GREENVILLE, S.C. - General manager Rich McKay eased some mild tension Tuesday night when three of the Atlanta Falcons' five unsigned draft picks agreed to contract terms.
Unfortunately for the Falcons, it seemed unlikely that cornerback DeAngelo Hall, the eighth overall pick from Virginia Tech, would report before the midnight deadline Tuesday at Furman University.
"I'm never one that says you're close or far because truly you're about a 10-second phone call from being able to finalize any of these deals," McKay said of his negotiations with Hall. "So hopefully this is the one. I'll do everything I can."
Quarterback Matt Schaub, a third-round pick from Virginia, Chad Lavalais, a fifth-round defensive tackle from Louisiana State, and running back Quincy Wilson, a seventh-rounder from West Virginia, will sign contracts before the Falcons' first practice this afternoon.
McKay hoped receiver Michael Jenkins, the 29th overall pick from Ohio State, would agree to terms before the first practice. Agent Joel Segal, who represents Hall and Jenkins, declined to comment.
A source familiar with the negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity said McKay and Segal spoke by telephone Tuesday and appeared to move closer on talks involving Jenkins.
"DeAngelo participated in all of the team's off-season workouts and shouldn't miss a beat when he gets to camp," one source said. "He's a very conscientious young man. We anticipate no problems."
McKay indicated that the deals won't become a major distraction.
Two years ago, running back T.J. Duckett, a Segal client whom the Falcons drafted 18th overall, missed the first nine days in a contract holdout.
Hall is due a big contract.
The Washington Redskins agreed to terms Tuesday with Sean Taylor, the No. 5 overall pick, as the former Miami safety received a signing bonus of $7.2 million with option and roster bonuses worth another $6 million.
The Houston Texans gave former South Carolina cornerback Dunta Robinson, the 10th overall pick, a $4.07 million signing bonus, but Segal might wait until Cleveland agrees to terms with tight end Kellen Winslow, the sixth pick, and Detroit with receiver Roy Williams, the seventh pick, before finishing Hall's contract.
"I will not allow it to be a protracted deal," McKay said. "That's not in our best interest. That's not what we want, and I know that's not what DeAngelo and Joel want."
Terms of the deals involving Schaub, Lavalais and Wilson weren't immediately available.
DUNN READY TO PLAY: Head coach Jim Mora said running back Warrick Dunn will be in full pads and ready to practice. Dunn missed the last five games of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament at the base of his left toes.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Alhough Pro Bowl alternate Allen Rossum is the incumbent punt and kickoff returner, Mora said Hall will have many chances to field punts, a talent he showcased at Virginia Tech.
"If you've got a guy who can change the complexion of a game, you use him," Mora said. "You use your weapons. You don't think about him getting injured. You just don't think that way. We'll use 'em both. We'll need 'em both."
(UPDATE):
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Back
