DixieDestroyer
Hall of Famer
The Falcons let Finneran go (
), so that may actually help Kerry's chances at getting into the starting line-up. He's certainly better than Weems & Jenkins.
Kerry Meier
- Thread starter Don Wassall
- Start date
Another white receiver who might make a strong impact in 2011:
It appears the Atlanta Falcons are extremely excited about having a healthy Kerry Meier this season. Forced to sit out with an injury for what would have been his rookie year in 2010, the former Pittsburg High and Kansas Jayhawk star should be ready to fill a possession receiver role for the Falcons.
<a href="http://www.morningsun.net/sports/x215601947/SCHREMMER-A-quick-rant-through-the-week-in-sports" target="_blank">
http://www.morningsun.net/sports/x215601947/SCHREMMER-A-quick-rant-through-the-week-in-sports</A>
It appears the Atlanta Falcons are extremely excited about having a healthy Kerry Meier this season. Forced to sit out with an injury for what would have been his rookie year in 2010, the former Pittsburg High and Kansas Jayhawk star should be ready to fill a possession receiver role for the Falcons.
<a href="http://www.morningsun.net/sports/x215601947/SCHREMMER-A-quick-rant-through-the-week-in-sports" target="_blank">
http://www.morningsun.net/sports/x215601947/SCHREMMER-A-quick-rant-through-the-week-in-sports</A>
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
I for one would be glad to see Kerry playing a lot this season. He could potentially work himself into a starting/semi-starting role in hotlanta. I'm sad to hear that Brian Finneran was cut loose though.
Highlander
Mentor
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2009
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Falcons Anxious to get Meier in Offense
3/24/11 - Here's a good article from a few months ago. It's good because of the quotes that come directly from the General Manager, especially "he has the skill set that we’re looking for as the next bigger receiver." The BSPN sportswriter is somewhat dismissive, seeing Meier as basically a Swiss-Army Knife type of player, even maybe playing some "H-Back or TE" (of course) who "could, over time, develop into a starter".
The Falcons are expecting big things from 2010 fifth-rounder Kerry Meier.
If you know anything about Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith, you know these guys aren’t the types to show a lot of excitement.
They’re calm, methodical and live firmly in a world where public expectations almost always are toned down in a calculated attempt to avoid disappointments. So why was it every time Kerry Meier's name came up during the NFL owners meeting in New Orleans earlier this week, Dimitroff and Smith sounded -- by their standards -- giddy? They sounded like the clock had been pushed ahead a month and they had just drafted Meier. Or they sounded like they did last year when they really did draft Meier.
Two very mature and understated men couldn’t help themselves from sounding like kids with a new toy when they talked about the guy they drafted in the fifth round (No. 165 overall) last year. Their eyes lit up and their voices carried an extra decibel of excitement when they talked about their hopes for Meier this year.
“He’s a guy who has a really large number of the attributes that translate into success in the NFL,’’ Smith said.
Meier has yet to do a thing in his NFL career, but Smith and Dimitroff expect that to change quickly. They drafted Meier as a wide receiver out of Kansas last year, but they believe they drafted much more than a wide receiver. Meier is one of those guys who can do just about anything on the football field.
He played some quarterback in college. He also made a quick and smooth switch to receiver and put up some huge numbers. He even held for extra points and field goals and served as a backup punter. When the Falcons drafted Meier last year, there was even some talk about him having the ability to play some at H-back or tight end.
All that potential is still there, but the Falcons have yet to have the chance to see it in an NFL game. Drafted only a week after his older brother, Dylan, died in a hiking accident on a family outing, Meier’s rookie season ended before it started. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the preseason and spent the season on injured reserve.
The Falcons aren’t getting regular reports on Meier during the lockout because teams aren’t allowed to have contact with players. But the last medical update on Meier is a big part of the reason Smith and Dimitroff are so excited about his prospects for the upcoming season.
“Kerry has done an outstanding job with his rehabilitation,’’ Smith said. “When we had our end-of-year physicals, Kerry was way ahead of schedule.’’
The mere fact Smith is giving injury updates in March is hugely significant. This is a guy, who like most coaches, usually talks about injuries only in the broadest of terms and the fact he’s saying Meier is way ahead of schedule must mean the receiver could step onto the field at whatever moment the lockout ends.
