FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons fleshed out their draft Saturday by picking a potential successor to fullback Ovie Mughelli and adding depth to their defense.

Bradie Ewing, a fifth-round pick from Wisconsin, could replace Mughelli as the starting fullback. The Falcons could decide to release Mughelli, a respected team leader and nine-year veteran, to create room under the NFL salary cap.

Seven spots after picking Ewing, Atlanta added Troy pass rusher Jonathan Massaquoi in the fifth round. The Falcons chose Mississippi State strong safety Charles Mitchell in the middle of the sixth.

Mughelli was named to the Pro Bowl two years ago, but his 2011 season ended with a Week 7 knee injury. Despite the many roles he plays on Atlanta’s special teams, Mughelli could become expendable because Ewing played a similar role at Wisconsin.

After walking on at Wisconsin, Ewing became an offensive captain as a senior and contributed heavily to the Badgers’ coverage and return units on special teams.

According to information released by the university, Ewing’s blocks resulted in 30 touchdowns last season. He caught all 28 passes targeted to him in his four-year career. He was a Wisconsin teammate of Peter Konz, an offensive lineman drafted by Atlanta in the second round Friday.

“Obviously, drafting me as a fullback, I can block, I can catch, I can split out as a receiver,” Ewing said. “I think it’s my versatility and I’m just excited to get down there.”

Massaquoi, a cousin of Cleveland Browns receiver and former Georgia standout Mohamed Massaquoi, left Troy after his junior year. He started 25 games and finished his Trojans career with 19.5 sacks.

When Atlanta begins its mandatory, three-day mini-camp June 19, Massaquoi will work behind starting ends John Abraham and Ray Edwards and compete for snaps with Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury.

Massaquoi grew up as a Falcons fan in the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville, where he played at Central Gwinnett High School. He spent the 2008 season at Butler (Kan.) Community College, helping the school win a junior college national title.

“I have a non-stop motor,” he said. “I want to get to that ball no matter the depths of the field, and I believe the Atlanta Falcons see my relentless spirit and how bad I want to get to the quarterback.”

Massaquoi hopes to follow in the footsteps of other former Troy standouts that became NFL stars.

“With them producing Osi Umenyiora, DeMarcus Ware and now me, hopefully I can be put into that conversation of our powerful tradition,” Massaquoi said. “Only time will tell.”

The Falcons, who will work under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan this season, upgraded their secondary Wednesday by trading for cornerback Asante Samuel.

The only starter not returning from last year’s defense is middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, who signed with New Orleans.

Mitchell, who graduated in December, played in all 50 games of his career and was a senior team captain with Mississippi State. He likely will compete with reserve safety Shann Schillinger for a roster spot, but must show Atlanta coaches that he can contribute heavily on special teams.

Mitchell credits his success at safety with understanding how to watch film and break down opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

“I’m a pretty physical guy,” he said. “I pride myself on making tackles and I always try to be around the ball.”

Atlanta’s defense finished 18th in points allowed and 20th in total yards last season.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons got off to a low-key start in free agency, agreeing to terms on new deals with backup quarterback Chris Redman and third receiver Harry Douglas.

The Falcons announced the deals Tuesday night, a few hours after the start of the NFL free agency period.

Redman has been Matt Ryan‘s backup the past four years. Last season, the second-stringer appeared in five games, completing 18 of 28 passes for 188 yards.

Douglas works in three-receiver sets with Roddy White and Julio Jones. Douglas is coming off a career-best season: 39 receptions for 498 yards and one touchdown.

The bulk of the Falcons’ work is still to come. Their unrestricted free agents include linebacker Curtis Lofton and defensive end John Abraham.

ATLANTA — Free safety Thomas DeCoud plans to sign a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Terms of the deal were not announced by DeCoud or the team in public statements released Tuesday.

“Thanks for all the congratulations, everyone,” DeCoud told his followers on Twitter. “Looking forward to taking my game to the next level and help the falcons take that next step.”

DeCoud has started 47 of his 58 games since the Falcons drafted him in the third round from Cal in 2009. He led Atlanta last season with a career-high four interceptions, ranked third on the team with 109 tackles and finished with seven passed defensed.

DeCoud’s return leaves the Falcons with the contracts of three defensive starters still unresolved.

