Falcons’ Pathon returns to roost

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, May 26, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Atlanta Falcons
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Every NFL team could use a player who's been around, and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jerome Pathon certainly qualifies.

The only native of South Africa in the NFL (his parents moved from Capetown when he was five), Pathon grew up in British Columbia and started his football career at that well-known football factory, the University of Nova Scotia.

After two years, he transferred to the University of Washington (where he set a school record with 69 receptions in 1997) and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, for whom he had a couple of 50-catch seasons. He spent 2002-04 with New Orleans, and was picked up by the Falcons last year to adorn their bench (one reception for 18 yards, three kickoff returns).

Like a little kid running away from home, Pathon ventured tentatively out into the free agent market during the off-season, but didn't go far. After a brief flirtation with the Green Bay Packers and a tryout with the Houston Texans, he returned to the Falcons roost earlier this month, signing a one-year contract for $710,000.

Which, by all appearances, was a smart move for Atlanta.

For one thing, there's no real risk involved -- Pathon still has to make the Falcons' roster. But while this is not a guy you'd draft for your Fantasy team, his potential value to the team is multi-faceted.

At age 30, Pathon is still fast enough to be considered for kickoff return duty. He is regarded as a possession receiver, but maintains the speed to go deep. At 6-0, 195, he is a solid blocker. And perhaps most importantly, he can provide a steadying influence for young Atlanta receivers Michael Jenkins and Roddy White.

Indeed, the Atlanta Falcons are rather thin at wide receiver. Besides White and Jenkins, they have Brian Finneran (not exactly a burner, although sure-handed) and rookie Adam Jennings, a smallish (5-9, 181) product of Fresno State who amassed more than 4,000 all-purpose yards in his career. Reserves Cole Magner, Kevin Youngblood and Cedric Bonner are untested.

Maybe they could pay Pathon in Canadian money.

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