Reports on Saturday indicated that the Falcons signing Osi Umenyiora was very imminent. Not sure if by the time this posts Monday morning if that deal will be official, but given the sources (Pro Football Talk and Adam Schefter), I trust them.

I don’t have a problem with that move. The problem with the move is that it is at best a lateral move for a team that struggled with their pass rush throughout 2012. It’s a toss-up between the lack of pass rush and the run defense as to what was the Achilles heel of the Falcons defense last year. At least for the run defense, there were some strong performances down the stretch. Not sure, if I can say the same for the pass rush.

I don’t think Osi is better than John Abraham, but the dropoff is not huge. If you asked me who I would rather have for one season, my answer is definitely Abraham. If you’re asking me who I would rather have for three seasons, then I’d probably choose Osi just because he is a few years younger. But I definitely don’t think Osi is going to be as good or better than Abraham is at age 34.

This is why I think adding pass rush help will remain a priority for the Falcons going into the draft. I think there is a strong possibility that the Falcons will use their top pick to help there.

Once Osi signs, the focus will shift firmly to cornerback as the Falcons top need. While I won’t say that the team won’t draft a corner with their top pick, there is still a lot of time left before the draft (31 days to be exact). There are just too many good veteran corners available, that I’d be surprised if the Falcons didn’t try and pursue one in that time span. It seems inevitable that Brent Grimes won’t be returning to the Falcons at this point, despite my overwhelming desires. So if not Grimes, then the Falcons still have options. Antoine Winfield is probably the best, but he’s 36 and at that age is really only a one-year stopgap. But Winfield would be a good player to pair with Asante Samuel for a season. Winfield still played at a high level last year, and is one of the league’s most consistent run-defending corners in the league. You could possibly make the argument that Winfield is one of the best run-support corners in the last twenty years. Terence Newman brings many of the physical traits to the table that Robinson did that had Falcons officials gushing over him three years ago. He was decent last year in Cincinnati, but it’s hard not to forget his struggles in Dallas the previous two years. Quentin Jammer is another corner with a reputation for physicality, but I’m not sure he can really run anymore, which is the same complaint about Nnamdi Asomugha. Rashean Mathis is a guy that Mike Smith is very familiar with, but he’s struggled with injuries the past two years, so may not be a reliable starter. There are other players such as DeAngelo Hall, Mike Jenkins, Kelvin Hayden, Marcus Trufant, Stanford Routt, Cedric Griffin, and Tracy Porter that will also potentially be in the mix. And I can’t forget about Charles Woodson either.

That’s just too many serviceable to good starters out there for the Falcons to stand pat at cornerback. Right now, there cornerback position consists of Samuel and Robert McClain, and that’s about it. Dominique Franks is on the roster bubble. He didn’t contribute anything as a returner last year, and has not contributed anything on special teams coverage, making his hold on a reserve spot tenuous at best. Backup defensive backs have to contribute on special teams, and Franks does not. So unless the Falcons really like Terrence Johnson and/or Peyton Thompson, you can be fairly confident that at least two significant additions will be made at the position. Probably one on the first two days of the draft, and likely one in free agency.

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Falcons head coach Mike Smith was in attendance at yesterday’s pro day for the University of Georgia. Much of the story surrounding yesterday’s pro day centered around the “lackluster” performance of outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, who clocked a disappointing 4.92 second 40 time, prompting some to view the 6-3, 249-pound pass rusher as a better prospect at defensive end.

But more interesting was the tweet of the AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter yesterday that the Falcons have scheduled a private workout for linebacker Alec Ogletree. The 6-3, 244-pound inside linebacker ran a 4.64 second wind-aided 40 time and lifted 225 pounds 18 times on the bench press. Ogletree has the athleticism and versatility to potentially play all three linebacker positions at the next level and has been favorably compared to current Falcon Sean Weatherspoon given his athleticism.