Cornerback Brent Grimes, the team leader with 17 passes defensed, has been designated a franchise player, though he wants to sign a long-term deal with Atlanta rather than accept a tender offer worth over $10 million.

Right end John Abraham, who had a team-high 9½ sacks, and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, are free agents.

The Falcons will work under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in 2012. Despite advancing to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, Atlanta hasn’t ranked among the top 10 in yards allowed since 1998, the franchise’s only Super Bowl season.

The team also announced that reserve tight end Michael Palmer and third-string running back Antone Smith have signed exclusive rights contracts.

ATLANTA — Free safety Thomas DeCoud plans to sign a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Terms of the deal were not announced by DeCoud or the team in public statements released Tuesday.

“Thanks for all the congratulations, everyone,” DeCoud told his followers on Twitter. “Looking forward to taking my game to the next level and help the falcons take that next step.”

DeCoud has started 47 of his 58 games since the Falcons drafted him in the third round from Cal in 2009. He led Atlanta last season with a career-high four interceptions, ranked third on the team with 109 tackles and finished with seven passed defensed.

DeCoud’s return leaves the Falcons with the contracts of three defensive starters still unresolved.

Cornerback Brent Grimes, the team leader with 17 passes defensed, has been designated a franchise player, though he wants to sign a long-term deal with Atlanta rather than accept a tender offer worth over $10 million.

Right end John Abraham, who had a team-high 9½ sacks, and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, are free agents.

The Falcons will work under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in 2012. Despite advancing to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, Atlanta hasn’t ranked among the top 10 in yards allowed since 1998, the franchise’s only Super Bowl season.

The team also announced that reserve tight end Michael Palmer and third-string running back Antone Smith have signed exclusive rights contracts.

ATLANTA (AP) Free safety Thomas DeCoud plans to sign a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Terms of the deal were not announced by DeCoud or the team in public statements released Tuesday.

”Thanks for all the congratulations, everyone,” DeCoud told his followers on Twitter. ”Looking forward to taking my game to the next level and help the falcons take that next step.”

DeCoud has started 47 of his 58 games since the Falcons drafted him in the third round from Cal in 2009. He led Atlanta last season with a career-high four interceptions, ranked third on the team with 109 tackles and finished with seven passed defensed.

DeCoud’s return leaves the Falcons with the contracts of three defensive starters still unresolved.

Cornerback Brent Grimes, the team leader with 17 passes defensed, has been designated a franchise player, though he wants to sign a long-term deal with Atlanta rather than accept a tender offer worth over $10 million.

Right end John Abraham, who had a team-high 9 1/2 sacks, and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, are free agents.

The Falcons will work under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in 2012. Despite advancing to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, Atlanta hasn’t ranked among the top 10 in yards allowed since 1998, the franchise’s only Super Bowl season.

The team also announced that reserve tight end Michael Palmer and third-string running back Antone Smith have signed exclusive rights contracts.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons on Friday placed the franchise tag on cornerback Brent Grimes, assuring he will receive more than $10 million if he signs the tender.

Grimes, who led the team with 17 passes defensed in 2011, is one of the most important names in an unusually large class of 17 unrestricted free agents. He had a combined 11 interceptions in 2009 and 2010 and was an alternate Pro Bowl pick in 2010.

Grimes’ agent, Ben Dogra, said the decision by Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff was expected.

“We anticipated receiving the franchise tag,” Dogra told The Associated Press. “Brent Grimes is certainly viewed as one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL, and getting franchised is not a surprise to any of us. We look forward to continuing to speak with Thomas Dimitroff over the next few days.”

Dimitroff announced the move on the team’s radio partner, Atlanta’s WQXI AM-790. He said he plans to continue talks on a long-term deal with Grimes.

“Our feeling is, Brent Grimes is an excellent athlete with the ability to move, cover, break on the ball with some of the top corners in this league,” Dimitroff said. “We feel comfortable with his abilities, the way that he’s picked up our system and settled in nicely in the few years since we have been here.”

“We feel like, as we all know, you’re always looking for corners that can settle into your system and cover and stay in phase, as what we call it often, and make big plays on the ball. I think Brent Grimes does that, obviously, against big, small, fast or slow receivers in this league. We’re encouraged about having him back.”

Dogra said Grimes hopes “to explore all options with the Falcons, including signing a long-term deal.”

