Tag: falcons news

Falcons coach says Brandon Powell is front-runner for kick return job

Talking to reporters Monday morning, head coach Dan Quinn offered his thoughts on the starting kick/punt return job

Last season, the Falcons went with veteran Kenjon Barner as their starting kick returner and he proved to be a solid and safe choice for the team.

Barner, 30, is currently a free agent, though, and Atlanta hasn’t indicated any intention of bringing him back in 2020. That leaves the team with several unproven options to fill this role.

Talking to reporters Monday morning, head coach Dan Quinn offered his thoughts on the starting kick/punt return job. He praised “leader in the clubhouse” Brandon Powell as the front-runner to handle the duties next season, per William McFadden:

Powell, 24, is an elusive receiver that has some experience returning kicks and punts with the Detroit Lions back in 2018. He can also bring a little something as a fourth receiver. The third-year wideout was signed by Atlanta last year but not given any playing time, which seems bound to change this season.

The Falcons could also use the upcoming NFL draft to add another player or two at the wide receiver and defensive back positions capable of competing for this spot in training camp.

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Falcons RB Brian Hill signs original-round tender

The Falcons secured some depth at the running back position on Saturday when running back Brian Hill signed his original-round tender to remain with the team in 2020.

The Falcons secured some depth at the running back position on Saturday when running back Brian Hill signed his original-round tender to remain with the team in 2020.

Hill, a former fifth-round selection back in 2017, rushed for 323 yards and two touchdowns last year, while adding 10 catches for 69 yards and one touchdown reception.

For his career, the 24-year-old has totaled 517 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry. With Devonta Freeman essentially being replaced by Todd Gurley in free agency, Hill’s role should remain about the same.

That could change, however, if Atlanta chooses to add another back in the upcoming NFL draft.

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Falcons held pre-draft meeting with DT Justin Madubuike

Draft Wire’s Justin Melo is reporting that the Falcons were one of a handful of teams to meet with Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike.

As we are just a week away from the start of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons continue to meet with this year’s top defensive prospects.

Draft Wire’s Justin Melo is reporting that the Falcons were one of a handful of teams to meet with Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike:

Madubuike is a 6-foot-3, 304-pound interior defensive lineman. Last season for the Aggies, he finished with 45 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

Atlanta reportedly met with South Dakota State fullback Mikey Daniel earlier this week as well:

There’s also the rumor going around that Atlanta is interested in trading up in the first round to acquire one of the draft’s top defenders, such as Javon Kinlaw or CJ Henderson.

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Falcons sign former XFL CB Josh Hawkins

The Atlanta Falcons lack both depth and experience at cornerback after releasing veteran Desmond Trufant in March.

The Atlanta Falcons lack both depth and experience at cornerback after releasing veteran Desmond Trufant in March.

While most expect the team to address the position in the upcoming NFL draft, Atlanta agreed to terms on Wednesday with free agent Josh Hawkins:

Hawkins signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent out of East Carolina. He played in 26 games for the Packers over his first two seasons, before short stints with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Hawkins most recently played in the XFL for the Dallas Renegades. The 27-year-old gives Atlanta some depth at nickel corner. Don’t be surprised to see the Falcons add another defensive back in the first or second round of next week’s virtual draft.

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Falcons had video meeting with Wyoming LB Logan Wilson

Earlier this afternoon, ESPN’s Vaughn McClure reported that the Falcons held a video chat with Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson.

The Atlanta Falcons continue to do their homework in preparation for the NFL’s upcoming virtual draft. On Monday, it was reported that the team spoke with Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard.

Earlier this afternoon, ESPN’s Vaughn McClure reported that the Falcons held a video chat with Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson:

Wilson, who we included in our 25 mid-round targets feature, previously had a scheduled workout with the team that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In four seasons with Wyoming, he racked up 418 tackles (253 solo), seven sacks, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles and 14 passes defended.

Linebacker is an area most expect the team to upgrade in the draft due to De’Vondre Campbell’s departure, so Wilson is certainly an option for Atlanta in the middle rounds.