Ogletree is projected as a first round pick, although his stock took a hit following a February DUI arrest. This came on the heels of a 4-game suspension to start the 2012 season due to a failed drug test. He was suspended for a game as a freshman following the theft of a scooter helmet. The Falcons typically avoid players with off-field red flags, but scheduling a visit with him likely indicates they want to take a closer look at the talented linebacker.

Despite not playing a full season, Ogletree’s production was off the charts this past year, as his 111 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 6 pass breakups exceeded his combined totals from the two previous years: 86 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 3 sacks, no interceptions, and 3 breakups.

Ricardo Cano of The Collegian reports that the Falcons have scheduled a work out with Fresno State safety Phillip Thomas. Thomas worked out with fellow Fresno State draft prospects on Wednesday at the school’s pro day, and it’s not known if the team conducted a campus workout or will invite Thomas to Flowery Branch.

Nineteen NFL teams were on hand this week to watch Fresno State’s pro day, which likely included the Falcons, but that is as of yet unconfirmed. Thomas was able to improve his 40 time from last month’s Scouting Combine, able to shave his time down from 4.65 seconds to 4.53. Also improving on previous 40 times Wednesday was running back Robbie Rouse, who ran an unimpressive 4.8 second 40 at the Combine. He managed a 4.56 at his pro day.

Thomas is the third-rated free safety by CBS Sports/NFL Draft Scout and projected as a second day draft pick. Thomas missed all of his junior season (2011) with a broken leg, but returned stronger than ever as a senior this past fall. He had 8 interceptions, which led the nation, along with 84 tackles, 12 for loss, and 4 sacks. Three of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

In other workout-related news, it was reported Tuesday by Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News that Texas A&M outside lineback Sean Porter has already had a private workout with the Falcons. A&M held their pro day on March 8, where Porter reportedly ran a 4.63. CBS Sports projects Porter as a third or fourth round pick. Porter replaced current Denver Broncos star Von Miller as A&M’s primary pass-rushing linebacker as a junior in 2011, recording 9.5 sacks, 79 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups. He was supplanted by Damontre Moore this past season, and got more reps in coverage. He still managed 3.5 sacks, 66 tackles, 6.5 for loss, but also had an interception and 5 pass breakups

This past week, the Falcons were confirmed to be at the pro days of Albany State on Monday, San Diego State and Sam Houston State on Tuesday, N.C. State and Tennessee on Wednesday, and Middle Tennessee and Kentucky yesterday.

The Falcons were one of just four teams to watch Albany State’s prospects work out. Defensive tackle Justin Blash measured in at 6-5, 320 pounds and ran a wind-aided 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds. He also did 29 bench reps of 225 pounds. Running back Nathan Hoyte had a 4.47 second wind-aided 40, and recorded a 10-foot-3-inch broad jump and 33.5-inch vertical jump.

The Falcons reportedly showed interest in wideout Brice Butler at San Diego State’s pro day. Butler is the son of former Falcon cornerback Bobby Butler, who played 11 seasons with the team from 1981-92 and his 27 career interceptions currently rank sixth on the team’s all-time leaders list. Butler is a former USC trojan that transferred to San Diego State this past year. He caught 24 passes for 347 yards (14.5 avg) and 4 touchdowns, after catching 41 passes for 554 yards (13.5 avg) and 3 touchdowns in three years with the Trojans. At the pro day, Butler clocked a 4.36 second 40 time, with a 6.60 second 3-cone drill, 10-foot-9-inch broad jump, and 39-inch vertical. Butler being a native of Norcross, GA may be eligible to work out at the Falcons local pro day.

Two other highly-rated Aztec prospects are tight end Gavin Escobar and cornerback Leon McFadden, both of whom worked at last month’s Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Escobar was able to improve his 40 time, going from a 4.84 second time in Indianapolis to a 4.70 time on Tuesday. He reportedly spoke to Falcons officials. McFadden stood on his Combine numbers, except he repeated his 34.5-inch vertical.