Dimitroff was scouting players in California on Friday and could not be reached for additional comment.

Grimes (5-10, 183) was an undrafted free agent from Shippensburg who emerged after joining the team’s practice squad in 2007.

Other top Atlanta free agents include linebacker Curtis Lofton, who led the team in tackles, safety Thomas DeCoud, who topped the Falcons with four interceptions, defensive end John Abraham, who led with 9 1/2 sacks, and center Todd McClure. Other free agents include backup running back Jason Snelling, backup quarterback Chris Redman and receivers Harry Douglas and Eric Weems.

Dimitroff said after the season it might be difficult for the team to keep more than eight free agents.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons are placing the franchise tag on cornerback Brent Grimes, assuring he will receive more than $10 million if he signs the tender.

Grimes, who led the team with 17 passes defensed in 2011, is one of the most important names in an unusually large class of 17 unrestricted free agents. Other top Atlanta free agents include linebacker Curtis Lofton, who led the team in tackles, safety Thomas DeCoud, who topped the Falcons with four interceptions, and defensive end John Abraham, who led with 9 ½ sacks.

Grimes had a combined 11 interceptions in 2009 and 2010. He was an alternate Pro Bowl pick in 2010.

His agent, Ben Dogra, did not immediately reply to an interview request.

Rich Rosa, the agent for Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham, said Wednesday that he believes his client will become a free agent this offseason, based on contract talks with the team.

Abraham, 33, has spent the past six seasons with Atlanta, where he has recorded 58.5 of his 112 career sacks. He spent six seasons with the New York Jets before signing with the Falcons as a free agent in 2006.

Abraham is one of three key Falcons defenders scheduled to hit free agency. In addition to Abraham, the team also must decide whether or not to re-sign middle linebacker Curtis Lofton and cornerback Brent Grimes.

The free-agency period begins March 13.

Follow Steve Wyche on Twitter @wyche89

Coach Mike Smith has led the Atlanta Falcons to the playoffs in three of his four seasons.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Coach Mike Smith has led the Atlanta Falcons to the playoffs in three of his four seasons.

Right now, he couldn’t care less.

Smith spent Tuesday trying to find answers for major breakdowns following the Falcons’ blowout loss the night before in New Orleans.

A 45-16 defeat left him determined to fix these problems before the postseason begins in two weeks.

The Falcons (9-6) host Tampa Bay (4-11) in the regular-season finale on Sunday and will learn later that day where they will travel to open the playoffs.

But Smith has more immediate concerns after watching his team lose badly to the Saints.

“We did not match their physicality,” Smith said, “and I don’t think we played real smart either.”

Atlanta’s offense, which had scored a combined 72 points in the previous two games, was inconsistent:

n Before the score was lopsided, the Falcons had to settle for field goals on three red zone possessions and went three-and-out both times the defense picked off Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

n Running back Michael Turner, the NFL’s sixth-leading rusher, finished with 39 yards on 11 carries.

n Rookie receiver Julio Jones lost a fourth-quarter fumble that New Orleans’ Malcolm Jenkins returned for a 30-yard touchdown that put the game out of reach.

The Falcons’ defense was worse:

n New Orleans, which leads the NFL in third down rate, converted its first nine chances and finished 10-for-13 as Atlanta failed to match the Saints’ frenetic substitution patterns.

n The Falcons were a mess in the red zone, allowing four touchdowns in six opportunities. It seemed appropriate that Brees ended the night by setting the league’s single-season passing record with a 9-yard TD pass on second-and-goal.

n And after falling to 2-6 against New Orleans in his tenure as Atlanta’s coach, Smith was frustrated by his team’s inability to pressure Brees consistently. He was only sacked once.

“We had a couple of opportunities with blitzes in which we had some free runners at them and we did not make the play,” he said.

“But our pass rush was not what it needs to be. You can’t give that guy time if you’re playing matchup coverages, man coverages and if he gets time, those guys are going to get open. That was the case on a number of occasions.”

With so much at stake in the division, right end John Abraham never believed the Falcons would begin the night playing timidly on defense.

But even though a win over New Orleans would’ve given Atlanta the chance to win the NFC South and host a playoff game, Abraham wondered if his team was overly confident after beating Jacksonville 41-14 the week before.

