IDP News: Falcons Cut Jimmy Williams…

Atlanta cut ties with 2007 second round pick, DB Jimmy Williams today. Williams was definitely thought to be an up and coming IDP prospect, fighting for a starting gig at free safety, so this is a huge shock.

We expect him to land somewhere, but getting released by the Falcons is not a good sign for his future potential.

Jerious Norwood Lining Up At WR…

Kudos to new Falcons head coach Mike Smith for trying to find ways to keep all of his best offensive talent on the field and the same time. He reportedly has had back-up RB Jerious Norwood lining up at wide receiver in practice, in and effort to get him used to game situations where he may be used to create mismatches against linebackers or strong safeties.

We’ve always believed in Norwood’s ability, but we don’t think he’ll have enough opportunities to warrant fantasy consideration in Atlanta. Michael Turner is the workhorse there, folks.

Matt Ryan To Start Week 1?

The Falcons signed QB Matt Ryan to a monster six year deal worth more than $70 million on Tuesday, and the speculation has already begun regarding whether or not he’ll start Week 1. Seasonal owners shouldn’t target Ryan in 2008 either way, but he’ll certainly be more exciting to follow than Chris Redman.

Mike Turner Moving Up The Boards

More and more fantasy owners are believing the buzz about new Falcons featured back Michael Turner, and they should. He’s moving up the draft boards in many expert mocks, due to the fact that Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey plans on getting him 300 touches in 2008. Read more

Atlanta Falcons Offense To Mirror Titans…

Veteran WR Joe Horn is asking for a trade. Not only because he’s far from being a starter, but also because new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey does not plan to pass the rock much in 2008. Starting RB Michael Turner is expected to easily see more than 300 touches, as the Falcons have stated that they want totake a page out of the Titans strategy book and run the rock to set up Jason Elam for field goals often in 2008.

This is not great news for Roddy White - who was recently held out of practice with a tweaked hammy - and up-and-comer Laurent Robinson. Elam’s value is looking pretty solid though, as he could be this year’s Rob Bironas.

Most Improved Offensive Lines

Houston’s Duane Brown was one of eight offensive tackles were taken in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and an additional 26 offensive linemen were selected in rounds 2-7. The reason for the early run on the position seems to be simple - apparently they’re impossible to get in free agency. But drafting new ones isn’t always the best way to improve the five man unit. A few NFL teams have gone above and beyond to try to protect their quarterbacks, and open up holes for their rushers heading into 2008. Read more

Michael Turner Back To Full Health…

Falcons featured back Michael Turner returned to practice this past week after having off-season shoulder surgery. The procedure was very minor, and he’s back to full health.

We expect Turner to be a very solid RB2 in most fantasy leagues in 2008, in Mike Mularkey’s run friendly offense.

Matt Ryan Is Fourth QB In Mini-Camp…

No surprise here, but rookie QB Matt Ryan opened up mini-camp as Atlanta’s fourth QB, splitting reps with D.J. Shockley, behind Joey Harrington and Chris Redman.

Redman will start the season, and Harrington is horrible, so he’s unlikely to play at all. Ryan should jump Harrington on the depth chart in training camp, and potentially start by mid-season. Shockley should be released prior to Week 1.

Michael Boley Arrested…

IDP owners now need to monitor the behavior of someone who seemed to be a rising star. Falcons SLB Michael Boley was arrested on battery charges at his home in Georgia over the weekend. Head coach Mike Smith is reportedly extremely disappointed, and so is owner Arthur Blank. Punishment will ensue.

Looking For An IDP Sleeper In 2008?

Jonathan Vilma was the man in 2005, DeMeco Ryans was it in 2006, then Patrick Willis took the crown in 2007. Each of the past three seasons a first or second year defender has taken the title of top IDP. This season, we believe Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton has a chance to follow in their footsteps. Read more

Falcons Trade Back Into First Round, Take Sam Baker…

Well, we knew they needed to address their offensive line early in this draft, and USC’s Sam Baker was the next best OT avaialble. Atlanta must have had a feel that he wouldn’t be avaialble by the time their second rounder came along.

This gives Michael Turner some hope for a good season, and puts into place an offensive line improvement plan to keep Matt Ryan protected in the long term.

Falcons Leaning Towards Matt Ryan…

ESPN’s Rachel Nichols is reporting that she “thinks” the Falcons are leaning towards taking BC QB Matt Ryan third overall after her conversation with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff.