10 Down, 1 to Go

By: T. Love

Amidst all the nonsense surrounding the Atlanta Falcons, General manager Rich McKay is still able to “do work” and has signed three of the remaining four draft picks to contracts.

Atlanta’s first-round pick and eighth-overall selection in the 2007 draft, Jammal Anderson, signed a five-year deal. Terms of the contract are not currently available.

Anderson is expected to take over the void left by departed cheerleader and “high motor guy” Patrick Kerney at left end. The first-team All-SEC selection notched 13.5 sacks last season and should fair well in a rotation with third-year player Chauncey Davis. Davis is stout versus the run and has used a lot of the offseason to work on his pass rush skills.

If John “tissue paper” Abraham can stay healthy at right end, then the Falcons would have a pretty strong outside rush that could help the secondary.

The second of Atlanta’s second-round picks, cornerback Chris Houston, agreed to a five-year contract on Wednesday afternoon. Houston will battle with former Houston Texan Lewis Sanders for the starting spot opposite Deangelo Hall. Being in camp from day one will definitely help Houston’s chances to earn that job by opening day.

Dacula native and Auburn grad David Irons signed a four-year deal and will report to camp. Irons will provide depth in the secondary and should fit in nicely in dime packages.

Sixth-round pick Trey Lewis of Washburn also signed a four-year deal.

The first of Atlanta’s second-round picks, left guard Justin Blalock, is the only rookie that remains unsigned and he is probably the most important. The left guard position was a swinging door on the team’s offensive line last season and quarterback Joey Harrington will be much more comfortable knowing the 6-4, 330 pound Blalock is in front of him.

Atlanta opened training camp today.