Stories, potential plentiful in youthful secondary

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Run a finger down the defensive backs section of the Falcons roster and multiple stories -- and changes -- come into focus.

• Free agent additions: Deke Cooper, Erik Coleman and Von Hutchins
• High-profile changes like the trade of DeAngelo Hall and the depth-chart elevation of cornerback Chris Houston
• Youth and draft picks at safety and cornerback
• Steady veteran leadership from Lawyer Milloy
• The emergence of Brent Grimes from tiny Shippensburg University
• Alterations in coaching, scheme and philosophy

The list can be lengthened, sub-divided and examined.

And it will come into more focus when Russell Falcons Training Camp opens July 26.

Defensive coaches will certainly have their hands full when rebuilding the teams' defensive backfield this preseason, but shrewd personnel moves both this offseason and in the NFL Draft have certainly given the teams' decision makers plenty of options.

Changes began with the addition of Alvin Reynolds as defensive backs coach and the signing of Coleman and Hutchins -- a pair of five year NFL veterans -- on the first weekend of the free agent signing period.

Coleman spent the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets after being drafted in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He has 373 tackles, two sacks and seven interceptions in his career. Hutchins played nearly every position in the secondary during stops with the Colts and Texans. His career totals include 142 tackles (112 solo), two interceptions and one interception return for a touchdown.

"I played corner, I played the nickel, I played a little safety... I showed I can play on this level," Hutchins said of his time in Houston. "I feel like I can help the team. The guys we brought in and the guys are already here are aiming to make the playoffs. That's something the city has been wanting the past couple of years."

He also plans to help strengthen a veteran presence in a position group that has 10 players with two or less years in the NFL.

"Right now my role on the team is to help the younger guys," he said. "Myself as well as Erik and Lawyer are the vets of the secondary right now. It's our job to guide the younger guys on the field and off the field."

In recent weeks the team also added Cooper, a six-year veteran who has experience in Head Coach Mike Smith's defensive scheme.

But Younger players figure to make a lasting impact, especially at cornerback. Houston said he's ready to step in for Hall and is confident he can adapt to a new system and continue his success as a starter.

"It's a very good defensive scheme," he said. "Last year were on an island by ourselves. This year we have a little more help over the top. That allows corners to be more aggressive. The defense is working to the corners' advantage."

Houston is one of four defensive backs entering his second year with the team (David Irons, Antoine Harris and Daren Stone). Harris played safety and cornerback last year while Irons led the team in special teams tackles. In addition, three players were drafted this season to fit the team's coverage scheme, led by third-round selection Chevis Jackson.

"He's a very good cover-two corner," General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said when the team drafted the former LSU star. "He has a very good feel for a defense and is very instinctive. We were excited to get him in the third round."

In his senior season, opposing quarterbacks completed only 25.61 percent of the passes thrown into Jackson's area (21-of-82). He held the opposition to a minuscule 2.8 yards per pass attempt. Jackson also batted away 16 passes and intercepted five more to earn first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. The Falcons also added a special teams ace and safety (Thomas DeCoud) in the draft. He showed promise in early work and can provide immediate depth, as can fellow rookie Wilrey Fontenot.

The player between rookie and second-year status, however, could make one of the biggest early impacts.

Grimes was one of the most impressive players in organized team activities. He started Week 16 at Arizona last season, notching a team-high 11 tackles against Pro Bowl wide receivers like Larry Fitzgerald. It was one of the high points of a career that has had it's ups and downs since Grimes joined the team for the first time in May 2006.

"Ever since he's been here he's always made plays," assistant head coach/secondary Emmitt Thomas said. "I was impressed when we went out to Arizona and I watched him compete against two of the better players in the NFL.

"He's competing out there (now). I think he's going to be a pleasant surprise to the Falcons organization. I think he's going to be a fine corner."

"My dream was always to be in the NFL, going to Shippensburg I knew the odds were stacked against me, but if I could play hard I knew I'd at least get a shot," added Grimes.

What's the rest of Grimes' story? What's next for the defensive backs?

Only time will tell.

MORE ON FALCONS DEFENSIVE BACKS:

• ONE-ON-ONE: Chevis Jackson
• ONE-ON-ONE: Erik Coleman
• ONE-ON-ONE: Chris Houston
• ONE-ON-ONE: Brent Grimes
• ONE-ON-ONE: Von Hutchins
• VIDEO: Chevis Jackson at the Combine Interview | Highlights
• WIKIPEDIA: Chevis Dauro Jackson
• NFL.com: Chevis Jackson profile
• YOUTUBE: Jackson INT vs. Alabama
• YOUTUBE: Chevis Jackson Highlights
• YOUTUBE: DraftGuysTV Profile -- Chevis Jackson
• NEWS: LSU's Jackson becomes Falcons third-round pick | Quotes | Photos
• NFL.com: Wilrey Fontenot profile
• NEWS: Birds turn back to cornerback, Draft Fontenot | Photos
• VIDEO: Free Agent Introduction Press Conference
• NEWS: Free agent additions committed to success

Atlanta Falcons 2008 Defensive Backs