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Atlanta Falcons
Posted: Sun April 19, 1998 at 9:53 p.m.
* compensatory pick
QB - QB Chris Chandler is solid when healthy, which wasn't often enough last season. He seems to be getting a little frail, and they need to start thinking about adding a quality backup. #2 QB Jim Miller was signed by the Detroit Lions, leaving inexperienced Tony Grazziani as the only other QB on their roster. Grazziani really struggled when he was pressed into a starting assignment last season. There isn't much left available on the FA market, so look for them to add another QB in the draft. If Grazziani is forced to be the #2 QB, Chandler had better stay healthy.
RB - This is a deep and talented unit led by Jamal Anderson. Anderson got off to a slow start last season in their new offensive system that called for the OL to be more physical in the run game... they weren't, and he struggled. Anderson got going late, and you can expect that he will pick up where he left off. Backup RB Byron Hanspard didn't get a lot of carries as a rookie, but made the most of his opportunities. He did most of his damage in the return game as a KOR man. FA RB Harold Green has been re-signed, and is a nice fit as a nickle RB. This unit does not need to be adressed in the draft.
WR - Pretty solid unit. WR Bert Emanuel is currently carrying the transisition tag, as they try to come to terms on a long term deal. Emanuel may opt to carry the tag this season, and test the FA market in 1999. Other WR Terrance Mathis had trouble adjusting from the "Red Gun", but played much better late. #3 WR Todd Kinchen is solely a possession type guy. Keith Crawford was signed as a FA away from the Rams, but he is still a little bit raw. Look for them to add another WR in the offseason. They need to start looking toward the future, should Emanuel depart after next season.
TE - Solid unit if O.J. Santiago returns to form after his leg injury. Santiago was having a solid rookie season before the injury forced him to go on IR. He is a big athletic target that can stretch the defense, and open up the WR's on the outside. FA Brian Kozlowski played well in his absence, and was re-signed. They may look for a big blocking type TE still in FA, or draft one in the upcoming drat. A big blocking TE would help open up their run game.
OL - They still have a lot of holes to fill. Especially at RT, where FA acquisition Corey Louchiey is the unlikely answer. Louchiey has good size, but gets lethargic at times, and struggles to move his feet in pass pro. Versatile FA OG Matt Eliott was signed away from Carolina, and will likely fill a hole at one of the OG spots. Elliott has been a backup through much of his career, and may be better suited in that role. The only spots that seem to be set are at OC with Robbie Tobeck, and LT with Bob Whitfield. The team likes 1997 draft pick OC Calvin Collins, and he may get a shot at RG. Collins played OC and OG in college. The Falcons will have a lot of options picking #12 in the upcoming draft. They could grab Flozelle Adams, Tra Thomas, or Kyle Turley... any of the 3 could be an instant fix at RT.
DL - This unit suffered a big blow when they lost FA DT Dan Owens... Owens was a solid force last season, totaling 9 sacks. 1997 1st rd. pick Nathan Davis saw little action last season, and it is doubtful that he will be ready to step in and fill the void. With the 12th pick in the 1st rd., they could also look at DT's Jason Peter or Vonnie Holiday... one or both could still be on the board when they select. DE's Lester Archambeau and Chuck Smith are solid on the outside, but they could look for a nickle rusher to replace Archambeau in definite passing situations.
LB - A lot of age in this unit... they are really close to having to revamp this whole unit. MLB Jesse Tuggle is still a solid player, but he has lost a step each of the past 2 seasons. SLB Corneliuss Bennett was close to the end before leaving Buffalo, and has hung by a thread the past 2 seasons. FA OLB Daivd Brandon missed most of last season with an injury, and has not been re-signed as of yet. Rookie Henri Crockett filled in well for Brandon and will be the likely starter at WLB. Depth here is marginal at best... adding 2-3 LB's in this draft couldn't hurt. Georgia Tech standout Keith Brooking may still be on the board when they select with the 12th overall pick.
DB - This unit really played well late in the season. DC Ray Buchanan was expected to dominate, but really struggled early in the year. The success of this unit may depend on 1997 1st rd. pick Michael Bookers' ability to develop. Booker really struggled in his 1st NFL season. FS Devin Bush was the only consistent contributor last season. Look for them to add a SS in the draft, to replace William White who can no longer run.
ST - The return game is in good hands with PR man Tod Kinchen and KOR man Byron Hanspard. Kinchen doesn't show much big play flair, but has exc. hands. Hanspard is electrifying, and returned for 2 TD's last season. They
re-signed their PT/PK duo of Dan Stryzinski and Morten Andersen. Andersen is no longer automatic, but is still one of the better PK's in the NFL.
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