“I don’t want to lay out any timetable right now, but, yes, Kerry is way ahead of schedule,’’ Dimitroff said. “This is an individual who we are so proud to have on our team because his approach to everything is so top-notch. He’s a quality guy. He’s an intelligent guy and he has the skill set that we’re looking for as the next bigger receiver.’’
Yes, the next bigger receiver could be the next big thing in Atlanta’s offense. Let’s make it clear the Falcons aren’t looking at Meier as the speed receiver so many people think they need. That’s not his game.
He’s 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds and never has been known for his downfield speed. The Falcons can fill that role with Harry Douglas, if the receiver continues to progress from knee injury that kept him out for the 2009 season or they can go out and draft a speed guy.
Meier’s role isn’t nearly as one-dimensional. The Falcons view him as the jack-of-all-trades receiver veteran Brian Finneran has been. Finneran’s a potential free agent and isn’t likely to be offered a contract to return. That’s because the Falcons believe Meier can do all the things Finneran did and more.
In the short term, the Falcons want to use Meier in a receiver group in which Roddy White is the total package, Michael Jenkins is a complementary player who excels as a possession receiver and blocker and Douglas, Eric Weems and whoever might come in the draft, will compete for the slot-receiver spot.
The plan is to let Meier play a variety of roles to maximize his versatility. Smith isn’t about to give away the playbook, but it’s not hard to imagine Meier getting some time at receiver on running downs or lining up at H-back or tight end. He’s also likely to be a regular on special teams. Heck, it’s not anywhere near a stretch to picture Meier taking on another of Finneran’s former roles -- lining up on defense at safety and using his height to knock down Hail Mary passes or his strength to make an open field tackle in a pinch.
“Kerry and his family went through such a difficult time last summer and then he got hurt,’’ Smith said. “In that kind of situation, a lot of guys would have gone into a shell and just disappeared. Kerry never did. He just threw himself into his rehabilitation and he’s been absolutely hammering it.’’
The long-term plans for Meier could be even more significant. The Falcons believe he can be much more than just a Finneran clone. They view him as a guy who, over time, could develop into a starter because he can do many of the same things Jenkins can do.
But that’s down the road. For now, the Falcons just want to get Meier back on the field and into their offense.
“We got a look at his skill set in training camp and in the preseason games he played in last year,’’ Dimitroff said. “This is a guy we think can really help us in a lot of ways. We want him back. We want him back because we think he can be a very integral part of our offense.’’
3/24/11 - Here's a good article from a few months ago. It's good because of the quotes that come directly from the General Manager, especially "he has the skill set that we’re looking for as the next bigger receiver." The BSPN sportswriter is somewhat dismissive, seeing Meier as basically a Swiss-Army Knife type of player, even maybe playing some "H-Back or TE" (of course) who "could, over time, develop into a starter".
The Falcons are expecting big things from 2010 fifth-rounder Kerry Meier.
If you know anything about Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith, you know these guys aren’t the types to show a lot of excitement.
They’re calm, methodical and live firmly in a world where public expectations almost always are toned down in a calculated attempt to avoid disappointments. So why was it every time Kerry Meier's name came up during the NFL owners meeting in New Orleans earlier this week, Dimitroff and Smith sounded -- by their standards -- giddy? They sounded like the clock had been pushed ahead a month and they had just drafted Meier. Or they sounded like they did last year when they really did draft Meier.
Two very mature and understated men couldn’t help themselves from sounding like kids with a new toy when they talked about the guy they drafted in the fifth round (No. 165 overall) last year. Their eyes lit up and their voices carried an extra decibel of excitement when they talked about their hopes for Meier this year.
“He’s a guy who has a really large number of the attributes that translate into success in the NFL,’’ Smith said.
Meier has yet to do a thing in his NFL career, but Smith and Dimitroff expect that to change quickly. They drafted Meier as a wide receiver out of Kansas last year, but they believe they drafted much more than a wide receiver. Meier is one of those guys who can do just about anything on the football field.
He played some quarterback in college. He also made a quick and smooth switch to receiver and put up some huge numbers. He even held for extra points and field goals and served as a backup punter. When the Falcons drafted Meier last year, there was even some talk about him having the ability to play some at H-back or tight end.
All that potential is still there, but the Falcons have yet to have the chance to see it in an NFL game. Drafted only a week after his older brother, Dylan, died in a hiking accident on a family outing, Meier’s rookie season ended before it started. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the preseason and spent the season on injured reserve.
