Vick case could move to grand jury in July

Steve Wyche of the AJC reports that Surry County Commonwealth Attorney Gerald Poindexter has indicated that enough evidence has come forward to progress the case to the extent that a specially called grand jury could take place at some point this summer, possibly as early as July.

Poindexter is in charge of the investigation of allegations of Vick's involvement in dogfighting at a former property of his in Virginia. According to the AJC, two people have come forward potentially offering their testimony. Currently, Poindexter and investigators are looking into the backgrounds of both persons.

A search warrant was issued last week around the notion of searching Vick's former property for the remains of several dead dogs and also instruments including weapons, ropes, and shovels that could have brought about the demise of those dogs. However, due to language in the search warrant, it has not yet been executed.

VA Attorney General could take over Vick case

WAVY TV reports that Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell may take over the decision making process from Surry County prosecutor Gerald Poindexter on whether to charge Michael Vick on his involvement to suspected dogfighting and animal abuse that occurred on his property.

Earlier this week, investigators met to review evidence, but no charges were filed upon conclusion of the meeting. According to reports, Poindexter seems confident charges will be brought eventually, although no firm timetable has been expressed. Although it is yet unknown if Vick himself will be charged. Up until now, McDonnell has had no involvement in the case or investigation, and has admitted that he is only informed as much as the public has been.

Free Agent Tracker

This is where we will monitor the comings and goings of free agents.

Comings
Mar. 2 - FB Ovie Mughelli, Ravens
Mar. 2 - LB Marcus Wilkins, Bengals
Mar. 7 - CB Lewis Sanders, Texans
Mar. 7 - WR Joe Horn, Saints
Mar. 14 - G Toniu Fonoti, Dolphins
Mar. 14 - WR Derrick Hamilton
Mar. 22 - QB Chris Redman
Mar. 23 - K Aaron Elling
Mar. 27 - DT Anthony Bryant, Lions
Apr. 9 - QB Joey Harrington, Dolphins
May 4 - K Billy Cundiff, Saints
May 8 - OT Leander Jordan, Chargers
May 9 - S Nick Turnbull, Bears

Goings
Mar. 2 - LB Ed Hartwell (released/Bengals)
Mar. 2 - LB Ike Reese (released)
Mar. 3 - WR Ashley Lelie (FA/49ers)
Mar. 5 - G Matt Lehr (released/Buccaneers)
Mar. 5 - LS Gavin Tarquinio (released)
Mar. 6 - DE Patrick Kerney (FA/Seahawks)
Mar. 9 - FB Justin Griffith (FA/Raiders)
Mar. 21 - QB Matt Schaub (trade/Texans)
Apr. 9 - CB Kevin Mathis (released/retired)
Apr. 20 - C Austin King (FA/Seahawks)
Apr. 24 - S J.R. Reed (released)
Apr. 24 - LB Ryan Riddle (released)
May 2 - G Ben Claxton (released/Raiders)
May 2 - CB Kevin Hobbs (released/Seahawks)
May 2 - RB Butchie Wallace (released)
May 7 - TE Eric Beverly (released/Lions)
May 10 - CB Jason Webster (released/Bills)
May 14 - DT Anthony Bryant (released)
May 14 - CB Derrick Johnson (released/Dolphins)
May 14 - C Brian Ferentz (released)
May 14 - C Jason Palermo (released)

Staying
Mar. 19 - G Ben Claxton (EFA)
Mar. 19 - K Michael Koenen (EFA)
Mar. 19 - FB Corey McIntyre (EFA)
Apr. 4 - TE Dwayne Blakley (RFA)
Apr. 23 - LB Demorrio Williams (RFA)

Scheduled Visits
Mar. 2 - TE Reggie Kelly, Bengals*
Mar. 2 - LB Marcus Wilkins, Bengals
Mar. 3 - G Floyd Womack, Seahawks*
Mar. 5 - S Deon Grant, Jaguars*
Mar. 5 - WR Joe Horn, Saints
Mar. 5 - CB Roderick Hood, Eagles*
Mar. 7 - CB William James, Eagles*
Mar. ? - WR Alex Bannister, Seahawks (according to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, had already visited Falcons as of March 8)
Mar. 14 - OT Leander Jordan, Chargers
Mar. 22 - DT Ian Scott, Bears*
Apr. 4 - QB Jay Fiedler, FA
Apr. 6 - QB Joey Harrington, Dolphins
Apr. 18 - DT Kenderick Allen, Packers*

Rumored Interest
QB Tim Rattay, Buccaneers*
QB Anthony Wright, Bengals*
WR Kelley Washington, Bengals*
G Edwin Mulitalo, Ravens*
G Eric Steinbach, Bengals*
G Ross Tucker, FA*
DE Jimmy Wilkerson, Chiefs*
DT Seth Payne, Texans
LB Chris Draft, Panthers*
LB Napoleon Harris, Vikings*
CB Dre' Bly, Lions*
CB Jamar Fletcher, Lions*
CB Deltha O'Neal, Bengals
S Cameron Worrell, Bears*
K Jay Feely, Giants*
K Olindo Mare, Dolphins*


* indicates player that has already signed a contract with another team

Finneran goes down again

Steve Wyche of the AJC reports that wide receiver Brian Finneran re-injured his knee during the Falcons three-day minicamp over the weekend. Finneran was coming off a torn ACL suffered last summer.

