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Atlanta Falcons 2017 Rookies Remind Fans How Important Draft Class Can Be

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Atlanta Falcons 2017 Rookies Remind Fans How Important Draft Class Can Be


The 2017 NFL Draft cycle was a sophisticated time for followers of the Atlanta Falcons. The staff had simply wrapped up one of the crucial profitable seasons of all time, although all of it got here crashing down on the finish in opposition to the New England Patriots in Tremendous Bowl LI.

Takkarist McKinley

Duke Riley

Duke Riley

SeanHarlow

Sean Harlow

All the nucleus that led Atlanta to the Tremendous Bowl was all set to be returning, together with reigning MVP Matt Ryan, 2016 sack chief Vic Beasley Jr., and star extensive receiver Julio Jones. 

Contemporary off a draft that produced a number of influence gamers equivalent to Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, Austin Hooper, and De’Vondre Campbell, the Falcons appeared poised to take pleasure in an incredible run of success. 

The 2017 NFL Draft class is usually regarded as the 12 months the Chicago Bears chosen QB Mitchell Trubisky No. 2 general, passing on QBs Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. 

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For the Falcons, it’s the draft class that had an opportunity to take the group excessive however couldn’t stay as much as expectations. How have the staff’s six draftees fared within the NFL? Let’s test it out.

Spherical 1, Decide No. 26: Takkarist McKinley, EDGE, UCLA

With the Falcons in want of go rush assist, they selected to maneuver up with the Seattle Seahawks, giving up third and seventh spherical picks within the course of. Atlanta opted for McKinley, who had 10 sacks and 18 tackles-for-loss in his remaining season at UCLA.

McKinley’s early returns had been promising. As a rookie, he performed in 16 video games on a staff that not solely made the playoffs, however received on the highway, earlier than shedding to the eventual Tremendous Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. McKinley had six sacks and 7 TFLs, setting himself up for a breakout sophomore season during which he began 8 video games and posted seven sacks.

After his first two seasons, McKinley appeared primed to claim himself as one of many higher younger go rushers within the NFL. Whereas he began 13 video games in 2019, he solely totaled 3.5 sacks and seven TFLs. The bounceback many had been hoping for in 2020 by no means got here. He began 4 video games earlier than succumbing to a groin damage and lacking a number of video games. He was waived later that season after making claims in regards to the Falcons not honoring his commerce requests.

McKinley agreed to phrases with the Cincinnati Bengals the next week however failed his bodily and returned to free company. He signed with the Cleveland Browns for the 2021 season and began two out of 11 video games earlier than struggling a torn achilles. He had 2.5 sacks and three TFLs on the time of his damage. McKinley is now a free agent.

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Spherical 3, Decide No. 76: Duke Riley, LB, LSU

After having nice success the 12 months earlier than with LSU linebacker Deion Jones, Atlanta returned to the properly in 2017 by drafting the participant who changed Jones within the Tigers’ protection. Riley began 16 video games over two seasons in Atlanta, racking up 90 tackles, two of which had been for loss.

Riley was traded to Philadelphia in September of 2019, 4 video games into his third season in Atlanta. He largely performed a particular groups function with the Eagles that season, however stepped into a bigger function the next 12 months, posting 55 tackles for a Philadelphia staff starved of linebackers.

One Riley’s rookie contract ended, he signed with the Miami Dolphins for the 2021 season. The 27-year-old re-signed with the staff in March after contributing 26 complete tackles, engaged on sub downs and particular groups.

Spherical 4, Decide No. 136: Sean Harlow, OG, Oregon State

Following the loss in Tremendous Bowl LI, beginning proper guard Chris Chester introduced his retirement, opening up a place within the offensive line room. Enter Harlow, a participant who earned second staff All-PAC 12 honors whereas having expertise in any respect 5 offensive line positions.

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On paper, Harlow was a strong decide whose versatility might’ve saved the staff a roster spot. Nevertheless, he was minimize by the Falcons proper earlier than the beginning of his second season, after not taking part in as a rookie. Harlow spent a while on the Colts apply squad earlier than returning to Atlanta and signing a future’s contract. He started the 2019 season on Atlanta’s apply squad earlier than being elevated to the staff’s roster for one sport. He spent the complete 2020 season on the Falcons apply squad.

