The birds inked another 2008 draft choice this past Wednesday by signing six round pick running back Thomas Brown. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
While at Georgia Brown put up some good numbers. The 5-8, 204 pound Brown had 3,767 all-purpose yards, which was fourth best in school history. Brown's total rushing yards were 2,646 with 529 rushing attempts. As a senior in 2007, he put up 779 rushing yards and had a career best 10 TDs.
I was on my way home that Sunday listening to the draft on my Sirius NFL radio when I heard and saw Brown's name come across the screen. At first I thought this was a PR move because Brown was a Georgia Bulldog. Later on, after listening to coach Mike Smith talk about how they plan on using Brown, I thought this might actually be a good move. As of right now, he is third on the depth chart behind starter Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. Brown is fighting for the third spot with second year man, Virginia product Jason Snelling. Snelling could also play fullback behind Ovie Mughelli.
Coach Smith mentioned they have been using Brown in practice as the kick returner, which actually might fit him perfectly. Norwood was in that position last year, but with the possibility of Norwood getting more touches, Brown could be penciled in as KR. The likely senario would be Brown would be kick returner, while giving Turner and Norwood a breather as the third running back. Look for the running back depth chart to be: Turner/Norwood/Brown-Snelling. The full back depth chart will consist of: Mughelli/Snelling.
Keywords: Atlanta Falcons, NFL