The severity of the injury has yet to be determined, but will be so after further medical tests to see if he will be able to play this season. Initial prognosis from last year's knee injury was that Finneran would be able to return to full speed at the start of this summer's training camp. That return likely will be postponed, with the possibility that Finneran may be out for the remainder of this season. If that is the case, it may spell the end of his Falcon career.

Falcons dump six

The Falcons released six players following their three-day minicamp on Monday. Among the six were two undrafted rookies in P Gordon Ely-Kelso and S Allyn Bacchus. Also released were DT Anthony Bryant, C Brian Ferentz, CB Derrick Johnson, and C Jason Palermo.

Bryant was claimed off waivers from the Detroit Lions at the end of March, in hopes that he would shore up depth at nose tackle. But with the draft selection of Trey Lewis in the sixth round, and the increasing hopes that Grady Jackson will be with the team this season, Bryant's value to the team lessened.

Buchanan denies Vick comments

Former Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan denied reports that he had indicated Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was heavily involved in dog fighting per an AJC report. Last Friday, FOX Sports Radio host Chris Landry indicated that Buchanan had intimated to him in an off-air, off the record conversation over draft weekend about Vick's reported involvement in dog fighting.

Buchanan said that he had told Landry that Vick is passionate about his dogs, but never that it was anyway related to dog fighting. Upon hearing of Buchanan's denial, Landry indicated that he stands by his previous report.

Buchanan played with the Falcons between 1997 and 2003, including the last three years as a teammate of Vick.

Jackson not practicing

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC writes that Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson is present at the team's three-day minicamp as expected, but is not expected to actually get action on the field due to recovery from off-season knee surgery.

The severity of Jackson's knee injury is not exactly known, although his agent, Angelo Wright, indicated that it was not an issue in Ledbetter's article.

Fellow starting defensive tackle Rod Coleman is also missing mini-camp, but his injury is much more severe. Coleman injured his quadriceps during draft weekend and is expected to miss 3-5 months.

Vick not causing a distraction

In an AJC article by Steve Wyche, Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn and cornerback DeAngelo Hall indicated that the off-field issues of Michael Vick are not causing distractions to the team. Horn said that Vick is focused and trying to retain his role as team leader. The Falcons began a three-day minicamp today.

Vick's most recent run-in with the law involves accusations of animal abuse and illegal dog-fighter on property he owns in Virginia. Vick has denied any direct connection to the illegal activities that go on at the property outside ownership and having family members reside there. But some reports indicate that Vick was much more involved at the illegal canine activity at the property. As of yet, no charges have been filed against him. Reportedly, the property was sold this past Wednesday.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated in other reports that he is somewhat concerned about the potential for Vick to serve a suspension due to this off-field incidents. Vick met with league commissioner Roger Goodell on draft day, in which Goodell clearly indicated his expectations on Vick's behavior. Goodell has recently instituted a much tougher player conduct policy, under which Vick may face league punishment regardless of the legal outcome of the investigation.

Jackson to attend minicamp

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson is expected to attend the team's mandatory minicamp which starts on Friday.

Jackson is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with the team over leaked reports of him failing a physical last March before signing with the Falcons in August. According to Ledbetter, the Falcons have filed a petition to get the suit thrown out of court.

Past reports indicated that Jackson planned to continue his career with the Falcons despite the legal battle, and his expected participation this weekend would seem to back that up.

Falcons add Jordan

The Falcons added more help to their offensive line today by signing free agent Leander Jordan. Jordan missed the entire 2006 season with a neck stinger suffered during the preseason last year with the San Diego Chargers. He will add depth for the Falcons up front and potentially compete for a starting job.

In 2005, Jordan started 9 games for the Chargers, including 8 at left tackle as a replacement for injured Roman Oben. His other start came as a replacement for right tackle Shane Olivea in Week 6. Jordan has played several positions, and has experience at both guard and tackle positions, making him an ideal utility player up front. He has appeared in 37 games over his 7-year career and has started a total of 14 of them. He was originally a 3rd round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2000 out of Indiana (PA).