Harlow joined the Arizona Cardinals in January of 2021, showing in 15 video games and making 5 begins. He’s slated to return to the staff for the 2022 season.

DamontaeKazee

Damontae Kazee

BrianHill

Brian Hill

EricSaubert

Eric Saubert

Spherical 5, Decide No. 149: Damontae Kazee, DB, San Diego State

Kazee got here to Atlanta with a wonderful pedigree because the two-time Mountain West Convention Defensive Participant of the 12 months, a feat that no different Mountain West defensive again had completed. Kazee had six or extra interceptions in each seasons, including a component of ball expertise that Atlanta’s secondary lacked the 12 months earlier than.

Whereas transitioning from cornerback to security within the NFL is troublesome, Kazee tailored shortly; he led the league in interceptions with seven in simply his second season. He began 29 out of 32 video games in 2018 and 2019, racking up 156 tackles and 10 interceptions. Kazee established himself as one of many higher younger safeties within the league getting into a contract season in 2020, however suffered a torn ACL in week 4.

Atlanta’s new regime selected to not maintain him, so Kazee reunited with former Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn in Dallas. Kazee began 15 video games for the Cowboys, totaling 52 tackles and two interceptions. He’s at the moment a free agent.

Spherical 5, Decide No. 156: Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming

Whereas operating again wasn’t an enormous want for the 2017 Atlanta Falcons with stars Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman already on the roster, they opted to pick Hill, who ran for over 1,800 yards in his remaining season with Wyoming. Hill additionally supplied particular groups worth, making him a precious roster piece.

Hill solely appeared in a single sport for Atlanta earlier than being waived in October, although he returned to the staff’s apply squad. The Cincinnati Bengals signed him away from Atlanta lower than a month later, and he performed in an extra six video games, speeding for 37 yards on 11 carries. Hill was waived by Cincinnati proper earlier than the beginning of the 2018 season, and Atlanta claimed him off waivers. He remained with the Falcons for the following three seasons, his finest 12 months coming in 2020, when he put up 465 speeding yards on 100 carries and 199 receiving yards on 25 catches, cementing himself as a weekly contributor.

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Hill bounced round in 2021, spending time with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. He’s at the moment a free agent.

Spherical 5, Decide No. 174: Eric Saubert, TE, Drake

Saubert’s decide carried a big particular groups influence for the Falcons. Regardless of not catching a single go in 2017, he nonetheless appeared in 14 video games. The next 12 months, he performed in all 16, even beginning one, and added 5 receptions for 48 yards. Nevertheless, he was traded to the New England Patriots in August of 2019 earlier than being minimize lower than a month later.

Saubert spent a lot of that season on the Las Vegas Raiders apply squad. The Chicago Bears claimed him in late November; he caught two passes for 21 yards in two appearances. The Bears let Saubert stroll in September of 2020, although he was shortly picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the place he began 4 video games and caught three passes for 16 yards throughout eight appearances.

Saubert loved his finest season up to now in 2021 with the Denver Broncos, taking part in in all 17 video games, beginning 4, and accumulating 47 yards on eight catches, together with his first profession landing. He’s at the moment a free agent.

In Assessment

The Falcons’ 2017 draft class had moments of brilliance, that includes 13 sacks in two seasons from first rounder Takkarist McKinley, and 7 interceptions in 12 months two from Damontae Kazee. Nevertheless, no person from the category remains to be on the staff, and Atlanta was unable to return to the playoffs after their rookie season ended.

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In the end, this class will be chalked up as fairly underwhelming. This draft proves that any draft class is extremely necessary and may dictate a staff’s foreseeable future. For Falcons followers, they hope Terry Fontenot can erase a number of the ache along with his draft class this weekend.



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Atlanta, GA

MLS apologizes for falsely announcing Atlanta United transfer

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MLS apologizes for falsely announcing Atlanta United transfer


Major League Soccer apologized Thursday for publishing a story on its website that identified the wrong player as having transferred to one of its clubs, Atlanta United.

