Bartkowski joins 16 other players and coaches in the 2012 class. The National Football Foundation announced the 2012 inductees to the College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday. For a player to be inducted, he must have received First Team All-America recognition by an NCAA-recognized selector.  This criteria has met with some criticism among fans who think it leads to many great players being snubbed.

Bartkowski didn’t always play like an Hall of Famer while at Cal however.  His first season he shared the starting job with former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo.  Then in 1973, his second year, he had a terrible season as a starter and was nearly benched.  But in 1974 he put together a remarkable season, throwing for 2580 yards – including four 300 yard games -  and 12 touchdowns.  All this despite suffering a shoulder injury during the season.

Coming out of Cal, he was the overall number one pick in the 1975, going to the Falcons.  He is still the only Golden Bear to have ever been taken with the first overall pick.

He was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1975, but had his career slowed by numerous knee injuries after that season.  He led the NFL with 31 touchdown passes in 1980, and was a Pro Bowl selection in both 1980 and 1981. He quarterbacked the Falcons in their first three playoff appearances, and led the Falcons to their first ever division championship in 1980.

Bartkowski is still the Falcons all-time leader in passing yards (23,470), completions (1,870), touchdowns (154). and holds the single season record for touchdown passes (31).  He is also one of only nine quarterbacks in NFL history who have had consecutive 30-touchdown passing seasons (1980 & 1981).

The complete list for the 2012 College Football Hall of Fame inductees is as follows:

PLAYERS
Charles Alexander, LSU RB (1975-78)
Otis Armstrong, Purdue RB (1969-72)
Steve Bartowski, Cal QB (1972-74)
Hal Bedsole, USC WR (1961-63)
Dave Casper, ND TE (1971-73)
Ty Detmer, BYU QB (1988-91)
Tommy Kramer, Rice QB (1973-76)
Art Monk, Syracuse WR (1976-79)
Greg Myers, Colorado State  S (1992-95)
Jonathan Ogden, UCLA OT (1992-95)
Gabe Rivera, Texas Tech DT (1979-82)
Mark Simoneau, Kansas State LB (1996-99)
Scott Thomas, Air Force S (1982-85)
John Wooten, Colorado OG (1956-58)

COACHES
Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee (1992-08)
Jimmy Johnson, Oklahoma State & Miami (1979-83)
R.C. Slocum, Texas A&M (1989-02)

MC:  So Corey, let’s jump right in to this year’s off-season.  From the defensive standpoint, how big of a relief was it to you and some of the other guys in the locker room when the Falcons re-signed John Abraham?

CP:  For me especially, being a defensive lineman, but I think it’s huge for us.  He’s extremely underrated, and I don’t think people really realize how much of an effect he has when he’s out there on the field.  He makes it easier for guys like me when I’m out there.  Having an older guy beside me to alert me to things and remind me of things is always helpful.

MC:  Now although you play defensive tackle, and Abraham plays defensive end, has he been a big mentor for you in your first couple of years in the league?

CP:  He’s always been a positive voice, and he’s the kind of guy who will let you know that you need to pick it up, and that’s always appreciated.   So I think it’s huge.  We actually had the same defensive line coach in our respective college years, so when I came in I had already heard stories about Abe.  He’s really helped me out tremendously.

MC:  So have you had a chance to meet with your new coordinator Mike Nolan, and see what he’s got planned for the Falcons defense this year?

CP:  I’ve had a chance to sit down and talk with him briefly…nothing too formal…just kind of getting to know each other.  We really didn’t talk much football. But from what I understand, we are going to be doing some similar type things to what we are used to, not a huge night and day difference.  I’m sure there will be some different wrinkles here and there.

MC:  OK, let’s talk about the draft.  I think the only knock I read about you during your draft process was about your frame.  I saw some of the experts saying you needed to “add bulk”, or “hit the weight room.”  Do you remember what scouts were saying about you in 2010?