The Falcons aren’t getting regular reports on Meier during the lockout because teams aren’t allowed to have contact with players. But the last medical update on Meier is a big part of the reason Smith and Dimitroff are so excited about his prospects for the upcoming season.
“Kerry has done an outstanding job with his rehabilitation,’’ Smith said. “When we had our end-of-year physicals, Kerry was way ahead of schedule.’’
The mere fact Smith is giving injury updates in March is hugely significant. This is a guy, who like most coaches, usually talks about injuries only in the broadest of terms and the fact he’s saying Meier is way ahead of schedule must mean the receiver could step onto the field at whatever moment the lockout ends.
“I don’t want to lay out any timetable right now, but, yes, Kerry is way ahead of schedule,’’ Dimitroff said. “This is an individual who we are so proud to have on our team because his approach to everything is so top-notch. He’s a quality guy. He’s an intelligent guy and he has the skill set that we’re looking for as the next bigger receiver.’’
Yes, the next bigger receiver could be the next big thing in Atlanta’s offense. Let’s make it clear the Falcons aren’t looking at Meier as the speed receiver so many people think they need. That’s not his game.
He’s 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds and never has been known for his downfield speed. The Falcons can fill that role with Harry Douglas, if the receiver continues to progress from knee injury that kept him out for the 2009 season or they can go out and draft a speed guy.
Meier’s role isn’t nearly as one-dimensional. The Falcons view him as the jack-of-all-trades receiver veteran Brian Finneran has been. Finneran’s a potential free agent and isn’t likely to be offered a contract to return. That’s because the Falcons believe Meier can do all the things Finneran did and more.
In the short term, the Falcons want to use Meier in a receiver group in which Roddy White is the total package, Michael Jenkins is a complementary player who excels as a possession receiver and blocker and Douglas, Eric Weems and whoever might come in the draft, will compete for the slot-receiver spot.
The plan is to let Meier play a variety of roles to maximize his versatility. Smith isn’t about to give away the playbook, but it’s not hard to imagine Meier getting some time at receiver on running downs or lining up at H-back or tight end. He’s also likely to be a regular on special teams. Heck, it’s not anywhere near a stretch to picture Meier taking on another of Finneran’s former roles -- lining up on defense at safety and using his height to knock down Hail Mary passes or his strength to make an open field tackle in a pinch.
“Kerry and his family went through such a difficult time last summer and then he got hurt,’’ Smith said. “In that kind of situation, a lot of guys would have gone into a shell and just disappeared. Kerry never did. He just threw himself into his rehabilitation and he’s been absolutely hammering it.’’
The long-term plans for Meier could be even more significant. The Falcons believe he can be much more than just a Finneran clone. They view him as a guy who, over time, could develop into a starter because he can do many of the same things Jenkins can do.
But that’s down the road. For now, the Falcons just want to get Meier back on the field and into their offense.
“We got a look at his skill set in training camp and in the preseason games he played in last year,’’ Dimitroff said. “This is a guy we think can really help us in a lot of ways. We want him back. We want him back because we think he can be a very integral part of our offense.’’
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
An update on Meier.
The Falcons are not easing WR Kerry Meier (ACL surgery) into training camp.
A fully recovered Meier has taken part in every practice, and the Falcons are "very pleased" with what they've seen. The versatile Meier is the successor to fourth receiver and special teamer Brian Finneran, so he's more valuable to the Falcons than fantasy leaguers.
The Falcons are not easing WR Kerry Meier (ACL surgery) into training camp.
A fully recovered Meier has taken part in every practice, and the Falcons are "very pleased" with what they've seen. The versatile Meier is the successor to fourth receiver and special teamer Brian Finneran, so he's more valuable to the Falcons than fantasy leaguers.
Wait, how is he the 4th receiver? they let Michael Jenkins go to the Vikings. They drafted Julio Jones who I think is going to be a dissapointment, but Meier should at least be a number 3. Jones timed fast but doesn't look to be more than 4.5 on the field and he has a case of the drops.
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
He's taking the place of Finneran, that's how. One white possession receiver cancels the other one out.
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
What a shame that Kerry will be locked into the 4th spot that Brian held. wa33 is about right though, one White WR is just like every other White WR to the caste media and caste coaches. They can't possibly be any different than the farcical mold they've created for them. I guess we'll be hearing Kerry Meier taking over Brian Finneran's AirTran commercials as well. :icon_mad:
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
I can't wait for some NFL depth charts to come out. That will give us a clear picture of what lies ahead for the upcoming season. I'm sure at least a few of the less known white receivers will make some rosters. Of course we'll have the great white purge as well.
