The Atlanta Falcons Should Consider Signing Aubrayo Franklin And Michael Huff
By Sam Kweon
It’s a miracle that Aubrayo Franklin and Michael Huff are still on the unemployed list. All the Atlanta Falcons have to do is make the move.
Let’s start with Franklin. For those of you that do not know who who this gigantic beast is, here is a brief resume.
DT Aubrayo Franklin
- 6 ft 1 inch, 320 pounds
- 33 years old
- Drafted in the 5th round at the 2003 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens
- 5.1 40 yard dash at the combine
- Flipped through many teams, career stats include 253 tackles, 4,0 sacks, 1 INT, and 3 forced fumbles
The numbers don’t jump out at you. To be honest, I don’t know how he has been released so many times by different teams even though he played noticeably well.
For example, look at his time with the San Diego Chargers. Just saying he did very well is not going to prove anything so take a look at this. Before the Bolts signed Aubrayo Franklin, they were giving up an average of 4.5 yards per carry, per ProFootballReference.com. But they plug in Franklin and the number drops to 3.8 yards per carry. Does that tell you anything? He has also been named on several articles around the nation, most noticeably the All-Unemployed team. Not to mention Chargers fans are screaming for his name back in San Diego as well.
Right now the Falcons have Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson (And rookie Rashede Hageman), who bring size to the roster but they are average at best. They struggle to give a pass rush, which we all know “Rise Up” needs immediately. Franklin can supply this.
Now let’s take a look at the Safety Michael Huff.
- 6 ft 0 inches, 211 pounds
- 31 years old
- 4.34 40 yard dash
- Former 1st round and 7th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft
- Second Team All-Pro in 2010
Hey, the resume jumps out at you a little bit! This is why you probably already know the name, Michael Huff. He isn’t very old, if you’ve watched him play he is VERY fast, and he has the experience to teach a few youngsters on the the roster. And no, he is not a bad influence in the locker room. In fact, he won the Raiders Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which tells you something.
So why is Huff still available in free agency? He is “injury prone” as Huff failed to stay healthy even half the season the last two years with the Broncos and Ravens. Note that he missed only 4 games in his 6 year stint with the Oakland Raiders. He is a serious play maker that can turn this defense around, while supplying some leadership.
Now let’s take a loop at our cap space. Two words: Don’t Worry! The Atlanta Falcons have over $9 million dollars left, according to OvertheCap!
Thomas Dimitroff, make the moves! Fans are complaining on the defensive side of the football and these are two players that will make immediate impact.
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