Sports Page Atlanta

With the conclusion of this weekend’s NFL draft and subsequent free agent signing process, many familiar players from the area are headed off to pursue their NFL dreams. Here’s a rundown of who went where and what kind of role they’ll play on their new team.

Philip Wheeler, Indianapolis - This is a good fit for the Colts, and he should play fairly soon on running downs. The Colts like LBs who can go downhill and find a ball carrier, and that’s Wheeler’s strength. I’m not sure if he’s ready for pass coverage at the NFL level, but he’s ready to help out the run defense. He could even fight Tyjuan Hagler for the starting WLB spot.

Tashard Choice, Dallas - With Marion Barber and Felix Jones entrenched as the top two in Dallas, Choice is the favorite to win the #3 job. He has to beat out Alonzo Coleman and Ronnie Cruz, and that should be a manageable task. Dallas sure needs a good teammate like Tashard, what with the bevy of eccentric personalities they’ve got.

Durant Brooks, Washington - This pick certainly made sense considering Washington had no punter entering the draft. Brooks at this point has to be the favorite to win the job, though they’ll probably bring someone in to challenge him for the job. Brooks already has possibly the best hang-time in the NFL, so this pick should work out wonderfully for the Redskins.

Mike Cox, Kansas City - Herm Edwards loves to grind it out on the ground, so he’ll always have a need for run blockers like Cox, who aren’t threats out of the backfield but can lock in on someone and clear space for Larry Johnson to run through.

Gary Guyton, San Francisco - Guyton is likely playing for a special teams role or a practice squad spot until he can learn how to better himself as a linebacker. If he ever does, he certainly possesses the athleticism and raw talent necessary to be a star.

Darrell Robertson, Dallas - Dallas loves hybrid rushers, and that’s exactly what Robertson is. I had him going to a 3-4 defense, just not this one. The only real surprise here is that he wasn’t drafted. I really expect him to make the team out of camp.

Nate McManus, New Orleans - This was a surprise, as I was unaware McManus was even pursuing a pro career, but the Saints are pretty thin along the O-Line and need some depth, so even though he’s a longshot to survive cuts, the situation isn’t all that bad for him.