The Falcons also have Andy Strickland on the roster right now. It would be awesome if he made the roster.
Even with the Falcons passing game struggling and blubbery Michael Turner averaging 2.8 yards per carry the past three games, Kerry Meier remains MIA.
Here's A Crazy Thought: Why Don't The Falcons Get Kerry Meier Involved?
by Dave Choate
Second straight day with a passing game-related post. I'm a man of obsession.
I could bring out the Michael Turner argument, because Turner has been absolutely abysmal over the last three weeks. On 53 carries, he's averaged only 2.8 yards, an average so anemic it makes vampire victims look robust. But there are a lot of factors going into Turner's issues at the moment, and I'd like to see how he fares against a piss poor Panthers run defense before I go down that road.
I'm here today to talk about Kerry Meier.
You'll recall that Meier looked pretty good in pre-season this year, his second in the league. You're all familiar with Sunshine's story, and it's a remarkable one. He lost his brother during his days as a Kansas quarterback, reinvented himself as a wide receiver in the NFL and was doing great things in practice in 2010 before suffering a season-ending injury. To his eternal credit, Meier fought back, won a roster spot and...well, here we are.
In an offense that's thrown the ball quite a bit thus far in 2011, Meier has been an afterthought. His targets have been eaten up by Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, and to a lesser extent the running backs. There's been table scraps for guys like Harry Douglas already, so why would Meier get a look?
Two reasons spring to mind. The first, of course, is that Julio Jones may miss the Panthers game, leaving his targets for Douglas and guys further down the chart. The second is that Meier deserves them, at least based on pre-season action.
What he brings to the table is this: He's a tall guy with quality wheels for a possession receiver. He's sure-handed and pretty athletic. Above all, he runs his routes with an attention to detail, something every receiver getting significant playing time thus far has struggled with. Meier isn't going to blow anyone away with his speed, and for that reason he sometimes struggles to get separation. But this offense needs a guy who can battle for the ball and keep his grip on it, especially right now, and Meier's a solid option. Any help is good help.
Now, I'm not naive enough to think that Meier is any sort of panacea for the team's offensive woes. I just think that the Falcons need to start trying to use every weapon at their disposal, and Meier certainly qualifies as one. If Jones is out, I'd like to see them keep Douglas in the slot and make targeting him a priority, but give Meier some snaps outside. He may do good things with them.
What say you, gentle readers?
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/1...why-dont-the-falcons-get-kerry-meier-involved
Here's A Crazy Thought: Why Don't The Falcons Get Kerry Meier Involved?
by Dave Choate
Second straight day with a passing game-related post. I'm a man of obsession.
I could bring out the Michael Turner argument, because Turner has been absolutely abysmal over the last three weeks. On 53 carries, he's averaged only 2.8 yards, an average so anemic it makes vampire victims look robust. But there are a lot of factors going into Turner's issues at the moment, and I'd like to see how he fares against a piss poor Panthers run defense before I go down that road.
I'm here today to talk about Kerry Meier.
You'll recall that Meier looked pretty good in pre-season this year, his second in the league. You're all familiar with Sunshine's story, and it's a remarkable one. He lost his brother during his days as a Kansas quarterback, reinvented himself as a wide receiver in the NFL and was doing great things in practice in 2010 before suffering a season-ending injury. To his eternal credit, Meier fought back, won a roster spot and...well, here we are.
In an offense that's thrown the ball quite a bit thus far in 2011, Meier has been an afterthought. His targets have been eaten up by Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, and to a lesser extent the running backs. There's been table scraps for guys like Harry Douglas already, so why would Meier get a look?
Two reasons spring to mind. The first, of course, is that Julio Jones may miss the Panthers game, leaving his targets for Douglas and guys further down the chart. The second is that Meier deserves them, at least based on pre-season action.
What he brings to the table is this: He's a tall guy with quality wheels for a possession receiver. He's sure-handed and pretty athletic. Above all, he runs his routes with an attention to detail, something every receiver getting significant playing time thus far has struggled with. Meier isn't going to blow anyone away with his speed, and for that reason he sometimes struggles to get separation. But this offense needs a guy who can battle for the ball and keep his grip on it, especially right now, and Meier's a solid option. Any help is good help.
