As of today, we are now one week away from the opening of Atlanta Falcons training camp 2015. Dan Quinn’s first camp as head coach promises to be a change of pace, perhaps even a breath of fresh air in comparison to the vibe that camp has had in recent years. That’s the nice part about coaching changes, the fan base and team can afford to bathe themselves in eternal optimism.
It’s easy to forget that training camp doesn’t just represent the building of a team, but also embodies the cut-throat nature of the NFL. Playing time, jobs, and some careers will be on the line at Flowery Branch in the hot Georgia sun.
Continuity rules in the NFL. Teams that maintain their quarterback, coach, and general manager tend to have a higher rate of success as they do not have to blow up their roster every few years in search of players that fit a new scheme. This is where the Falcons find themselves. Changes to their schemes have now placed several players into problematic positions in their careers.
Robert Alford
Cornerback Robert Alford
One of my pet peeves of roster building is when a team uses a premium draft pick in order to replace a player that was taken with another premium draft pick. After a promising rookie season, Alford was attacked by opposing offenses in 2014 and lost time due to injury. A 2nd round pick in 2013, Alford was supposed to be part of one of the better young duos at cornerback in this league along with Desmond Trufant. With the defensive scheme change, the Falcons used their 2015 2nd round pick on cornerback Jalen Collins. Ideally, Alford plays a ton either on the outside as a starter or as the nickel corner. But he must win one of those two jobs in order to justify his draft position.
Lamar Holmes
Right Tackle Lamar Holmes
The zone blocking scheme is admittedly a poor fit for Holmes, who broke his foot this offseason. The 2012 3rd round pick was supposed to be a player capable of starting at right tackle for years to come, but has been unable to play a complete season as a starter. Holmes is running out of chances, and will have to have a great and healthy camp to stick with this team.
Peter Konz
Center Peter Konz
Konz has been unable to prove that he can start in the NFL. At various times he has been serviceable, but has been regularly overpowered by athletic defensive linemen playing in front of him. The former 2nd round pick in 2012 has one saving grace: he can play guard if needed. Konz should be able to hang with this team as a swing-interior lineman. But his long term outlook with the team isn’t great.