English goes to Falcons in early Mock Draft
Matthew Stafford’s dazzling show at Georgia’s Pro Day did not lock down the No. 1 pick in the draft.
But as one NFC director of player personnel said, “He didn’t hurt himself.”
Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno did not help himself with slow 40-yard dash times. He ran a 4.6 and 4.63 after running a 4.59 at the combine. But he has what some scouts call “front-end” speed and won’t drop out of the first round.
It’s no secret the Falcons will go heavy on defense in this draft. Here are couple of players to track over the next month. They’ll likely still be available when the Falcons pick No. 24.
Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English.
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis.
Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim.
Southern California linebacker Clay Matthews Jr.
Here’s a little bit on English, who measured 6-foot-2, 255 pounds at the NFL scouting combine.
“I’m just a natural competitor and that’s kind of how it’s always been for me,” English said. “I’ve always wanted to be the best. Always wanted to make plays and win and I think those are some of the intangibles that are important in a good football player. You have to be a gentleman off the field and I try to do that.
LEDBETTER’S EARLY MOCK DRAFT
1. Detroit Lions: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Lions go with the safe pick.
2. St. Louis Rams: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia.
5. Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Bengals ignore his injury woes.
7. Oakland Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rey Maualagu, LB, USC. Del Rio can’t resist adding a play maker.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California.
11. Buffalo Bills: Andre Smith, T, Alabama. Bills decide to believe what they see on tape.
12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU.
13. Washington Redskins: Brian Cushing, LB, USC.
14. New Orleans Saints: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri.
15. Houston Texans: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State.
16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss. The second run on tackles starts here.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Jets get their quarterback of the future.
18. Chicago Bears: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Lions get running mate for Calvin Johnson.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi.
23. New England Patriots: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois.
25. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews Jr., OLB, USC.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina): Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State.
29. New York Giants: Hakim Nicks, WR, North Carolina.
30. Tennessee Titans: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech.
So would the Falcons be making a mistake if they select English? Should they trade out of the first round and pick up some more picks? Would it be a good move to address the defensive line in the first round?
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172 comments Add your comment
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
NIQUE: Trading down could be a good move, if their player is not available and you don’t want to reach for a need guy.
Some think English is a Abraham clone. Abe is listed at 6-4, 266. English is 6-2 (generously in some places 6-3) and 255. He’s young and will add the 10. So you can’t say he won’t hold up at DE. They said the same think about ABE and tried to say he was a 3-4 OLB early on in his career in New York.
BEDWETTER: Don’t know what you mean. Where have I been? I don’t live online, but drop by often. (Now, about the bow tie, I’m going to clothing store after my daughter’s softball game. Do I need to ask for refund? Buy another bow tie? Just scrap the bow tie altogether?)
LIONSFAN: (Uncle Gerald?). Are you still protesting the trade of Joey Harrington? You probably want them to bring back Wayne Fontes and re-sign Greg Landry. What’s Barry Sanders doing anyway?
ED: It’s early Ed. It’s early. We’ve got 36 days. A lot will change. My plan is to update the mock every Friday. Thanks for dropping by!
RAY: Thanks! It’s rough out here in cyberspace.
STIRG: Good deal going with the CSU VIKINGS. Go pick up your loot.
STUCK IN SC: Will ask him that. Last year TD went big school early, but he did take Biermann (small school) later.
TRUTH
March 21st, 2009
2:20 pm
Just horrible. The Falcons are still building a football team the right move to make is TE Brandon Pettigrew. A potentail number one rated offense with him in the fold for second year QB Matt Ryan. Brandon Pettigrew
cutter
March 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
Having a hard time finding any credible projections of Larry English as a 1st round draft pick.
smarter than you
March 21st, 2009
4:10 pm
That is a stupid mock draft. How can the team with the worst defense in the NFL take two offensive players in the first round? That makes no sense. Hire a defensive guy as head cosch and draft offense. Well they are the Detroit Lions after all but I don’t think they will be taking a WR in first round though!
Zup
March 21st, 2009
5:57 pm
Pettigrew would complement this offense really well. From what I’ve read, this is a defensive player-heavy draft, and the Falcons will have an opportunity to add some quality pieces. Pettigrew is the total package at TE.
