Keep an eye on Atlanta

The Falcons are in the midst of a radical slash and burn youth movement. So far today, they have cut Alge Crumpler, Rod Coleman, Wayne Gandy, and Byron Leftwich, among others.

Think Belichick might put together a package to get John Abraham, if he's not cut outright? I don't make a habit of watching Falcons games, but at one point last year I watched for a bit (vs. Tampa, I think), and Abraham made 6 straight plays for the defense (tackles, deflected passes, and sacks). He played as well as any OLB linebacker I watched last year.

people keep saying to bring in veterans and I'm all for it.
However something to keep in mind when discussing potential/actual FA's such as John Abraham and Z.Thomas, is whether or not they are going to aide team speed.

I'm not saying Abraham lacks speed, merely that our LB corps needs to get faster. So does John Abraham accomplish this?

TheBaronPatriot said:

people keep saying to bring in veterans and I'm all for it.
However something to keep in mind when discussing potential/actual FA's such as John Abraham and Z.Thomas, is whether or not they are going to aide team speed.

I'm not saying Abraham lacks speed, merely that our LB corps needs to get faster. So does John Abraham accomplish this?

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I don't know about timed speed, but I think he'd instantly become the best pass-rusher on the team, no offense to Vrabes or Rosey. Belichick was his DC with the NYJ, so he'd probably know best. He definitely knows the system.

Abraham was drafted in 2000, so he's never played with Belichick.

I think it's an intriguing possibility but don't know how real it is. Rotoworld, from many moons back, reported that the base salaries of the final four years of the six year deal he signed with the Falcons would be about six mil per (which is pretty affordable). I'm pretty sure he's only played DE, but he has the appropriate size for OLB in the Patriots scheme and there's no doubting his ability to get after the quarterback; but how well can he hold his own in coverage? And, possibly more importantly, how much would it cost to get him? I don't think I'd do it for much more than a second round pick.

Abraham is always hurt. He's only made it through 4 full seasons in his 8 years. That said if you do the math, he averages 11 sacks per 16 games played, so he is productive.

I wouldn't be totally opposed to bringing him in, but I'd be careful about it. That would free up the pick a little bit. I think it would then be easier to trade down and stockpile corners.

TheBaronPatriot said:

I'm not saying Abraham lacks speed, merely that our LB corps needs to get faster. So does John Abraham accomplish this?

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Was timed in the 4.5's at 252. Yes, very fast. Considered one-dimensional when he was drafted. Haven't followed him closely to know if he's developed his all-around game.

What are the chances of Abraham getting cut????Or can this be like a "welker deal"????We all know Bill loves vet LBers....I am gain to whatever will make this better....

I think Keith Brooking makes for a more realistic option. Brooking will be 33 when next season rolls around and is 6'2 245. He has the perfect size for an ILB in the Patriots scheme and has something like 7 straight years of over 100 tackles. Due to his age, and the fact that he's in the last year of his contract, he should be available for next to nothing. I'd give up a second day pick for Brooking and pencil him in at one of the ILB spots next year. The only thing that could keep him in Atlanta is that he's a Georgia Tech guy and one of their more popular players on a team that doesn't have many "faces of the franchise" for fans to latch on to.

DocE said:

I think Keith Brooking makes for a more realistic option. Brooking will be 33 when next season rolls around and is 6'2 245. He has the perfect size for an ILB in the Patriots scheme and has something like 7 straight years of over 100 tackles. Due to his age, and the fact that he's in the last year of his contract, he should be available for next to nothing. I'd give up a second day pick for Brooking and pencil him in at one of the ILB spots next year. The only thing that could keep him in Atlanta is that he's a Georgia Tech guy and one of their more popular players on a team that doesn't have many "faces of the franchise" for fans to latch on to.

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I think you said it with Brooking in your last sentence. They really lack character guys, and Brooking is your ultimate "good citizen".

If nothing else, the veterans that Atlanta does release will affect other teams rosters and could ultimately affect draft strategies as well.
I would not mind having Crumpler as one of our TE's next season, provided he is healthy.

DocE said:

I think Keith Brooking makes for a more realistic option. Brooking will be 33 when next season rolls around and is 6'2 245. He has the perfect size for an ILB in the Patriots scheme and has something like 7 straight years of over 100 tackles. Due to his age, and the fact that he's in the last year of his contract, he should be available for next to nothing. I'd give up a second day pick for Brooking and pencil him in at one of the ILB spots next year. The only thing that could keep him in Atlanta is that he's a Georgia Tech guy and one of their more popular players on a team that doesn't have many "faces of the franchise" for fans to latch on to.

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I would think he's our target on that squad. He seems an ideal fit for us if Bruschi/Seau leave. Just to play along. Let's say we really want Gholston at 7. But, the Jesters snag him. We don't think any of the cb's are worthy of a top 10 pick. The pick for Deangelo Hall and Brooking. Instantly plug both holes on defense. Probably, upgrade them. But, that's debateable. Then we have picks 62, 68 and 94. Use those picks to draft players we project as eventual starters in a year or two while giving us quality depth.

2. CB - Eventual replacement for Hobbs.
3. OLB - Back-up for Colvin/Vrabel. Situational pass-rusher.
3. ILB - Backup for A.Thomas/Brooking. Eventual starter.

Ive talked to a lot of people from Atlanta about this guy and all agree that he is now a major liability on defense.

SeanBruschi54 said:

Ive talked to a lot of people from Atlanta about this guy and all agree that he is now a major liability on defense.

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Which guy?

BHSL2 said:

Which guy?

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Probably Brooking. He moved to MLB out of necessity, and he's definitely better on the outside. Usually he plays the SAM, so he could be an option at 3-4 ILB.

Ochmed Jones said:

If nothing else, the veterans that Atlanta does release will affect other teams rosters and could ultimately affect draft strategies as well.
I would not mind having Crumpler as one of our TE's next season, provided he is healthy.

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I think that Jim Mora would want him back (plus Holmgreens GB version of the West Coast Offense always featured a TE), so I think Seattle would be the ideal landing spot. I would definitely love to add Crumpler here, but I wonder if it is possible.

Ochmed Jones said:

If nothing else, the veterans that Atlanta does release will affect other teams rosters and could ultimately affect draft strategies as well.
I would not mind having Crumpler as one of our TE's next season, provided he is healthy.

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Touche on that!
Crumpler would be excellent. He was Vicks' only target. Unlike Watson, has reliable hands and can block a bit as Atlanta was run first.
DW Toys

I used to be in Atlanta and have some family there, so I still follow the Falcons. I know there is a lot of talk about Brooking being traded or cut, but haven't heard anything about Abraham. Personally I don't think Abe would be worth pursuing, he is definitely injury prone and with the NE aging D, injury prone is exactly what this team doesn't need.

dryheat44 said:

The Falcons are in the midst of a radical slash and burn youth movement. So far today, they have cut Alge Crumpler, Rod Coleman, Wayne Gandy, and Byron Leftwich, among others.

Think Belichick might put together a package to get John Abraham, if he's not cut outright? I don't make a habit of watching Falcons games, but at one point last year I watched for a bit (vs. Tampa, I think), and Abraham made 6 straight plays for the defense (tackles, deflected passes, and sacks). He played as well as any OLB linebacker I watched last year.

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Abraham is a defensive end.

BHSL2 said:

Which guy?

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Brooking. Falcons fans told me to go and watch some highlights especially of the games facing the saints as an example. Apparently he ghost tackles several people.

(meaning tackling wind behind players that were there long ago)

patriotsdynasty12189 said:

Abraham is a defensive end.

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Not when he played for the Jets, and not if he played for the Patriots.