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Falcons held FaceTime meeting with Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard

One prospect that could help the Falcons upgrade their defensive line rotation is Florida’s Jonathan Greenard.

Atlanta may have signed one of the premier free-agent defensive ends, but depth is still an issue along with the uncertain future of Takkarist McKinley.

One prospect that could help the Falcons upgrade their defensive line rotation is Florida’s Jonathan Greenard. According to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, the team met with him via FaceTime:

Greenard, a 6-foot-3, 263-pound EDGE, finished the 2019 season with 50 tackles (26 solo), 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.

Scouts have compared Greenard Dante Fowler Jr., and he is currently projected to go somewhere in the second round.

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Deion Sanders, Todd Gurley clear up number situation on Twitter

After not wanting to take Qadree Ollison’s No. 30 upon arrival in Atlanta, Gurley had to pick a new one. He eventually landed on Sanders’ No. 21.

When there’s nothing to do and everyone is stuck in their homes, people tend to overreact to things out of sheer boredom.

That’s the case with Friday’s comments by Falcons running back Todd Gurley regarding Deion Sanders telling him not to wear his jersey number.

After not wanting to take Qadree Ollison‘s No. 30 upon arrival in Atlanta, Gurley had to pick a new one. He eventually landed on Sanders’ — and many others former Falcons players including Desmond Trufant‘s — No. 21.

However, Sanders squashed the situation on Twitter, saying he was joking with the All-Pro running back:

Gurley was quick to respond, agreeing the story was all in good fun between friends:

It’s certainly a unique time for Falcons fans when the top stories include new jerseys and uniform number controversy. If you’re looking to get back to NFL draft coverage, though, check out Saturday’s three third-round options for Atlanta feature, or our most recent Falcons draft target gallery.

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Jamal Anderson willing to let Todd Gurley wear his jersey number

Anderson has remained a loyal supporter of the team since his playing days, so it’s not entirely surprising that he is on board to pass on his Falcons legacy to another great back.

When Todd Gurley signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent, the only minor issue was that current Falcons running back Qadree Ollison already wears Gurley’s trademark No. 30.

Never one to rock the boat, the former All-Pro RB agreed to let Ollison keep his jersey number and said he would pick a different one. Since the Falcons’ new uniforms dropped earlier this week, fans are anxious to know what number Gurley will wear in Atlanta.

Falcons Wire’s own Scott Carasik suggested via Twitter that Falcons legend Jamal Anderson should let Gurley wear his infamous No. 32 jersey. Anderson quickly replied, supporting the idea and sharing a photo of the two hanging out:

Anderson has remained a loyal supporter of the team since his playing days, so it’s not entirely surprising that he is on board to pass on his Falcons legacy to another great back.

It’s now up to Gurley as to whether or not he will take the mantle from Anderson and wear the Dirty Bird’s number in 2020.

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Listen: Falcons GM discusses expectations for RB Todd Gurley

With running back Todd Gurley’s deal officially done earlier this week, Dimitroff joined SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio to discuss what he thinks the former Georgia start can bring to the Falcons next season.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff wasn’t willing to stand pat this offseason, despite the team’s limited cap space. The Falcons said goodbye to five of last season’s starters, while signing two of the biggest names on the free-agent market.

With running back Todd Gurley’s deal becoming official earlier this week, Dimitroff joined SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio to discuss what he thinks the former Georgia star can bring to the Falcons next season.

Listen below, as shared by Mad Dog Sports Radio’s Twitter account:

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Examining Twitter’s love/hate reaction to Falcons’ new uniforms

Let’s take a peek at the best reactions to Atlanta’s new look from different players, fans and trolls.

A day after their uniforms were leaked on social media, the Atlanta Falcons decided to move up the unveiling of their updated design to Wednesday morning.

The reaction has been mixed, with some legitimately loving them, while others mocked the changes. We all know Twitter can be an emotional place, and as usual, nobody agrees on anything.

So, let’s take a peek at the best, worst and downright savage reactions to Atlanta’s new look:

The Good:

The Bad:

The Ugly:

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