Jackson
March 21st, 2009
6:38 pm
There isn’t a safety listed at in the mock drafts. When you are building championship defenses, and you use the 4-3 you must have 4 focus positions… 2 DTs, one MLB, and a SS controlling the middle of the field. If you are going to stop the run, you have to stop North-South first… East-West is a rally. The Falcons are comfortable with their Toms and Mike but we need an impact safety to come in… that will be the first pick.
As for Stafford going to the Seahawks, I don’t think Mora and Gnapp will make the same mistake twice…. cannon arms with below average accuracy. Gnapp is a west coast guy… the focus is on short accurate passes… not your deep outs and deep digs. If they select Stafford, it will ruin him and be the end of Mora. Stafford will be able to perform well in an offense that runs off the play fake… the run first mentality. JMHO
Glenn Griffin
March 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
Michael Johnson will be a bust in the NFL he is a 4th or 5th round guy, maybe. I give him 50-50 chance to make a small splash.
GT81
March 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
I’d like to see the Birds take Michael Johnson, and not because he’s a Tech guy. I did see a lot of him because he was Tech, and he seems clutch to me. I know he’s got some kind of rap on him about not playing hard, but I sure didn’t see it last season.
ray
March 22nd, 2009
12:06 am
I wouldn’t throw Pettigrew under the bus just because of the arrest. Find out what happened, and talk to Pettigrew. Not just to get his side of the story. No, you talk to Pettigrew because you want to know what kind of kid he is. If he’s got the right kind of head on his shoulders, then he’s worth picking.
If not, he’ll tell you, if you know how to look for the signs. Dimitroff and Smith strike me as the kind of guys who know the signs either way.
Larry English looks like one scary dude.
I know we could use a safety, and that Dimitroff says they’re looking for that game-changer at that position.
But seriously…does anybody see that safety in this year’s draft? Better yet, is there a first round worthy safety? If you can’t answer that unequivocally with a name (and back it up), then don’t mention that position at the 24th pick.
I’m not saying that guy doesn’t exist in this year’s draft. I’m just saying I haven’t seen him that I know of….
ray
March 22nd, 2009
12:10 am
D. Ledbetter,
Looking forward to your weekly mock draft updates.
blackbee
March 22nd, 2009
1:14 am
Falcons don’t draft Tech players but Micheal Johnson is a very safe pick. Great character, great upside, can block punts with his lenght, speed helps on special teams but the biggest intangible is HE CAN DOUBLE AS A TIGHT END!!!!! MJ has great hands decent speed and ht. he has knownledge from being on the other side of the ball. Dad a career MARINE. THIS IS THE SAFEST PICK.
Jeff Gibson
March 22nd, 2009
4:17 am
DRAFT DAY FOR ATLANTA FALCONS : English Thats okay for Second round Pick. Others had him going around 43.
LB’s Lots to chose From Look at these people and Compare NCAA Stats. Theres Aaron Curry, Franz Joselph, Zach Follett, Brian Cushing, Clint Sintrim (although he plays 3-4) ;Christian Sarmento, Endon Cooper, Mike Brannon, Sergio Kindle, Slade Norris, Rodderick McElroy, Jeff Smart, Solomon Elieman, These should be Considered if Elgible for Draft Most are Seniors(I presume last year was last season for Ncaa But Theres always Mistakes.) These,, If Available, will be some real steals, Bargain Picks, in this Draft.
DE:Everette Brown, Brian Orakopo, Conner Baldwin, Arron Maybin, Greg Peach, Jerry Hughes,Marcus bernard, Jamie Krelew, Phillip Hunt, Nick Reed, Fred Poole, Robert Ayers, Jaron Gilbert, Brandon Williams, Victor Butler.
Safeties and Cornerbacks:Mcbath, Garrett, Sanford, Neal, Derrell Stuckley, Alonzo Smith, Kevin Sanders, Victor Harris, Vamano Oscisio, Gardner Mcleary, Antwan Thomas, Chung.
Sen Derrick Marks is Good.
OT’s Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe, Jason smith, Micheal Oher, Eben Britten.
OG Duke Robinson, Herman Johnson.
