Petrino's Ripple Effect

Earlier in the week, PWD talked about how Petrino leaving the Falcons would affect Brian Van Gorder. However, there are more Georgia people involved with the Falcons than coach Van. Tony Taylor, Martrez Milner, and DJ Shockley are the only Georgia players still under contract with the Falcons. Let's take a look at each player one at a time.

Tony Taylor
I'll be honest, I don't feel great about Taylor's chances of hanging around with the Falcons. It's tough for undrafted free agents to make it in the NFL. Add to that his old college coach (Van Gorder) who I'm sure vouched for him, will likely be gone. I just remember Terrence Edwards making the team under Dan Reeves. Then Reeves was fired and Jim Mora didn't keep Edwards around long. I could see Taylor having the same fate.

Martrez Milner
Since the Falcons used a draft pick on Martrez last year, I think his status with the Falcons is in the best shape of any former Georgia player. He's on IR right now, but he actually played pretty well this season.







DJ Shockley
While I do think Milner is in the best position with the Falcons, I also think Petrino's departure will have the most positive impact on DJ Shockley. I get the feeling Petrino didn't think very highly of DJ. He was a very low draft pick by the prior regime, and Petrino obviously had a soft spot for Chris Redman. I'm not saying DJ will definitely make the team next year, but I think his chances increased significantly when Petrino resigned.