CP:  Most of what I read on the internet and in other places basically said I wouldn’t do anything spectacularly.  I wasn’t going to be the fastest guy or the strongest guy, and I guess to a certain extent some of that is true.

MC:  Now, you were featured in an NFL documentary film called “Late Rounders”.  In watching that, I heard a lot of scouts knocking your worth ethic and your smarts.  But, you were on the academic honor roll, weren’t you?

CP:  Oh yes, I was academic honor roll for three years straight at Kentucky.  I was an under the radar prospect, as were all the other guys in that film.  I think the draft experts do a pretty good job of evaluating the first and second round picks, but after that I think they just start talking. if I can be honest.  Once they get outside the first and second round, I don’t think they really evaluate the players, and they..for the lack of a better word…just talk.

MC:  So you feel they just say something to say something at times?

CP  Yeah, Pretty much.  Well, that’s how I feel.  That’s why when you look at their mock drafts, it wont be close to the way things really come out.

MC:  In the movie, they show all you guys in the hours leading up to your name being called in the draft.  Now I noticed when they called your name and said the Atlanta Falcons, you had the biggest smile come over your face.  What were you thinking at that moment?

CP:  It was a great place for me.  Coming from Kentucky, it’s pretty close.  My dad and brother are in Kentucky, and my mom is in West Virginia, so my family would still be able to get down for games.  Atlanta is a great place, and it’s a great city for a family.  I hope to kind of make my life here and start a family here.

Corey Peters was selected by the Falcons with the 83rd overall pick out of the University of Kentucky in 2010.  In two seasons with the Falcons he has 46 career tackles, along with four sacks and one interception.

The Falcons signed second-round draft pick Peter Konz to a four-year, $3.58 million deal on Sunday.  The deal includes a $1.05 million signing bonus.   Konz spent most of the rookie minicamp this weekend taking snaps at right guard, as well as a few at center.  Having that kind of versatility is going to serve Konz well once full blown training camp begins, and the competition becomes fierce.  At the end of the first day of practice, Konz did his version of the “Dirty Bird” dance, stating: “I’m bringing back the Dirty Bird”.   Paging Mr. Santiago…Mr. O.J. Santiago, please report to Flowery Branch…STAT!

Rumors are flying around that the Falcons might be a dark horse in the race to land New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.  Not likely in my humble opinion, for several reasons.  First, is money. The Falcons have had a windfall of cash lately with the $3 million credit from Michael Vick‘s contract, and another $3 million that was freed up after releasing fullback Ovie Mughelli.  But GM Thomas Dimitroff has other plans for that money, not to mention it would take more draft picks than the Falcons are probably willing to give up to wrestle Umenyiora away from the Giants.  Second, Umenyiora is becoming a distraction to the Giants with his constant public chirping to the press, and the last thing Atlanta needs is a possible locker room distraction.  Besides, if the Falcons want a disgruntled pass rusher who could possibly lead to locker room issues, they can get Albert Haynesworth for a song.

Fifth-round draft pick Jonathan Massaquoi lost 15 pounds before reporting to the Falcons rookie minicamp.  Massaquoi weighed around 260 pounds when he led the Sun Belt Conference in sacks in 2010, but last season he peaked at about 275 pounds.  Head coach Mike Smith said Massaquoi’s weight loss was by design.  “We felt that looking at him as a junior and then looking at his senior tape he looked to be heavier as a senior,” Smith said Saturday. “He played a little bit lighter as a junior when he had more production. His weight is down and he looks a lot leaner than he did as a senior.”  The Falcons hope that lighter “Mass” will hopefully lead to larger sack numbers.

While we are on the subject of weight, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has apparently been in the weight room bulking up for the upcoming season.  With new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter bringing a renewed emphasis to the vertical passing game, Ryan has decided to make sure he’s prepared for the change.  “I’ve been working hard on that and getting with (director of athletic performance) Jeff Fish now that we’re back to make sure that I’m ready to go,” Ryan told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  “(I’m) ready to be strong in December and January. I want to be able to play my best football at that time. That’s one of the things I’ve tried to figure out and analyze myself; how do I get myself to be playing my very best, when your very best is needed. I’m still working on getting there.”  So come January, don’t be surprised if you hear calls of “RYAN SMASH!” coming from the huddle.