These are all Quality Players With Very Good NCAA stats Some are in Nbs and some in Ncs. and or whatever.
Ken Strickland
March 22nd, 2009
5:34 am
RAY-OLEDBETTER really got me thinking when he mentioned LB Robert James returning from IR. I started looking at the scouting reports of the other players we had returning from IR, and I was amazed at how highly some of them were rated. If LB Robert James was coming out of this yrs draft, he’d probably be rated as highly, talent and potential wise, as any LB in the draft. Safety Antoine Harris is said to be talented and versatile enough to effectively play safety and nickel CB. I couldn’t find a scouting report on CB Brent Grimes, but he was good enough to earn the starting CB position out of training camp last yr. Von Hutchins is said to be an excellent cover 2 CB and Dimitroff and Smith thought enough of him to sign him to a FA contract last yr. CB David Irons is said to be very good in man coverage, but weak in zone coverage. His scouting report says he has a lot of upside and room for improvement.
DT Trey Lewis is our most versatile DT and can play both DT positions. He is a definite upgrade over last yrs starting NT, GJackson. He’ll be an excellent compliment to DT JBabineaux and will reduce the territory Babineaux had to cover because of GJackson’s limited mobility. Based on the scouting reports on LB’s Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson, we will be in excellent shape at OLB. They give us outstanding versatility because Peterson can effectively play all 3 LB positions and Nicholas can play both OLB positions. Add the solid play of MLB Curtis Lofton, and our starting LB positions are set.
Theese are the reasons I feel SS, LDE and TE are our most pressing needs, and these are the positions a rookie will have the best chance of becoming a starter.
Phillip
March 22nd, 2009
8:16 am
Daryl,
Yes, most definitely go back to the men’s clothing store and ask for your money back on the bowtie
.
Also, it seems in your defense of Larry English(I keep wanting to call him “Alex”) that you are saying you think he’s a defensive end for the Falcons and not an outside linebacker – I agree – and that is exactly why I don’t like the pick. You yourself were the one that reported the 4yr, $14 million contract that the Falcons signed Chauncey Davis too. I brought this point up earlier and you glossed over it saying something to the effect of “Chauncey can play on 1st/2nd down and Larry English on 3rd down……..well first off, Chauncey is better suited as a pass rusher than a run-stuffer. Chauncey was productive as pass rusher last year.
If we take Larry English – we are basically cutting the snaps that both Chauncey and our #1 draft pick(English) would play. This makes NO SENSE to me…..
Falcons could draft LB(Matthews or Sintim), DT(Jerry), TE(Pettigrew) or SS(Delmas) and get a player that will be on the field for most of the snaps. I really think it will be one of those five guys……Some (Sintim/Delmas) might could be had at top half of 2nd round and Falcons might could trade down and still grab them and maybe pick up a 3rd rounder.
JJ
March 22nd, 2009
8:21 am
Ken – I really enjoy your analysis. So out of the 3 (ss,lde,te), I’m guessing pettigrew would be the highest rated player at #24? No one seems to like any ss at #24, so its down to te and lde. Who’s your “easy button” for these two positions?
This blog has really changed since the end of the season – it’s actually about falcons’ football! D-led, looking forward to your fridays’ draft, just like mondays and Peter King! How about a falcons bow tie?
marko
March 22nd, 2009
9:20 am
Ray if you think I was throwing Pettigrew under the bus, you need to re-read my comment. In 1980 the Falcon’s selected number seven in the draft. They selected a tightend out of Nebraska named Junior Miller. I remember thinking that number seven was a little early to take a tightend, but Junior seemed to prove me wrong by going to the next two pro bowls. To finish the strange case of Junior Miller he never went to another pro bowl. three years later he was out of football. It seems that Junior,who had grown up very poor, had better things to do with time than show up to work or study his play book. When you draft a kid that’s never had any money, you need to have a pretty good feel for how he’s going to handle the change in his life style. I’m not suggesting that we only consider kids comming out of the Ivy Leage, just that we’re secure about their over all character. Shannon Sharpe grew up Poor. He once said that when a burglar broke into their home he and his brother robbed him. The only question I want answered about Brandon is whether he’s A Junior Miller or a Shannon Sharpe.
