solidify the Falcons' offense for another year.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/5/30/3051820/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-offensive-tackleJames Dator2012-05-28T08:00:30-04:002012-05-28T08:00:30-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Safety
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<p>This off-season the cornerback position for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> has garnered a lot of attention. Between the contractual issues with <span>Brent Grimes</span>, and the trade that brought <span>Asante Samuel</span> it's easy to see why, however the most underrated move of Atlanta's FA period was the move that ensured FS <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> stayed a member of the Falcons long term.</p>
<p>It's apropos that DeCoud's signing was quiet- because it suits the player perfectly. Over the last three seasons there are few safeties in the National Football League who have played better, and many who played worse who got far more fanfare than the 2008 third round pick. Last season he amassed a career high 86 tackles, pairing them with a fantastic four interceptions. DeCoud was an impact player in all sixteen games, but was consistently undervalued. Thankfully the organization didn't think the same way as most of the football world, and they ensured he stayed in the fold.</p>
<p>Across from DeCoud is 4th year SS <span>William Moore</span>. While he did have a down 2011 campaign it was really due to injury, which sidelined him for four games. However, Moore still managed to finish the season with 54 tackles and two interceptions. Any time you see one position stacked with young starting talent you need to look at the source, and the fact DeCoud and Moore were taken in consecutive drafts shows you that the front office are doing a great job scouting the position.</p>
<p>In order to ensure the safety position remained strong Atlanta drafted <span>Charles Mitchell</span> in the 6th round as a cheap insurance policy for Moore. The Mississippi State rookie wont threaten Moore's starting spot, but he'll offer special teams help and grow into a contributor. The same can be said of <span>Shann Schillinger</span> who will backup DeCoud at the FS spot. He's valuable depth, though it's unlikely he'll ever figure into a starting role.</p>
<p><b>Projected Depth Chart</b></p>
<p><b></b>FS- Thomas DeCoud/ Shann Schillinger</p>
<p>SS- William Moore/ Charles Mitchell</p>
<p>While it's possible a 5th safety could find his way onto the roster, it's unlikely. This is one of the youngest, most talented safety units in the NFL and given the quarterback talent in the NFC South it's wise to keep the spot strong. </p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/5/28/3047316/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-safetyJames Dator2012-05-25T12:00:44-04:002012-05-25T12:00:44-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Center
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<p>There are few relationships more important in the NFL than that between a center and a quarterback. It goes far beyond the snap, and becomes the critical element that determines the interior pass protection, and the organization needed for the offensive line.</p>
<p>While starting center <span>Todd McClure</span> only missed three games in 2011, it was clear that the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a>' offense was heavily reliant on a good center/QB exchange. The pressure up the middle, coupled with unorganized protection proved to be the only chink in Atlanta's offensive armor moving forward. McClure is still a perfectly serviceable center, but at 35 years old it was clear the Falcons needed a contingency plan.</p>
<p>Leading up to the 2012 draft we looked at every possible draft scenario here at SB Nation Atlanta. Looking at all the possible second round offensive linemen it was apparent the Falcons would need to wait another season before finding a long term option at center. As always, the draft didn't go to plan- but it played perfectly into the team's hands. The best center in the draft managed to last until their second round pick, and now the Falcons have reliability that they can turn to <span>Peter Konz</span> in the long term.</p>
<p><b>Projected Depth Chart</b></p>
<p>Todd McClure/ Peter Konz</p>
<p>Out of the gate the Falcons will look for reliability in their long standing starter, and this will allow Konz to be eased into the system and develop a relationship with Matt Ryan. However, I think it's very likely we'll see the rookie get plenty of 1st team snaps in training camp, preparing him just in case. This is a position that went from weakness to strength in a short period of time, and ensures the interior of the Falcons offensive line will be set for the next decade.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/5/25/3042329/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-centerJames Dator2012-05-23T08:01:17-04:002012-05-23T08:01:17-04:00Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Preview: Defensive Tackle
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<p>In the modern NFL it's impressive to see an entire depth chart populated with original draft picks. This is the case for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>' defensive tackle position- all five players were one time draft picks, and all of them come from the last five drafts. This is something the front office can be proud of, because it means the scouting and system is working.</p>
<p>Nobody will confuse <span>Jonathan Babineaux</span> and <span>Corey Peters</span> with Suh and Fairley, but they're serviceable starting DTs. This is a defense that works the pass rush through the ends, so the onus on elite, pass-rushing tackles is removed. To this end Babineaux and Peters will undoubtably reprise their roles as starters, and will likely remain in those roles for the at least 2012 while <span>Peria Jerry</span> continues to develop.</p>
<p>The depth chart gets interesting at the 3rd and 4th spots with Peria Jerry and Vane Walker- both players looked pretty good in limited time in 2011, but neither separated themselves. For the sake of development Jerry will likely be the first off the bench, but don't be surprise if he splits a lot of snaps with Walker. This isn't a scenario with a true no.3 and 4. </p>
<p>The projected five defensive tackles are rounded out by rookie 7th round pick <span>Travian Robertson</span>. He was a solid pickup for the Falcons based on where they got him, and he'll offer good depth out of the gate. I think his talent is far better than his draft position dictates, and could be a pleasant surprise for the 2012 Falcons.</p>
<p><b>Projected Depth Chart</b></p>
<p>LDT: Jonathan Babineaux/ Peria Jerry/ Travian Robertson</p>
<p>RDT: Corey Peters/ <span>Vance Walker</span></p>
<p>As mentioned earlier: They're not a group that will blow you away, but they're not supposed to be. If these players can remain healthy it will open up the pass rush for Abraham and Edwards. That's going to be the key for the defense in 2012- just allow the pass rush enough time to make an impact. If the Falcons can couple that with their stellar secondary they're in excellent shape.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/5/23/3037582/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart-preview-defensive-tackleJames Dator