The Falcons signed former Georgia tight end Aron White to a free agent contract after completion of rookie minicamp.  White tweeted “I’m officially a Falcon after this weekend tryout!”  I’m wondering if the plans for the new stadium are to include hedges around the playing field.  If so, Someone should warn White.  Related: The Falcons will take out additional insurance on the Falcons Drumline if White makes the 45-man roster this season.

I'm officially a falcon after this weekend tryout! #dreamcometrue #riseup

May 13, 2012 11:27 am via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@aronwhite81

Aron White

Of the undrafted free agents the Falcons have signed, several jump out to me as having a good chance to make the 2012 team.  They are highlighted below.

Expected to report:

2012 Draft Rookies
Peter Konz, G/C, Wisconsin
Lamar Holmes, T, Southern Miss
Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin
Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy
Charles Mitchell, S, Mississippi State
Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina

Undrafted Free Agents
Corey Adams, LS, Kansas State
Lamark Brown, WR, Minnesota-Mankato
Michael Calvin, WR, California
Rico Council, LB, Tennessee State
Dominique Davis, QB, East Carolina: Davis could be the answer the Falcons have been looking for in a young QB to develop behind Matt Ryan
Chad Faulcon, S, Montclair State: Fast, hard hitting safety, who could step right in on special teams for the Falcons
Robbie Frey, RB, Kutztown
Max Gruder, LB, Pittsburgh
Bryce Harris, T, Fresno State
Jerrell Harris, LB, Alabama: Although the top is set at this position, the Falcons will be looking for some depth, and Nolan has been known to carry six linebackers in the past.
Josh Harris, LS, Auburn
Tyler Horn, C, Miami: Peter Konz is most likey the heir-apparent to Todd McClure at center, but Horn was a 2nd team All-ACC player and could make one of the other interior spots on OL.
Marcus Jackson, WR, Lamar
Ray Kibble, DT, Kansas State
Phillipkeith Manley, G, Toledo
Marty Markett, CB, South Carolina
Adam Nissley, TE, Central Florida: Atlanta didn’t draft a tight end, and will be looking for a third this year.
Louis Nzegwu, DE, Wisconsin
Cody Pearcy, WR, Huntingdon
Micanor Regis, DT, Miami
James Rodgers, WR, Oregon State: Explosive speed and the ability to play special teams give Rodgers an edge over some of his competition.  His brother already being on the Falcons roster doesn’t hurt either
Pat Schiller, LB, Northern Illinois
Peyton Thompson, CB, San Jose State
Dawson Zimmerman, P, Clemson

Veterans
Kevin Cone, WR, Georgia Tech
Drew Davis, WR, Oregon
Tommy Gallarda, TE, Boise State
Matt Hansen, LB, Rhode Island
Andrew Jackson, G, Fresno State
Suaesi Tuimaunei, S, Oregon State

Mughelli had been a durable and versatile player for the Falcons, and was regarded as one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league.  In 2010 he was named to his second All-Pro team, and to his first Pro-Bowl squad.  Seven games into 2011, he suffered a season-ending knee injury (torn MCL) against the Detroit Lions.  Atlanta signed former Georgia Tech fullback Mike Cox to finish out the 2011 season.

Per league source, #Falcons release FB Ovie Mughelli

May 8, 2012 8:03 am via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@ZachKleinWSB

Zach Klein

The Falcons drafted fullback Bradie Ewing out of Wisconsin in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft, which signaled to many that Mughelli’s days might be numbered in Atlanta.  Given the $4 million they would have to pay Mughelli this year, it’s not surprising that this kind of move was made, as Atlanta will need to free up some cash to pay this season’s rookie salaries.