Most eyes were likely drawn to quarterback Mike Glennon and cornerback David Amerson at N.C. State’s pro day, as both are projected as second round picks. But other players might have turned a few heads with some impressive athleticism being on display. Wideout Tobias Palmer led the Wolfpack in receptions this past season with 54, clocked a 4.33 second 40 time, with a 33.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-1-inch broad jump, and 14 bench reps of 225 pounds. Cornerback C.J. Wilson also clocked a 40 time of 4.33 seconds, 37-inch vertical, 10-foot-6-inch broad jump, and 17 bench reps. Running back Jonathan Fisher had a 4.37 second 40 time, 38-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-7-inch broad jump, and 16 bench reps.

Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports that every NFL team was on hand to check out Tennessee’s pro day on Wednesday. Assembled there was an impressive collection of receivers including projected first round pick Cordarelle Patterson. Justin Hunter recorded a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-6-inch broad jump. Former UT receiver Da’Rick Rogers, who transferred to Tennessee Tech after being suspended by the team was also on hand and had a 38-inch vertical jump. All three were invited to last month’s Combine. The Vol’s third receiver, Zach Rogers did not receive a Combine invite, and measured in at 6-1, 182 pounds, and ran a 4.49 second 40 time with a 9-foot-7-inch broad jump, 32-inch vertical, and 6.72 second 3-cone drill. Tight end Mychal Rivera also had a 31-inch vertical and did 21 bench reps.

The Falcons were among 13 teams represented at Middle Tennessee’s pro day. Running back Benny Cunningham is coming off knee surgery that ended his 2012 season prematurely. In five games however, he rushed for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns. He still managed to lift at the pro day, putting up 225 pounds 26 times.

Impressing at Kentucky’s pro day was running back CoShik Williams, who measured in at 5-9, 182 pounds. He did 20 bench reps, clocked a 4.62 second 40 time, 10-foot-1-inch broad jump, and 35-inch vertical.

Updating previous reports from last week, Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports that all 32 teams were represented at the March 13 pro day of Rutgers.

This evening the league announced which teams would receive compensatory picks in next month’s draft, and the Atlanta Falcons were awarded four of them. Annually the league gives out 32 picks to teams that suffered significant free agent losses in the preceding off-season. Dependent on the player’s significance, determined by secret formula taking into account salary and playing time, picks are given at the end of Rounds Three through Seven. Last year the Falcons lost Curtis Lofton, Eric Weems, Kelvin Hayden, and James Sanders. Lofton’s departure to New Orleans netted the Falcons a fourth round pick, the final pick in that round. The other three free agent losses give the Falcons three additional seventh round picks. The Falcons now hold eleven total picks, holding picks in each round prior to tonight’s announcement.

First round: No. 30 overall
Second round: No. 60 overall
Third round: No. 92 overall
Fourth round: No. 128 overall
Fourth round: No. 133 overall*
Fifth round: No. 164 overall
Sixth round: No. 199 overall
Seventh round: No. 237 overall
Seventh round: No. 243 overall*
Seventh round: No. 244 overall*
Seventh round: No. 249 overall*

* Denotes a compensatory pick.

Compensatory picks are ineligible to be traded.

The Falcons were confirmed to be at seven different pro days last week, starting with Penn State on Monday, Lehigh on Tuesday, Colorado State and Alabama on Wednesday, with Arkansas State, Georgia Tech, and Oregon on Thursday.

Per Rob Rang of CBS Sports, defensive tackle Jordan Hill was able to improve upon his Combine numbers, clocking a 4.97 second 40 time at the pro day, down from 5.23 seconds he ran in Indianapolis. Linebacker Gerald Hodges was able to record a 35.5-inch vertical jump, while cornerback Stephon Morris blazed a 4.35 second 40 time. At 5-8, 168 pounds, he’s undersized but showed impressive athleticism with a 35-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump.

While the Falcons were not listed among the official attendees at California (PA)’s pro day on Monday, they are expected to hold a private workout for center Eric Kush per Damond Talbot of NFL Draft Zone.

Wideout Ryan Spadola was the star of Lehigh’s pro day per Gil Brandt of NFL.com. He measured in just under 6-2 and 204 pounds. He recorded a 37-inch vertical and did not drop a pass during positional drills. Linebacker Billy Boyko clocked a 4.5-second 40 time, with 15 bench reps of 225 pounds and a 37.5-inch vertical jump.

