Sean Weatherspoon (1 Viewer)

[Anthony Borbely]

One of the locals believes Weatherspoon will be eased in gradually, beginning in nickel packages. I really don't have a feel for this situation, but I thought Mike Peterson's play, numbers or not, went downhill during the latter part of the year. The Falcons lack a LB who can make big plays and Weatherspoon has that ability, so I will not be surprised if he plays more than the local writer suggests. But enthusiasm for him probably should be tempered a bit, at least early in the year. This is one case where it would be very important to watch some preseason games. It appears Peterson will at least be out of the nickel packages, but even that is up in the air. If Weatherspoon does earn a starting job, I would think he would be a 3-down LB because of his coverage abilities.

Until I hear more, I'd probably stay away from all of the Atlanta outside LBs unless it is very late in the draft and you want to take a chance on Weatherspoon's upside.

Definitely something to keep an eye on as camp approaches.

Link

The Falcons coaching staff has been very strategic is planning Weatherspoon’s entry in the NFL. They’ve taught him both outside linebacker positions after calling him a weakside linebacker on draft day.

They don’t want to upset a quality veteran like Mike Peterson.

Also, they don’t want to stunt the growth of strongside linebacker Stephen Nicholas.

They even said that the weakside and strongside positions are interchangeable.

One thing is certain, Weatherspoon is going to get on the field. The general manager doesn’t call a draftee a “four down”

player if doesn’t expect to see him on the field.

Special teams is a given. He’ll be on most of those units.

Look for the coaching staff to ease Weatherspoon into the linebacking corps much like they did Curtis Lofton in 2008.

As a rookie, Lofton played on running downs and came out when they went to the nickel. Weatherspoon’s best chance to get on the field early might be in nickel. The Falcons struggled in pass coverage last season and Weatherspoon comes out of the Big 12 accomplished in dropping into pass coverage.

 

[steelcityman]

I have Lofton, so I was staying away from any other ATL LB, but easing Weatherspoon in makes sense. Seems like someone you might want to grab late, and stash away for a dynasty league.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Personally, from a long-term perspective, I'd rather have a rookie LB who's initially given only nickel duties as opposed to only 1st-and-2nd down duties. Most LB's can tackle...most cannot cover. This is a great sign of Witherspoon's ability to be a future 3-down LB.

 

[cr8f]

Personally, from a long-term perspective, I'd rather have a rookie LB who's initially given only nickel duties as opposed to only 1st-and-2nd down duties. Most LB's can tackle...most cannot cover. This is a great sign of Witherspoon's ability to be a future 3-down LB.

I have Lofton, Barnett and Levy (dynasty)now that Thomas Davis is out. Normally I wouldn't take another Atl LB but took him in the 2nd. Coming along slowly is fine.

 

[KellysHeroes]

the real good thing is that we'll be able to acquire him from other league members late in the season that might give up on him

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Just want to clarify that my comments above about drafting him late are for redrafts. I like his potential a lot in dynasty.