Ewing had been used more as a receiving and rushing fullback in college, which could be good or bad for Atlanta.  Mughelli’s knack for pancaking defenders and opening running lanes for Michael Turner was sorely missed after his injury last season, so Ewing will have be ready to take on a much smaller role in the offense if the Falcons intend for him to fill those shoes.

Mughelli was drafted out of Wake Forest University in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Ravens.  He has 120 rushing yards, 62 receptions for 490 yards, and seven touchdowns for his career.

UPDATE: 11:00 am – The Falcons have now confirmed Mughelli’s release.

The Falcons received a $3 million cap credit from the money owed to the franchise by former quarterback Michael Vick.  The Falcons had been pursuing the credits with the league since Vick signed his $100 million deal – which included $35 million worth of guaranteed money – with the Philadelphia Eagles last summer.  So Vick finally came through for Atlanta in crunch time.

The final tryouts to become a 2012 Atlanta Falcons cheerleader were held on May 3, 2012. Of the 270 ladies who originally tried out, 65 finalists competed for 40 spots on the squad.  The selected candidates will have rehearsals up to three times per week throughout the 2012 season.  Cheerleaders are paid $75 per home game.  Isn’t that less than the cost of a ticket?

Former Atlanta Falcons Jamal Anderson, Chris Doleman, and O.J. Santiago, have added their names to the ever expanding list of players suing the NFL over concussion-based issues.  The players assert that the league hid the dangers of concussions from them, and “repeatedly refuted the connection between concussions and brain injury.” according to a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta by attorney Mike McGlamry.  Keen awareness of this issue is certainly going to be in the spotlight following the tragic suicide of former San Diego Chargers legend Junior Seau.

One of the undrafted free-agents signed by Atlanta is named Chad Faulcon (yes, pronounced just like falcon).  The safety from Montclair State University in New Jersey received a warm welcome from fans on Twitter this past week.  Eric Dye, public address announcer for the Georgia Dome, has to be licking his chops at the prospect of announcing Faulcon’s name on game days.

I’ve seen fans, bloggers and professional journalists that have given grades on the Falcons’ draft ranging from B’s to D’s (and I actually saw one F thrown in there).  What I want to know is, who blew the bell curve in the league? Oh…thanks a lot Oakland Raiders, as usual.

I’ve seen new Falcons’ defensive back Asante Samuel referred to as the “worst tackling cornerback in the league”.  How about we actually let the guy play a down or two before the skewering begins.  With all due respect to his detractors, if Samuel does what the Falcons are paying him to do, there won’t be a lot of tackling involved in his job.

Falcon’s owner Arthur Blank and the rest of the franchise’s top brass volunteered to improve conditions in a local Atlanta neighborhood known as “The 30314″.  A community center called City of Refuge was the focus of the team’s volunteer efforts.  Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, head coach Mike Smith and his entire staff worked to increase a garden space, build an indoor playground and improve residences for single women and approximately 80 homeless children in the non-profit center.

Got some interesting Atlanta Falcons news items or facts? Comment below or contact me via my RantSports.com page

First Round:  It’s now well documented that the Falcons did not have a first round pick this year as a result of last year’s draft day deal to land wide receiver Julio Jones.  But that didn’t mean that GM Thomas Dimitroff wasn’t going to make some pre-first-round noise.  Just one day before the start of the 2012 draft, the Falcons pulled off a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for star cornerback Asante Samuel.  Atlanta gave Philly a seventh round draft pick for the Pro-Bowl cornerback, and was able to restructure Samuel’s deal to actually save the Falcons money on what he would have been due.   Atlanta had been given a compensatory pick in the seventh round this year, so essentially they got Asante Samuel for nothing.  In my book, that tops any first round pick Atlanta would have been able to make.  Grade: A+

Second Round:  The Falcons held the 23rd pick in the second round (55 overall), and the majority of “draft gurus” out there figured Atlanta to go offensive line with this pick.  Dimitroff didn’t disappoint, but the name that came up was one that few folks had Atlanta targeting when they picked center Peter Konz out of Wisconsin.  The reason so few people had Atlanta even thinking about Konz is that he wasn’t expected to be on the board as late as 55.  Most figured Konz to be picked up late in the first round or at worst early in the second round.  He was the number one rated player at the center position, and will be a huge asset to Atlanta by eventually taking over for veteran Todd McClure.  The only knock on Konz has been injuries, and hopefully as he works with the Falcons trainers, he’ll be able to curtail them.  In any case, this pick was a no-brainer for Atlanta when they saw him sitting there.  Grade: A

Third Round:  (Pick Traded to Baltimore on Draft Day from 21 to 28)  The Falcons traded down in the third round, but got another fifth round pick in the process from Baltimore.  So it was time for another offensive linemen, right?  And it was going one of the big tackles from Auburn or FSU, right?  Guess again.  The Falcons dropped a lot of jaws when then took the 20th ranked tackle out of Southern Mississippi, Lamar Holmes.  Most predicted Holmes to be a late round developmental type player (I had them taking Holmes in the seventh round), and with the immediate needs that the Falcons have at tackle, this one was a real stretch.  His tall frame and long arms give him great strength against the pass rush, but he’s pretty raw, and will take some time to develop.  Grade C+

Fourth Round:  (Pick Traded to Cleveland in 2011)

Fifth Round:  Atlanta ended up with two picks in the fifth round after the trade with Baltimore, the number 22  and 29 picks (157 and 164 overall).  With the 22nd pick in the round, the Falcons surprised once again by going back to Wisconsin and taking fullback Bradie Ewing.  I had the Falcons taking a fullback on my draft card, but it wasn’t Ewing.  Although Ewing was the third rated player at his position, he wasn’t projected to be picked until the sixth or seventh round.  He does fill a big need for Atlanta, but I think he might have still been available for a later pick.  Fifth round seems a bit of a reach.  The knock on Ewing is that he was used more as a power runner rather than a traditional blocking fullback, and that he lacks the strength to push back big defenders.  Still, Atlanta likes to use their fullback as a receiver out of the backfield, and blocking techniques can be taught.  A lot of time in the weight room will definitely be needed for Ewing.  Grade: B-

The Falcons next pick in the fifth round could also be considered a steal, in fact, it’s surprising that Atlanta didn’t take Troy outside linebacker/defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi with their first pick in this round.  If the name sounds familiar, it should.  He’s the cousin of former University of Georgia and current Cleveland Browns receiver Mohamed Masaquoi.  The Falcons wanted to add depth to the linebacker and end position, and Massaquoi will fill that role nicely.  He’s a bit of a diamond in the rough, but his raw skills and size had many thinking he’d be taken by the fourth round.  Playing at a smaller school like Troy in the Sun Belt Conference, he didn’t get as many looks as he might have, but those who saw him realized what a talent he is.  He was the Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year in 2010 and had a stellar career while at Troy.  He’s definitely a “project” and will require some coaching on pass rush techniques and discipline in defending the run game.  Grade: B+

Sixth Round:  Atlanta again followed suit what I thought they might do, taking a safety in this round.  But I can’t say I agree with the pick they made.  Taking strong safety Charles Mitchell out of Mississippi State was a gamble, especially given that my pick, San Jose State’s Duke Ihenacho, was still sitting there.  Mitchell was ranked number 11 in his position, and wasn’t projected to be picked (if picked at all) until the seventh round.  He had some good individual games as a Bulldog, but never showed any real consistency.  Still, the Falcons must have seen something they liked, and my pick (Ihenacho) ended up signing a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos.  This is one I’ll keep my eye on as training camp and the pre-season get going.  Grade: C

Seventh Round:  Atlanta used their final pick in the 2012 draft on South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson.  His upside, he’s a 300 pound, 6’4″ space-eater on the defensive line, with quick feet and a good burst at the line.  His downside, he’s very sloppy and unrefined fundamentally, and he’s not an every down player.  But when you are at the 249th overall pick, you go ahead and see if you can’t pick a nice surprise.  Robertson could be just that.  Grade: C+

Undrafted Free-Agents:  The following UDFA’s have signed agreements with Atlanta -

Tyler Horn: Miami (Florida), OL – Named to second team All-ACC in 2011

James Rodgers: Oregon State, WR- Brother of Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Strong receiver who also can return kicks.

