Falcons purging roster


We knew Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith would likely do some radical things to reinvent a franchise that went 4-12 last season, but it was a little surprising to see tight end Alge Crumpler and defensive tackle Rod Coleman among the seven veterans released Friday.

Crumpler, while plagued with injuries of late, represented one of the Falcons' few dependable elements on offense with 42 catches last season and an average of 45 receptions over his seven-year career in Atlanta. Coleman, while certainly not the dominant presence he represented during Atlanta's run to the NFC Championship game four seasons ago, was at least productive.

"As a football coach it is never easy to cut any player, especially veteran players who have been valuable members of the organization," Smith said in a written statement.

Coming off a 4-12 season makes it that much easier. Other players released were quarterback Byron Leftwich, offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins.

Leftwich represents the most notable name among the other cast-offs. While Leftwich possesses a indisputably strong arm, his lack of mobility, injury difficulties and inability to separate himself from a mediocre cast of quarterbacks that includes Joey Harrington and Chris Redman made him expendable.

That's where most of this Atlanta roster falls right now, into the category of expendable. Beyond linebacker Michael Boley, running back Jerious Norwood, wide receiver Roddy White and defensive end John Abraham and, maybe cornerback DeAngelo Hall, there's not much to like. Linebacker Keith Brooking and running back Warrick Dunn, while wonderful human beings, have lost a step with time. They may be worth keeping around strictly because of their professionalism, but their influence couldn't ward off the disastrous downturn of the last three seasons.

In a situation such as this, there’s only one decision to make. Raze the whole thing, get a dump truck to cart off the rubble and try again.

Dimitroff seems intent on doing this because it's the way he learned during his apprenticeship as a New England Patriots' talent evaluator. Dimitroff has said he wants to build from the draft and he'll have that opportunity. Atlanta will get nine draft picks in seven rounds, including an early first-round pick.

Putting yourself in Dimitroff's position, which player would top your wish list?

The Falcons need so much, but their first choice will obviously be determined by what happens with the draft picks ahead of theirs. LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey could be the first overall pick, or he could slide. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden could be available when the Falcons choose. So could Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, the lone marquee prospect at his position, might be the safe bet.

The possibilities are infinite, but so are the Falcons' needs.