New Falcons brass plunging into overhaul
Atlanta Falcons02/21/2008 11:13 AM The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the NFL scouting combine is Thomas Dimitroff's playground. The combine, which begins in earnest Thursday, is where the Falcons' new general manager can add to his knowledge of college prospects. It's his expertise as a longtime collegiate scout. bargaining and working backdoor deals with teams in preparation for the start of free agency Feb. 29. That part of Dimitroff's new job is well out of his wheelhouse. This is where Mike Smith comes in. The Falcons' new coach knows the NFL. From his days as Baltimore's defensive line coach and Jacksonville's defensive coordinator, he knows what players want. He also knows the angles agents and team officials play to make things happen. Read more