“I don’t know why we came out a little sluggish, but we did,” Abraham said. “And in the end they got the momentum and held onto it.”

Whether the Falcons have some kind of identity crisis remains to be seen. They had won four of five since losing in overtime to New Orleans six weeks ago, but have just two victories this season over teams with winning records (Detroit and Tennessee).

Tampa Bay, which visits the Georgia Dome on Sunday, isn’t likely to give Atlanta much of a gauge. The Buccaneers have lost nine straight and are coming off a 32-point road loss at Carolina.

Smith promises, though, that he will keep his team focused on Tampa Bay and not on the playoffs. Atlanta is 0-2 in the postseason during his tenure.

“I can assure you that for our organization, our goal is not just to make the playoffs,” Smith said.

“Our goals are much higher than that, and we have a roadmap that you have to follow to get there, meaning that you’ve got games to play and we didn’t play very good last night. I think it is a humbling experience for all of us because we didn’t play Atlanta Falcon football like we know we’re capable of playing.”

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP)—Coach Mike Smith has led the Atlanta Falcons to
the playoffs in three of his four seasons.

Right now, he couldn’t care less.

Smith spent Tuesday trying to find answers for major breakdowns following
the Falcons’ blowout loss the night before in New Orleans.

A 45-16 defeat left him determined to fix these problems before the
postseason begins in two weeks.

The Falcons (9-6) host Tampa Bay (4-11) in the regular-season finale on
Sunday and will learn later that day where they will travel to open the
playoffs.

But Smith has more immediate concerns after watching his team lose badly to
the Saints.

“We did not match their physicality,” Smith said, “and I don’t think we
played real smart either.”

Atlanta’s offense, which had scored a combined 72 points in the previous two
games, was inconsistent:

— Before the score was lopsided, the Falcons had to settle for field goals
on three red zone possessions and went three-and-out both times the defense
picked off Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

— Running back Michael Turner, the NFL’s sixth-leading rusher, finished with
39 yards on 11 carries.

— Rookie receiver Julio Jones lost a fourth-quarter fumble that New Orleans’
Malcolm Jenkins returned for a 30-yard touchdown that put the game out of reach.

The Falcons’ defense was worse:

— New Orleans, which leads the NFL in third down rate, converted its first
nine chances and finished 10 for 13 as Atlanta failed to match the Saints’
frenetic substitution patterns.

— The Falcons were a mess in the red zone, allowing four touchdowns in six
opportunities. It seemed appropriate that Brees ended the night by setting the
league’s single-season passing record with a 9-yard TD pass on second-and-goal.

— And after falling to 2-6 against New Orleans in his tenure as Atlanta’s
coach, Smith was frustrated by his team’s inability to pressure Brees
consistently. He was only sacked once.

“We had a couple of opportunities with blitzes in which we had some free
runners at them and we did not make the play,” he said.

“But our pass rush was not what it needs to be. You can’t give that guy
time if you’re playing matchup coverages, man coverages and if he gets time,
those guys are going to get open. That was the case on a number of occasions.”

With so much at stake in the division, right end John Abraham never believed
the Falcons would begin the night playing timidly on defense.

But even though a win over New Orleans would’ve given Atlanta the chance to
win the NFC South and host a playoff game, Abraham wondered if his team was
overly confident after beating Jacksonville 41-14 the week before.

“I don’t know why we came out a little sluggish, but we did,” Abraham
said. “And in the end they got the momentum and held onto it.”

Whether the Falcons have some kind of identity crisis remains to be seen.
They had won four of five since losing in overtime to New Orleans six weeks ago,
but have just two victories this season over teams with winning records (Detroit
and Tennessee).

Tampa Bay, which visits the Georgia Dome on Sunday, isn’t likely to give
Atlanta much of a gauge. The Buccaneers have lost nine straight and are coming
off a 32-point road loss at Carolina.

Smith promises, though, that he will keep his team focused on Tampa Bay and
not on the playoffs. Atlanta is 0-2 in the postseason during his tenure.

“I can assure you that for our organization, our goal is not just to make
the playoffs,” Smith said.

“Our goals are much higher than that, and we have a roadmap that you have
to follow to get there, meaning that you’ve got games to play and we didn’t play
very good last night. I think it is a humbling experience for all of us because
we didn’t play Atlanta Falcon football like we know we’re capable of playing.”