Jordan adds depth to the Falcons offensive line, and could potentially compete for the vacant left guard position. Currently rookie Justin Blalock and fellow free agent signing Toniu Fonoti are slated to compete for that position.

Falcons release Beverly

The Falcons cut tight end Eric Beverly today. The move is not seen as unexpected due to the team's drafting of tight end Martrez Milner a weekend ago and that head coach Bobby Petrino has praised backup Daniel Fells.

Beverly originally came to the Falcons in 2004 to take over the left guard position, having split time at that position and center during a six-year NFL career mostly with the Detroit Lions. But an early summer injury allowed Mookie Moore to emerge in his absence as the primary candidate for that position. Upon the commencement of training camp, Beverly was moved to tight end, a position he played for three seasons at Miami of Ohio. Moore was injured early in the regular season, and Roberto Garza filled in at left guard for the remainder of the year. But when the Falcons signed free agent Matt Lehr the following spring, it ended any notions that Beverly would move back to the offensive line in Atlanta.

Beverly served exclusively as a blocking tight end, complementing the receiving skills of Pro Bowler Alge Crumpler off the bench. He did catch 1 pass this past season, but for 0 yards. Beverly's role often functioned as a "third tackle" on the offensive line. But seemingly, in Petrino's new offensive system, the need for such a niche is lessened.

Petrino praised Daniel Fells earlier this off-season in team workouts, and seems intent on incorporating a greater use of the H-back position than under Knapp. In March, reports of Fells's increased involvement in the offense put writing on the wall that Beverly's job security had lessened. The selection of Milner in the fourth round, considered one of the better blockers among this year's tight end class provided the proverbial nail in the coffin for Beverly.

Falcons add 2 more free agents

The Falcons signed two additional undrafted free agents today in Villanova safety Allyn Bacchus and North Carolina tight end Jon Hamlett.

Bacchus (6' 210) was a four-year starter at Villanova. The past two years he had his most productive seasons combining for 221 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 9 pass brekaups, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, and a sack.

Hamlett (6'4" 262) was a two-year starter, catching a total of 51 passes for 562 yards (11.0 avg) and 4 touchdowns during his Tar Heel career.

To make room for the two undrafted free agents, the Falcons released center Ben Claxton, cornerback Kevin Hobbs, and running back Butchie Wallace.

Falcons sign 9 more undrafted free agents

The Falcons released the names of nine additional undrafted free agents they signed following this past weekend's draft. They are: P Gordon Ely-Kelso (Georgia), OT Renardo Foster (Louisville), S Jeramie Johnson (Mississippi State), WR Eric Newman (Louisiana Tech), DE David Patterson (Ohio State), OG Kurt Quarterman (Louisville), OLB Tony Taylor (Georgia), WR Eric Weems (Bethune-Cookman), and LS Ryan West (Tennessee).

Ely-Kelso (6' 238) is the career record holder at Georgia with 220 punts for 8876 yards (40.3 avg). Dropped 69 career kicks inside the 20-yard line, displaying his accuracy.

Foster (6'6' 331) missed most of his sophomore and junior seasons with torn ACL and back injury, respectively. He started 13 games as a freshman, and was also the Cardinals right tackle this past season.

Johnson (5'10" 209) was the starting free safety the past two seasons, combining for 136 tackles, 4 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and 7 forced fumbles in that span. He was the starting strong safety as a sophomore, after splitting time at both safety spots during his freshman season. In those years, he tallied a combined 86 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 pass breakup.

Newman (6' 195) was a two-year starter that finished his career with 104 receptions for 1608 yards (15.5 avg) and 14 touchdowns. He also was a good kickoff returner, returning 66 kicks for 1418 yards (21.5 avg).

Patterson (6'2" 285) received most of his playing time at Ohio State as a left defensive end, but did started 11 games at defensive tackle during his sophomore year. For his career, he finished with 72 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal reports that Patterson was the highest paid undrafted free agent this year.

Quarterman (6'4" 328) earned 1st team All-Big East honors as a enior, and was a three year starter at right guard for the Cardinals.

Taylor (6'1" 236) tore his ACL in 2004 and missed nearly half the following season with other knee injuries. This past season he bounced back and had his finest, tallying 96 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 2 pass breakups.

Weems (5'8" 182) led the team with 69 catches, 918 yards, and 9 touchdowns as a senior. Also had 19 punt returns for 331 yards (17.4 avg) and 1 touchdown. Weems split time at running back and receiver during his career. For his career, he caught 185 passes for 2587 yards (14.0 avg) and 20 scores with 205 carries for 1504 yards (7.3 avg) and 23 more touchdowns on the ground.

West (6'3" 260) served as Tennessee's long snapper since his sophomore season.