The league’s website, MLSSoccer.com, published a story Wednesday that falsely reported that Celtic FC and Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi had been acquired by Atlanta. The article was quickly removed.

“Major League Soccer’s website mistakenly posted an article that named the wrong player as having signed with an MLS club,” the league said in a statement to The Athletic. “The article was immediately removed and corrected. MLS extends its sincere apologies to the impacted parties.”

The false report is no longer available, and the link now directs to an error message.

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The mistake appears linked to Atlanta’s transfer hint for another player, US-born Cayman Togashi, a former Japanese youth international who spent his entire professional career in Japan. Atlanta teased on social media the arrival of a Japanese player, fueling those rumors even more.

The club later announced it signed Togashi through the 2025 season with an option for 2026. The 31-year-old signed on a free transfer from Sagan Tosu in Japan’s top flight.

Last month, the Daily Mail reported that Atlanta submitted a $12 million bid for Furuhashi. The club also recently named Ronny Delia, a former Celtic manager, as its head coach. Around the time of the false report by MLS, Furuhashi played in Celtic’s 2-0 win against Dundee United, coming on as a substitute for Adam Idah in the 62nd minute.

(Photo: Craig Foy / SNS Group via Getty Images)



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Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns: Spread and Final Score Predictions For Tonight’s Game

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Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns: Spread and Final Score Predictions For Tonight’s Game


The Atlanta Hawks are wrapping up their six game road trip tonight in Phoenix with a matchup against the Suns. It has not been the best road trip for the Hawks, as they have gone 2-3 on it, but they have been playing most of the trip without star forward Jalen Johnson. That is going to continue tonight as the Hawks will be without Johnson for the third straight game and the fourth time in the last five games. It has not been pretty for the Hawks without Johnson, but they are going to be facing one of the most disappointing teams in the league tonight.

Phoenix came into the season with title hopes and after a hot start, it looked like the hire of former Hakws coach Mike Budenholzer was paying off for the Suns. It has not gone well though. This team is currently outside of the top ten in the Western Conference, Bradley Beal is now coming off the bench, and Devin Booker is not playing up to his usual All-NBA level. This team has talent, but they have not shown it on a night-to-night basis, as evidenced from their loss to Charlotte on Tuesday. Even without Johnson, the Hawks have a chance tonight due to the Sun’s inconsistency.

Coming into tonight’s game, the Hawks are 6th in the NBA in PPG, 14th in FG%, 17th in 3PA, 19th in 3P%, 5th in FTA, 24th in turnovers, and 6th in rebounding. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 15th in points per 100 possessions, 18th in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 8th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 9th in free throw rate.

Currently, the Hawks rank 28th in PPG allowed, 22nd in field goal percentage allowed, 30th in three-point attempts allowed, and 30th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 19th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 28th in effective field goal percentage allowed.

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Phoenix comes into this game ranked 17th in PPG, 12th in FG%, 14th in 3PA, 7th in 3p%, 11th in free throw attempts per game, 25th in rebounding, and 10th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Suns are 13th in points per 100 possessions, 10th in effective field goal%, 13th in turnover percentage, 27th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 6th in free throw rate.

Defensively, Phoenix ranks 19th in PPG allowed, 14th in FG% allowed, 15th in 3PA allowed, and 21st in 3P% allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Phoenix is 23rd in points allowed per 100 possessions and 15th in effective field goal% allowed.

With Johnson out tonight, it is going to be on the shoulders of Trae Young to try and lift the Hawks to a win. Young had another 20-point, 20-assist game on Tuesday vs Utah, finishing with 24 points and 20 assists. Phoenix will likely try to guard him with rookie Ryan Dunn, who is a very solid defender, but Young is a different test entirely.

Dyson Daniel

Jan 7, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) shoots an open jumpsuit against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images / Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Dyson Daniels was overshadowed a bit by Young’s performance and game-winning shot, but Daniels flirted with a triple-double on Tuesday night. Daniels scored 16 points, had seven assists, and six rebounds on 7-12 shooting. He can be the lead guard and playmaker whenever Young goes to the bench and has done a decent job of that. Daniels will also be tasked with guarding Booker tonight (which is not an easy task) and trying to limit his scoring.