Among the attendees at Colorado State’s pro day, was former CSU Ram long snapper Scott Albritton, who briefly played for the Falcons in the 2012 off-season. Albritton is looking for a chance to get back into the NFL. One of CSU’s top 2013 draft propsects is offensive lineman Joe Caprioglio, who measured in at 6-6, 315 pounds and did 27 bench reps of 225 on Wednesday.

Every NFL team attended the pro day of the national champs, Alabama. Not all of the former Crimson Tide prospects opted to work out this past week, as they will have two more opportunities in April. Linebacker Nico Johnson measured in at 6-2, 250 pounds and clocked a 4.74 second 40 time. He also had a 30-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-2-inch broad jump. Safety Robert Lester was able to improve on some of his times from the Combine, with a 4.60 40 time, improving from 4.66. He was able to add half an inch to his 33.5-inch vertical leap from the Combine, and five inches on his 9-foot-8-inch broad jump.

Safety Don Jones was the star of Arkansas State’s pro day, clocking a 4.40 second 40 time with a 42-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-7-inch broad jump. Jones measured in at 5-11, 191 pounds, and also did 17 bench reps.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith was among attendees at Georgia Tech’s pro day. Cornerback Rod Sweeting is their top prospect and worked out at last month’s Combine. He did positional drills and also looked to improve in other areas, including a 7.09-second three-cone drill.

Oregon sent a strong contingent of athletes to last month’s scouting combine. One player that was not invited was linebacker Michael Clay, who measured in at 5-11, 230 pounds on Thursday. He ran a 4.76 second 40 time with a 31.5-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-6-inch broad jump, and a 6.73 second three-cone drill. He also benched 225 pounds 23 times.

The Falcons primary needs heading into this offseason were upgrading their running game, replacing/retaining Tony Gonzalez at tight end, securing the cornerback spot opposite Asante Samuel, and improving the pass rush. While there were certainly other areas of the roster that could be improved, those four spots seemed to be the primary needs where the Falcons couldn’t afford to stand pat upon.

Well after the first few days of the off-season, it seems that the Falcons have already addressed the majority of them except for the pass rush.

Steven Jackson was added to replace Michael Turner as the starting running back. While Jackson won’t fix the Falcons running ailments, he certainly should provide a short-term boost. He’ll also give the team another year to evaluate Jacquizz Rodgers to determine if he will have a say in the Falcons long-term answers at the position.

Tony Gonzalez was retained for at least one more year. While the Falcons certainly could be in the market for drafting his heir apparent this April, Gonzalez’s presence means it ceases to be a priority.

While the cornerback spot remains open, the market has been flooded with so many good veteran corners such as Antoine Winfield and Nnamdi Asomugha to join free agents like Brent Grimes, Mike Jenkins, Tracy Porter, etc. that it seems impossible at this point that the Falcons won’t find someone competent to man the starting spot at least short-term. Worst-case scenario is the Falcons find a veteran seat warmer that at least prevents the Falcons need to use a very high pick looking for an immediate starter.

That just leaves the pass rush, which hasn’t been addressed yet following the release of John Abraham, by far the team’s best player in that category last season. And the market as of this writing doesn’t appear to be as favorable as the Falcons potential options in the secondary.

At this point, the best case scenario for the Falcons may be a lateral move in replacing Abraham with a similarly aged veteran like Dwight Freeney or Osi Umenyiora. The Falcons could also choose to address their pass rush with a quick, interior presence but aren’t likely to find much help on the open market. Quality pass rushers like Henry Melton, Jason Jones, Desmond Bryant, Chris Canty, and Cullen Jenkins have already worked out deals elsewhere.

Given Thomas Dimitroff’s proclivities for needs-based drafting, it would seem likely that the Falcons’ off-season is setting them up to address that key need with their top pick. Whether that happens to be an edge rusher or interior disruptor remains to be seen, but it would be a major upset at this point if the Falcons top pick six weeks from now won’t be playing a position that makes it living chasing down quarterbacks.

