08/13/12 -- AFC Podcast Primer Show

Atlanta Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, who has been consistently available to local and national media during the process of helping to lead the franchise into the playoffs three times in four seasons, has been selected as the 2012 Jack Horrigan Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA).

Dimitroff, the 39th Horrigan Award winner, is the first NFL general manager since 2006 and the third member of the Falcons franchise to receive the honor from the PFWA. Atlanta now has two Horrigan Award winners on staff as current Falcons President & CEO Rich McKay earned the award in 2005 when he was the club’s GM.

The Horrigan Award is given to the league or club official for his or

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Pros: Call the highway patrol because Fluker is a notorious road grater who has paved the way for runners such as Trent Richardson, Mark Ingram and Eddie Lacy. A highly recruited prospect out of high school, Fluker has built an impressive resume, which includes great success against an extensive list of proven pass-rush commodities to hail from the SEC. His greatest strength is considered to be his run block mauling.

Cons: There have been some questions as to whether Fluker translates into a left tackle at the next level. He needs to enhance his pass blocking—tends to stand up to tall out of stance in pass protection, something that he will need to improve

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Overall: #22 2014: #13 Ht: 6030 Wt: 205 40Yd: 4.50 Rd: 1st

Pros: A splendid combination of size and speed, Allen displays a strong route running tree and above-average footwork. The North Carolina native has met the hype and seems privy for the spotlight. Whether it’s getting past corners and beating them deep, underneath or returning kicks, Allen can beat you an array of ways. A former high school running back, he’s also a threat once the ball is in his hands, as evidenced by his success running the Wildcat offense for the Golden Bears.

Cons: Head coaches at every level preach ball security, something Allen will need to improve upon before entering the NFL. If he doesn’t, he’ll get the required coaching in the pros to fix this flaw—he tends

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Pros: NFL teams drool over raw athleticism and Mingo oozes potential with his quickness and agility. He arrived at Baton Rouge a tall, lanky 209-pound track star out of high school and has since converted into a beast on the outside with a lightning quick first step and cheetah-like speed. Mingo has been timed in the 4.5-range and is so fast, that he has caught good and plenty running backs from behind (see; LaMichael James, Oregon 2011).

Cons: Expand game—he will need to develop more of a repertoire rushing the quarterback instead of solely relying on his speed. Mingo has the frame to play at 250 pounds and be a devastating outside linebacker

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Pros: A four-year starter, Jones brings vast experience and sound technique both in pass and run block fundamentals. Showing toughness on the field (he remained in the game against LSU in 2011 despite suffering a sprained ankle), Jones has also been a staple in the community off the field—not to mention a leader in the locker room.

Cons: While he has played multiple positions along the offensive line, Jones has short alligator arms, which makes him very unlikely to be considered a tackle prospect. In terms of measureables, Jones isn’t going to wow anyone with his speed or agility but you can ensure a full, all-out effort on every snap of the ball. He’ll bring his lunch pail to work.

Medical Report: Was forced to redshirt in 2008

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Pros: Playing in his father’s shadow, McDonald has carved out his own name recognition as a three-year starter, team captain and All American safety for the Trojans. A solid cover safety, he also has a sense for anticipating the run and stepping up in the box. Excellent in man-to-man coverage, McDonald can serve as a weapon to help combat and shut down the new emerging big-play, athletic tight ends in the NFL.

Cons: McDonald has been warned in the past about illegal hits above the shoulders on defenseless opponents, eventually resulting in a half game suspension. He needs to improve against the run and he could still stand to bulk up a bit, his frame has room to grow. He tends to over-anticipate at times but some/many like the

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The Texans, the 23rd Rozelle Award winners, earned the award for the third time in the past six seasons and the fourth time overall (2004, 2007, 2010, 2012), the most among NFL club public relations departments.

The Rozelle Award is given to the NFL club public relations staff that consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media. The award is named for Rozelle, NFL commissioner from 1960-89, who started his distinguished career in sports PR roles as a student at both Compton (Calif.) Junior College and the University of San Francisco. After two more years as USF’s assistant athletic director after graduation, he broke into the NFL as the PR director of

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Tebow, the eighth Good Guy Award winner, is the fifth consecutive quarterback and first member of the Broncos to receive the honor from the PFWA.

The Good Guy Award is given to a NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs. The award was first given by the PFWA in 2005.

Tebow, now a member of the New York Jets after a March trade, was cited by numerous national writers for how he handled the attention that came with his play on the field

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Kraft, the 43rd Halas Award winner, is the first NFL owner and first member of the Patriots franchise to receive the honor from the PFWA.

The Halas Award is given to a NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. The award is named for Halas, a charter member (1963) of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who was associated with the Chicago Bears and NFL from their inception in 1920 until his death in 1983 as an owner, manager, player and

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