Zaccharie Risacher had one of his better performances this season on Tuesday night vs Utah. He scored 14 points on 6-14 from the field and pulled in six rebounds. With Johnson out, it might be Risacher guarding Kevin Durant tonight, though the Hawks could use Vit Krejci to do that.

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Krejci had a solid game for Atlanta on Tuesday, scoring 13 points and shooting 3-4 from three and I would expect him to get the start with Johnson out again.

Clint Capela had a monster game on Tuesday, shooting 9-11 from the field and scoring 18 points. He finished at the rim well and also had three blocks and Phoenix is not a good rebounding team. If the Hawks win, I would bet that Capela is very key in making that happen. With Onyeka Okongwu questionable and Larry Nance still out, it might be the first time for Dominick Barlow to play an actual role on this team as the backup to Capela. If Okongwu plays, Barlow is unlikely to see minutes.

The bench will be led by De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Garrison Matthews (as well as whoever is the backup center). Until the fourth quarter, Bogdanovic and Matthews were having a poor shooting night, but Bogdanovic nailed two big shots to keep the Hawks in the game. Combined, they shot 4-15 from three and it is tough for Atlanta to win when two of their best shooters shoot like that. Hunter bounced back from a pair of rough games and scored 17 points and hit four of his seven three-point attempts against the Jazz. The bench will have a huge role tonight in helping the Hawks to earn a victory.

How the Hawks are able to guard Durant might be the biggest mismatch in the game. Durant is close to unguardable, but the Hawks don’t really have a great option in the starting lineup and I would expect to see Hunter get a lot of minutes on him when he comes off the bench. Atlanta could not guard Lauri Markkanen on Tuesday due to his size and shooting combination and they could struggle with Durant for the same reason.

According to Fanduel Sportsbook, the Suns are 6.5 point favorites tonight and the total is set at 238.5.

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This is going to be a tough matchup for the Hawks without Jalen Johnson. The Hawks struggle to replace his versatile skillset when he is out and that is going to be a problem tonight against Durant and the Suns. Phoenix is inconsistent and can lose on any given night, but I like them to squeak by the Hawks tonight.

Final Score: Suns 120, Hawks 115 (Hawks +6.5 and Under)

Hawks vs Suns: Game Preview, Injury Report, Betting Odds, Projected Starting Lineups For Tonight’s Game

New Blockbuster Three-Team Trade Proposal Sends Nikola Vucevic to Warriors, Hawks Land Backup Point Guard

After Recent Losing Streak, Atlanta Hawks Fall Three Spots In Latest NBA Power Rankings

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Atlantans prepare steep driveways for winter weather

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Atlantans prepare steep driveways for winter weather


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Winter weather on the horizon has people living in metro Atlanta with steep driveways preparing for ice.

Steep driveways are a common sight in Sandy Springs and there are solutions to not being stuck during the storm.

Amit Gambhir is one driver with a steep driveway. “It hasn’t been too bad. That we’ve seen. I know we’re thinking that could be the case in a couple of days,” said Gambhir.

“I want to say it was eight hours. I was one of the lucky ones it wasn’t overnight but it was a long time,” said Gambhir.

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Gambhir doesn’t plan on being stuck in his car again.

“I do not plan to be out and about very much Thursday night through however long this lasts,” said Gambhir.

“If you do need to get out of your house and out of the neighborhood, probably Ice Melt, so you can get your car where it needs to go. So snow shovels or Ice Melt,” said Andy Jones, a manager and owner of Intown Ace Hardware.

Ice Melt is a chemical substance that melts snow and ice by lowering the freezing point of water.

“It essentially melts the ice and then that melted ice will run off your driveway so it won’t refreeze and you’re not slipping,” said Jones.

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Salting driveways is another option.

“Go ahead and pull down to the street and park your car on the street the night before,” said Jones.

“I think we’re just going to hold steady here and play it safe,” said Jones.



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