Cody Pearcy: Huntingdon, WR -  4.3 forty time and a 44-inch vertical leap.  Even in Div. III those stats raise eyebrows.

Dominique Davis: East Carolina, QB – Davis backed up Matt Ryan at Boston College for one season.  He also has an NCAA record for consecutive completions in a single game.

Adam Nissley: Central Florida, TE – All-Conference USA Honorable Mention in 2011.

Phillip Keith Manley: Toledo, OL – Huge 6’5″ 300 pound frame.  Third team All-Conference USA

Jerrell Harris: Alabama, LB – Yes, there was actually a member of the Crimson Tide defense that didn’t get drafted in the first round.

Chad Faulcon: Montclair State, S – Fast, hard hitting young man who will no doubt make a big splash on special teams.

Overall I think given the picks that Atlanta had to work with, and the immediate needs they were looking to fill, they did a pretty good job.  They took steps to upgrading the offensive line, and defensive backfield.  They got a fullback to replace Ovie Mughelli, and they added some depth to the pass rush.  Many thought they might try to grab a premier tight end to take over for Tony Gonzalez after he retires this season, but it wasn’t an immediate need and is a position that can be addressed via free agency or next year’s draft.  They grabbed a couple of projects who may or may not work out, but that’s true in just about any draft class.  The important thing for Atlanta was trying to improve on last season’s weaknesses, and they did accomplish that goal.  Overall Grade: B

I invite you to follow along, comment and make your own predictions as the draft unfolds, or tweet me at @GaSportsCraze

First round facts:

There were eight trades involving 12 teams on draft night

The Cowboys made the biggest jump, moving from 14 to 6

Round 1

1 – Indianapolis Colts, – Andrew Luck, QB – Stanford.  Not like the Colts hadn’t made this one clear.  It’s going to be a long year for the young man.  As GM would you have taken Luck over RG3?  Comment below.

2 – Washington Redskins, – Robert Griffin III, QB – Baylor.  Another non-surprise. I love his skills and his football smarts.  Redskins made a good move trading up for this pick.

3 – Cleveland Browns, – Trent Richardson, RB – Alabama.  The Browns gave up two 4th round picks, a 5th round and a 7th round pick to move up one spot for Richardson.  Hefty price to pay.  Worth the risk?

4 – Minnesota Vikings, – Matt Kalil, OT – USC.  Solid pick. Definitely best offensive lineman in the draft.  Minnesota needed help up front.

5 – Jacksonville Jaguars, – Justin Blackmon, WR – Oklahoma St.  Wow…Didn’t expect the Bucs to give that pick away.  Thought they really were in love with the Claiborne idea.  This is a little too high for Blackmon in my opinion.  Jags need a QB to throw to him.

6 - Dallas Cowboys, – Morris Claiborne, CB – LSU.  Dallas addressing a need for sure here.  Gave up 2 picks to get him but given the fact that he was available at number 6 I think it’s a solid move by the Cowboys.

7 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, – Mark Barron, S – Alabama.  Not sure he was this high on anyone’s draft board. Definitely addresses a need for the Bucs, but I can’t see wanting him over Claiborne.

8 – Miami Dolphins, – Ryan Tannehill, QB – Texas A&M.  There are a lot of things  I like about Tannehill, but he is a project that will take some development time.  Not sure that’s the answer to the Dophins QB issue.

9 – Carolina Panthers, – Luke Kuechly, ILB – Boston College.  This pick is a steal in my opinion. Kuechly doesn’t get the face time of some others in this draft playing for BC, but he’s a beast.

10 – Buffalo Bills, – Stephon Gilmore, CB – South Carolina.  Bills took best player available, and someone they needed.  Gilmore can impact right away for them.