Now, I'm not naive enough to think that Meier is any sort of panacea for the team's offensive woes. I just think that the Falcons need to start trying to use every weapon at their disposal, and Meier certainly qualifies as one. If Jones is out, I'd like to see them keep Douglas in the slot and make targeting him a priority, but give Meier some snaps outside. He may do good things with them.
What say you, gentle readers?
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/1...why-dont-the-falcons-get-kerry-meier-involved
This is likely a do or die season for Meier. He needs to make the Falcons roster and get some playing time. Injuries and lack of opportunity have made him invisible his first two seasons.
Kerry Meier Beginning To Turn Heads In Camp
After a lost rookie season to injury in 2010, Kerry Meier has worked his way all the way back. Last season was a year of confidence-building for Meier as he not only navigated his first full season as a pro on the field, but also worked through coming back from a serious knee injury.
After a strong offseason of practices and five days of training camp, Meier appears to have a pretty solid grasp on the Falcons No. 4 wide receiver spot. It’s a position that requires some variety and Meier is the perfect player to provide it. He still must be a factor on special teams and he’s essentially a backup to all three of the Falcons first wide receivers. He’s been learning multiple roles in the offense and it’s clear the Falcons expect Meier to do many different things this season.
Meier’s quarterback, Matt Ryan, has seen first-hand the progress that Meier has made.
“Kerry’s done a great job, he really has,” Ryan said on Monday. “I think last year coming off the knee injury, he came back in and did a good job and played in some spot roles for us. I think this year his confidence is back in his leg. He’s not worrying about it much. He’s just worrying about the things he needs to. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. I think he has our system down pretty good. I’ve been really impressed with him through the spring and the first week of training camp.”
A converted quarterback, Meier said during the OTAs period that he feels healthy and comfortable with any football motion on the field. His relaxed approach to the game is evident during training camp practices. While the Falcons are set with Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas headlining the receiver corps, Meier is a solid fourth option and has had a strong camp thus far.
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/07/kerry-meier-beginning-to-turn-heads-in-camp/
Kerry Meier Beginning To Turn Heads In Camp
After a lost rookie season to injury in 2010, Kerry Meier has worked his way all the way back. Last season was a year of confidence-building for Meier as he not only navigated his first full season as a pro on the field, but also worked through coming back from a serious knee injury.
After a strong offseason of practices and five days of training camp, Meier appears to have a pretty solid grasp on the Falcons No. 4 wide receiver spot. It’s a position that requires some variety and Meier is the perfect player to provide it. He still must be a factor on special teams and he’s essentially a backup to all three of the Falcons first wide receivers. He’s been learning multiple roles in the offense and it’s clear the Falcons expect Meier to do many different things this season.
Meier’s quarterback, Matt Ryan, has seen first-hand the progress that Meier has made.
“Kerry’s done a great job, he really has,” Ryan said on Monday. “I think last year coming off the knee injury, he came back in and did a good job and played in some spot roles for us. I think this year his confidence is back in his leg. He’s not worrying about it much. He’s just worrying about the things he needs to. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. I think he has our system down pretty good. I’ve been really impressed with him through the spring and the first week of training camp.”
A converted quarterback, Meier said during the OTAs period that he feels healthy and comfortable with any football motion on the field. His relaxed approach to the game is evident during training camp practices. While the Falcons are set with Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas headlining the receiver corps, Meier is a solid fourth option and has had a strong camp thus far.
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/07/kerry-meier-beginning-to-turn-heads-in-camp/
Meier missed a season with a serious knee injury, but other than that he's another case study in the screwing over of a White receiver. Tall, excellent hands, not a burner but not slow for his size, smart, understood the receiver position well as a former college QB, could easily be a standout but was continually jerked around and never given an opportunity on a Falcons team that had little to no depth at receiver after Julio Jones and Roddy White.
From weenieworld:
Falcons waived WR Kerry Meier. A 2010 fifth-round pick out of Kansas, Meier only made it into 12 career games in Atlanta, playing special teams. He was a quarterback early in his college career before converting to wide receiver. NFL interest will be scant.
From weenieworld:
Falcons waived WR Kerry Meier. A 2010 fifth-round pick out of Kansas, Meier only made it into 12 career games in Atlanta, playing special teams. He was a quarterback early in his college career before converting to wide receiver. NFL interest will be scant.