Read More: John Abraham (DE – ATL), Todd McClure (C – ATL), Stephen Nicholas (LB – ATL), Kelvin Hayden (CB – ATL), Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

The Atlanta Falcons will take the field against the New Orleans Saints on Monday, likely with a chance to clinch a playoff berth. The Falcons’ relative health should help them in a Week 16 NFC South showdown.

Neither cornerback Kelvin Hayden nor linebacker Stephen Nicholas participated in practice on Friday, but a triumvirate of veterans usually held out of practice to keep them fresh did. Those players, John Abraham, Tony Gonzalez, and Todd McClure, have routinely been DNPs on practice reports in 2011, but all three fully participated on Friday.

Here’s the rest of Friday’s edition of the Falcons injury report for Week 16:

DID NOT PARTICIPATE: CB Kelvin Hayden (toe), LB Stephen Nicholas (toe), WR Kerry Meier (groin), RB Jason Snelling (illness).

LIMITED PARTICIPATION: WR Harry Douglas (groin), CB Brent Grimes (groin), LB Curtis Lofton (ankle), DT Corey Peters (knee), RB Michael Turner (groin).

FULL PARTICIPATION: DE John Abraham (not injury-related), TE Tony Gonzalez (not injury-related), C Todd McClure (not injury-related), CB Chris Owens (hand).

For more on the Falcons, visit The Falcoholic; for more on the Saints, head to Canal Street Chronicles.

During the Atlanta Falcons dominating 41-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 15, fans were witness to the finest performance that they had seen from the Falcons this season. On offense and defense, the Falcons controlled the Jaguars. On offense, Matt Ryan picked apart the Jaguars injured secondary, while the defense, led by John Abraham and Sean Weatherspoon smothered Blaine Gabbert and forced four turnovers.

With the win, the Falcons improved their record to 9-5 and control their own destiny when it comes to a playoff spot. Who were the biggest stars for the Falcons in their victory that kept the control in their hands?

1. Matt Ryan

The fourth year quarterback from Boston College did what he wanted to the Jaguars. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Including their victory over the Carolina Panthers in week 14, Ryan’s two week total is 544 yards and seven touchdowns. The way Ryan controls the offense during the no-huddle is magnificent and reminds me of the Manning brothers. The win gives Ryan 42 for his career, tying Joe Flacco for most all time through the first four years of his career.

2. John Abraham

Abraham is currently in his sixth season as a Falcon and while his 2011 campaign hasn’t been as good as he would hope. He recorded 3.5 sacks in the win, giving him 8.5 on the season and 111 for his career. During two of the sacks, Abraham forced fumbles, including a third quarter play that led to a Corey Peters fumble recovery touchdown.

3. Roddy White

Coming into the 2011 season, there was a lot of pressure on White to pull off a season similar to the one he experienced in 2010. White has struggled with consistency and drops this season, but as of late, along with the emergence of Julio Jones, has regained the form that helped him become one of the best a year ago.

Against the Jaguars, White made 10 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 85 receptions on the season, with 1,100 yards. During his past five games, White has been one of the top players in the league, making 38 catches for 537 yards and five scores.

More from this contributor:

LeSean McCoy is Top Fantasy Running Back in 2011

Backup Running Backs to make Splash in 2011

Don’t Give up on These Players too Early

Drafting Individual Defensive Players?

Top 2011 Fantasy Football Rookies

Hobson Lopes has been playing fantasy football for more than 10 years and can be followed on Twitter @HobsonLopes.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

Read More: Roddy White (WR – ATL), Michael Turner (RB – ATL), Atlanta Falcons

Prominent offensive names on the Wednesday injury report for the Atlanta Falcons:

Stud tailback Michael Turner….check.

All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White….check.

Rookie phenom wideout Julio Jones….check.

Future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez….check.

Such is life for the Falcons, who at 7-5, are trying to use the final four games of the regular season to secure a playoff spot in the NFC. While only Turner was held out of practice Wednesday with groin issues, the Falcons will need all of their stars on deck to be sure they can dance when the playoffs begin.

Here is the full playoff report for the Falcons on Wednesday, as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers:

For the most up-to-the-minute information on the Falcons injury situations, check out The Falcoholic.