11 – Kansas City Chiefs, – Dontari Poe, DT – Memphis.  Poe was great in the combine, but given KCs offensive issues last year, I can’t say I agree with this pick.  Especially leaving Lamichael James sitting there

12 – Philadelphia Eagles, – Fletcher Cox, DT – Mississippi State.  Eagles make the trade and hit a gem with Cox.  Speedy DT with unreal skills.  Will make the trenches in Philly much more formidable.

13 – Arizona Cardinals, – Michael Floyd, WR – Notre Dame.  Many had Floyd rated higher than Blackmon at the WR position. Cardinals got a player, but did it really fill a need for them?  Comment and tell me.

14 – St. Louis Rams – Michael Brockers, DT – LSU.  Good pick for the Rams.  Brockers gives them some size and speed on that line, although I think they should have looked at OL first.

15 – Seattle Seahawks – Bruce Irvin, OLB/DE – West Virginia.  Not an every down player, but great speed when he plays at the end position. Pass rush specialist will definitely benefit the Seahawks.

16 – New York Jets, – Quinton Coples, DE – North Carolina.  And once again, the Jets pick against the grain.  Ground and pound is at a stand still, so they pick a defensive end.  Go figure.

17 – Cincinnati Bengals, – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB – Alabama.   The third pick out of Alabama tonight.  Bengals will get what they need out of Kirkpatrick.  Great ball skills and closing speed.

18 – San Diego Chargers, – Melvin Ingram, DE – South Carolina.  Best DE left on the board in my opinion.  Gives the Chargers a good pass rush guy, as well as someone who can play the run even though he’s a bit undersized.  He basically beat UGA on his own this season.

19 – Chicago Bears, – Shea McClellin, OLB – Boise State.  Curious pick, but a good one.  Really figured the Bears to look at OL or WR.  Bears don’t normally take defensive players in first round.

20 – Tennessee Titans, – Kendall Wright, WR – Baylor.  Wright can flat out fly, might be a good deep target for Locker.  A bit small though.  I’ll give that pick a B-

21 – New England Patriots, – Chandler Jones, DE – Syracuse.  Pats traded up to get the player they wanted here.  They wanted a pass rusher, and he’s a good one.  Huge pick up for what was a weak New England defense last season.

22 – Cleveland Browns, – Brandon Weeden, QB – Okalhoma State.  Wow…just…wow.  The Browns take yet ANOTHER first round QB.  Colt McCoy…polish your resume, or..not.

23 – Detroit Lions, – Riley Reiff, OT – Iowa,  Protect your franchise QB, and give Megatron time to run his routes.  Solid pick, Lions got a winner.

24 – Pittsburgh Steelers, – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford.  DeCastro did a great job of opening up holes on that line in Stanford. Big, space eater who will be a big boost to the Steelers run game.

Great work by Vikings GM Rick Spielman to get something for nothing.

April 26, 2012 6:15 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@McShay13

Todd McShay

25 – New England Patriots, – Dont’a Hightower, LB – Alabama.  The Patriots trade up once again in the first round and add another big piece to what will be a revamped defense.  Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Pats know how to draft.

26 – Houston Texans, – Whitney Mercilus, DE – Illinois.   I figured the Texans to look for a WR or OG, although I know they wanted to at least try to put in replacement for Mario Williams.  Decent pick.  They have a number of needs.

27 – Cincinnati Bengals, – Kevin, Zeitler, OG – Wisconsin.  Should be a big help to the Bengals run game.  Ravens had their eye on him, so Bengals took care of a need and thwarted a divisional foe.  Nice.

28 – Green Bay Packers, – Nick Perry, DE – USC.  Packers needed to address defense, and they did.  Perry can play DE or LB, and has great pass rush ability.  Good pick.

29 – Minnesota Vikings, – Harrison Smith, S – Notre Dame.  Vikings give up a 2nd and a 4th round pick to take a big step up in their secondary.  Smith converted from OLB to safety.  Should be a versatile player for the Vikings.