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Part 2:

Allen Strk joins me to discuss the upcoming free agent market. We look at some possible signings the Falcons could make including pass rushers like Dwight Freeney, Osi Umenyiora, Cliff Avril, and Michael Bennett. We also look at possible running back options such as Steven Jackson and Ahmad Bradshaw, and whether improving the running game should be a priority. You’ll also hear ourr thoughts on Matt Ryan’s looming monster contract, as well as our opinions of some other Falcon players like Jacquizz Rodgers, Peria Jerry, and Vance Walker.

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Duration: 35 minutes

Part 3:

Allen and I finish our discussion of free agency, by looking at some of the defensive tackles and tight ends the Falcons could be looking at both in March and April. We’ll break down what we see are the off-season’s priorities, as well as look ahead to 2013 to see what competition the Falcons will face and whether it culminates with a Lombardi Trophy in Flowery Branch.

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Duration: 29 minutes

Allen writes for TJRSports.com as well as the Bleacher Report. His twitter handle is: @Allen_Strk.

 

If you have any questions and comments, you can hit us up on Twitter, post in the forums in the podcast thread, or drop an e-mail at: pudge@falcfans.com.

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Jackson State announced that the Falcons were among attendees at their pro day on Friday. The school also released unofficial results of their prospects. Two chief prospects that had promising workouts were linebacker Joseph LeBeau and wide receiver Rico Richardson.

LeBeau played defensive end at Jackson State, but measured in just barely above 6-0 and 219 pounds at January’s Casino Del Sol All-Star game. He led FCS schools with 16 sacks as a junior, and produced 10.5 this past year. Per the school site, he ran a 40-yard dash in the 4.4 second range, with 26 bench reps of 225 pounds, a 35.5-inch vertical jump, and 10-foot-7-inch broad jump.

Richardson is listed at 6-0, 185 pounds by NFL Draft Scout.com and led the school in receiving this year with 56 catches for 1081 yards and 10 touchdowns. His unofficial pro day results include a 4.3-second 40 time, 12 bench reps, 35.5-inch vertical jump, and 10-foot-1-inch broad jump.

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Tim Doherty of the Hattiesburg American reports that the Falcons were among several teams that attended Southern Mississippi’s pro day on Friday.

The prospect drawing the most attention was linebacker Jamie Collins, who lit up last month’s Combine in Indianapolis. Collins opted only to go through positional drills, standing pat on his Combin numbers. Collins measures 6-3, 250 pounds, with only 8 percent body fat. He clocked a 4.64-second 40 time, fourth fastest among all linebackers. His 11-foot-7-inch broad jump and 41.5-inch vertical jump topped the linebacker group. His broad jump was the best of any prospect in Indianapolis and his vertical jump was the second best overall. He also ranked in the top five of his position group with a 7.10-second 3-cone drill and 11.55 60-yard shuttle. Collins is a former high school quarterback that converted to defensive back upon arrival at Southern Miss. He was moved to linebacker during his sophomore year, and he had a breakout senior as a senior with career highs of 92 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 5 pass breakups. His Combine performance has him moving up the boards, as he is listed second on Mike Mayock’s 3-4 outside linebacker rankings on NFL.com. He is projected as a likely second day pick, but his climb up boards could potentially see him get drafted in the latter part of Round One come April.

Per Gil Brandt of NFL.com, tackle Jason Weaver measured at 6-5, 312 pounds. Weaver also attended last month’s combine, made slight improvements on his Combine numbers clocking a 5.33 second 40 (5.44 in Indianapolis), 22-inch vertical jump (up from 21), and 24 bench reps of 225 pounds (up from 23). Weaver started at right tackle opposite current Falcon Lamar Holmes at Southern Miss in 2011. Similar to Holmes, he is a former JUCO transfer that was granted a sixth year of eligibility this past fall due to a knee injury he suffered in 2010. He is projected as a potential late round pick.