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The Off-season and Early Free Agency

Several moves were made in the off-season to shake things up for the Thrashers. After an extensive re-evaluation process, long time WLB Randall Knox will shift to middle linebacker, where his zone coverage, run stopping, and occasional pass rushing will be utilized.

When free agency began, the Thrashers were looking to make a few splashes after playing it close to the chest the previous two seasons. The first of which was TE Charles Webber, a dynamic passing and blocking threat, who at only 26 should be able to solidify the position for years to come.

Next, the team brought in three new offensive linemen to help stabilize a squad that gave up 54 sacks, over 100 tackles, and was tied for 9th in penalties in the league. Arlie Wilson C from the Vikings will move to LG and bring incredible blocking to the interior. Jeremy Carpenter LT from the Redskins will battle for the blind side with current tackle Israel Hubbard during training camp. In addition, the team added line depth with James Walker RT from the Chiefs.

Finally, Charles Reese QB was signed from the Irvine Anteaters to bring some competition to the position and longtime back up Jacob Christopher was let go. Owner Timothy Thompson thinks it will push both Prentice and Reese to higher levels and right now views it as Prentice's job to lose after being crowned MVP last season.

The Draft

The Thrashers traded Cincinnati two first round picks and a 2025 second round pick to move up to the 6th overall pick in this year's draft. Although speculation swirled that such a move could only mean that the Thrashers had ascended in order to land another franchise defensive player. However, the outcome seemed much less exciting at first.

Instead, the team looked to continue the rebuild of the offensive line with Marcellus Wallace, a strong, quick, disciplined interior lineman, who could eventually bump to the outside, if needed. He has the potential to be a four down lineman with exceptional pass and run protection, if camp works out. Currently, he is slotted at RG.

At the tail end of the first round, the team selected Vincent Vega out of Florida State-a speedy WLB with the potential for excellent coverage and pass rushing skills that would compliment the move of Randall Knox to the inside.

In the second round, the team had back to back picks, and with their first pick selected Jules Winnfield DT out of Southern California. Winnfield will be in a rotational role on the defensive line but could develop into a starter eventually. He has exceptional strength and could bust up a line, but needs to focus on his tackling and getting after the quarterback.

The second pick in the second round was another depth pick but on the other side of the ball. Winston Wolfe TE out of Maryland will serve as the #3 TE and #2 FB, but eventually could be in line for an expanded role as a red zone receiver as he was already known for having decent speed and high pass reception courage in college.

In the third round, Jimmie Dimmick SS Texas A&M was selected for secondary depth. He's definitely considered a prospect pick, but has blazing speed. If camp goes well, and he improves in his coverage and his tackling ability, he could be a serviceable back up or maybe even challenge for the SS role.

In perhaps one of the more controversial moments of the draft, the fourth round selection was used to snag Kicker Butch Coolidge, who some pundits viewed as the best overall kicker in the draft. At Missouri, he was nearly automatic due to his intelligence, discipline, and kicking ability. If he has a good camp, he should easily supplant Ryan Wilson who mucked up his way to kicking 75% last season, nearly a 9% drop from the season before.

Last and certainly least, was a deep prospect out of South Carolina, Paul Calderon, a linebacker with speed and the potential for a good bump and run coverage skill. His game is definitely incomplete, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he were rostered on the practice squad or joining the free agency pool by the end of preseason.

Be sure to check back after training camp to see who boomed and who busted. Who do you have your eye on, Thrasher fans?

Curse you Kurse

Camp was truly exciting this year, and while some old hands dropped in performance, new blood has emerged.

Positional Rundown - Offense

QB - Both Prentice and Reese had good camps, and while Prentice still is listed as QB1, Reese did some head-turnin at camp. His arm is a great deal better than Prentice on the longball, but Prentice adds in a modest scrambling game that Reese isn't equipped with. Both are extremely accurate.

RB - No news is good news. Sorenson is ready to go, while the others are happy for scraps.

FB / TE - The team announced that it intends to part ways with James House, the 10 year vet, who took a step back last year and never recovered. FA acquisition Charles Webber impressed his way to starting TE, while Darrel Arter will serves as a compliment in two TE sets. Rookie Winston Wolfe had a great camp and will challenge for TE2, especially in red zone and in blocking situations.

WR - The team parted ways with Christopher Dubois after John Alvin slipped in as WR3 from free agency.

OL - Starting RT John Warren--a longtime stalwart on the right side--had a terrible camp and has now lost his job. He came in out of shape, and pundits are speculating if he'll even make the team at this point. FA James Walker is set to start at RT.

LT Israel Hubbard tenuously holds on to the LT position, but the speculation is that the FA signing of Jeremy Carpenter will push Hubbard to backup the blind side. Arlie Wilson looks to take over at LG by end of the preseason, and rookie Marcellus Wallace is still developing at RG after having a less than stellar camp, but his overall skillset needs to be on the field rather than off. He should be starting by the end of preseason.

Position Rundown - Defense

DL - The front four remain unchanged. Max Dicken, Mason Saunders, Jason Voorhees, and Dewitt Maloney are still wreaking havoc. DT Jules Winnfield had one of the most disappointing camps and will never amount more than a reserve player.

LB - After Randall Knox slid to MLB, a void appeared on the weakside, and Rookie Vincent Vega looks apt to fill it. Vega exploded into camp and developed much needed coverage skills and has the speed to swarm the ball. This pundit believes that 3-4 Interceptions and double the knockdowns are a real possibilities from the rookie this season.

DB - The group remains largely unchanged and rookie prospect Jimmie Dimmick will be depth for a season before probably kicking rocks in the offseason.

ST - Rookie Kicker Butch Coolidge had a decent camp, but didn't do enough to solidify the position or prove his contract. Both Kickers will compete during the preseason.