30 – San Francisco 49ers, – A.J. Jenkins, WR – Illinois.  Not surprise pick as far as position, but I think Stephen Hill would have been a better fit.

31 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, – Doug Martin, RB – Boise State.  Tampa needed to add some depth in the running game. Was this the best RB available?  I’m on the fence.

32 – New York Giants, – Davis Wilson, RB – Virginia Tech.  This is the back I would have figured the Bucs to take.  Speedy slashing type runner.  Great catching passes out of the backfield too and can return kicks.  Superb pick by the Giants.

Best first round:  New England Patriots, who traded up twice – from 27/31 to 21/25 – to get two excellent defenders that they coveted and still managed to keep two 2nd round picks in their pocket.

Most questionable first round:  Miami Dolphins taking quarterback Ryan Tannehill.  With all the good quarterbacks on the board, the Dolphins went with a guy who was converted to QB after two years playing wide receiver.  No doubt the relationship between Mike Sherman and Tannehill had something to do with it, but Miami needed a “win now” QB in my opinion rather than a project.

Best Players left on the board:

Courtney Upshaw, OLB – Alabama,  Coby Fleener, TE – Stanford,  Cordy Glenn, OT – Georgia

Be sure to follow on with my round 2-3  blog as well.  Keep comments coming, and let me know how you think your team did in the first round.

Reportedly the deal will not add any additional years to Samuel’s contract, but will require some restructuring of the money he is due over the next two seasons.

Samuel's new deal would not add additional years to his contract but will alter his remaining salaries. He's excited for deal to be done

April 25, 2012 7:22 am via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@JasonLaCanfora

Jason La Canfora

Samuel is a four-time Pro Bowl pick, and has 45 career interceptions in nine seasons with the Patriots and the Eagles. Last season, his three interceptions in 14 games was his lowest since 2005, however he is still considered one of the top corners in the league.  The addition of Samuel will give Falcons first-year defensive coordinator Mike Nolan three strong options at cornerback with Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes.

When asked about Samuel, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said he has been a tough defensive opponent.

“As far as Asante Samuel, I can only speak for having played against him a number of times and I know that’s he’s been extremely difficult to play against and has done a great job against us when we’ve played him in the past,” Ryan said.

Improving Atlanta’s secondary was thought to be one of the top priorities in this years draft.  The addition of Samuel will allow the Falcons to focus on other needs such as offensive and defensive line.   Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said that Samuel is “a player who would improve anyone’s defense.”

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff was New England’s director of scouting in 2003 when the Patriots picked Samuel in the fourth round out of Central Florida.

Grimes had expressed his displeasure with being saddled with the franchise tag, even though a $10 million one-year deal came with it.  The message from the Falcons today was clear to Grimes.  Go ahead and hold out.  Sit at home.  We have a contingency, and we’ll be fine.  The question now remains if Grimes signing his deal will kill the possibility of a trade for Samuel.

Putting together a trade that will make Philadelphia happy shouldn’t be an issue.  They are intent on moving Samuel one way or another.  Their main goal is to unload Samuel’s salary from their roster.  The Falcons could put together a draft pick package using a pick from this year and next year that would most likely get the deal done.

Salary cap considerations are a completely different story.  The Falcons are already dangerously close to the cap, and with Grimes signing his $10 million deal, it will take some restructuring and some creative financial thinking.  Samuel – due $9.9 million in 2012, $11.4 million in 2013 – has said he is willing to restructure his contract.  If the Falcons could shed some other contract fat, or restructure Grimes and other contracts, it could still possibly work.

Samuel would be a perfect fit into the new scheme that first year defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will be installing.  Nolan likes to use a lot of defensive backs and to mix up blitz schemes using corners and safeties, and having a third quality corner would eliminate some of the issues the Falcons faced in nickel situations last season.

In an off-season that has seen a real lack of excitement or movement on the part of the Falcons, this would be a breath of fresh air for fans, and would go a long way into instilling some confidence that Atlanta wants to improve beyond just hiring new coordinators.