D3
March 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
What’s up guys? Been away from the computer for the weekend. I was pleasantly shocked to see DOL’s first mock draft friday afternoon. Overall, nice job DOL. Let’s get to it….
I don’t have a problem with the Falcons taking English at all, but as an OLB. I just don’t see any way that we draft another DE after we signed Chauncey to a contract with every intention he’ll be allowed to compete for the starting spot. Personally, I think that between Abraham, J.Anderson, Davis, and Biermann, we’re actually ok at DE, at least for the short term. Abraham’s got a couple of years left for us to draft his replacement, say next year maybe? But our needs are far greater in every other facet of our defense: OLB, S, DT, & CB.
If we take English as an OLB, I have no problem with it and occasionally drop his hand down and rush, but as a pure DE, I simply disagree. I’ll be happy with any of the following(assuming they drop to us, knowing that many won’t): OLB-Cushing,Matthews,Maybin,English; TE-Pettigrew; DT-Raji,Jerry, and maybe Hood. I just don’t think that there is a CB or S worthy of a first round pick. Second round safety talent is pretty deep with Chung, R.Johnson, & Sean Smith. I’ll have to say no to Laurinitus or William Moore. Laurinitus is a MLB, and doesn’t translate to OLB and Moore just completely disappeared this past year after having a great junior year.
JJ – completely agree with you on the blog. It’s awesome to actually come on here and talk football. Way better than college blogs, because its all about infantile trash-talking and idiotic arguments.
Cameron
March 22nd, 2009
11:53 am
What little credibility I had given you, you have now definitely lost. What did you steal this pick from Mel Kiper? Falcons draft a undersized DE that is destined for OLB in a 3-4, doubt it. Even if they think he can play DE, you really think they want another undersized DE opposite Abraham. Then they can have two really expensive DEs that they have to limit their downs. Do your homework? I know you have connections in the journalism world (maybe that is why I give you some cred that you just lost). Hit them up and find out something knowledgeable.
D3
March 22nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Cameron – agreed on English as a DE. No way they draft him as a DE, IMHO. And as far as linebackers go, I’d prefer Cushing, Matthews, or Maybin. I’ve always heard from the start that English is a 3-4 guy as well.
Ray – also agree on no safety worthy of a first round pick. Delmas may be the top safety of the group, but S and CB are low with top-end talent this year. I know TD drafts for need, but if the value’s not there than you can’t force a pick. Chung, Smith, & R.Johnson should all fall to the second and at least one will be there for us. My money for best of the bunch is Chung.
Ken – good points again on returning starters from IR, etc. Irons was a stud when he was at Auburn and can definitely compete for the nickel or dime back position. If Trey Lewis is healthy we should be ok, but we do lack depth for sure.
Phillip – it doesn’t make any sense to draft another DE when all that would do is cut into the snaps of J.Anderson or Davis, as you said. I think DE actually is one of the lesser areas for need on DEF.
north ga bob
March 22nd, 2009
12:43 pm
If English is as good as you say he is, he won’y be around when #24 comes up.
Joe
March 22nd, 2009
1:07 pm
Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews would be a better pick I think. I could even live with Delmas.
darrell starks
March 22nd, 2009
1:35 pm
CUSHING 1ST PICK SEAN SMITH 2ND PICK ALLEN ASHER 3RD PICK DORRELL SCOTT 4TH PICK ALL FOUR PLAYERS COULD BE DAY ONE STARTERS THIS DRAFT WOULD BE AND A +. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
March 22nd, 2009
3:32 pm
JJ-thanks a lot for the props. Dimitroff opened my eyes last yr to the various possibilities when he drafted QB MRyan instead of the DT most of us thought we couldn’t do without. The results literally stood me on my head. I, along with an awful lot of other fans, thought it was all about the players and the position. Dimitroff and Smith made me understand the impact one position upgrade can have on another position or an entire unit.
That’s why I understand the possibility of us drafting English. You draft a player in the 1st rd based on your need, what that player can contribute, and the impact he can have on your teams overall success, not based on his overall draft rating. If a player is rated a second round pick by the so called draft experts, but he fits all of the aforementioned cryteria, you draft him with your 1st pick.
After reading English’s bio, it appears the Falcons would be getting a two for one by drafting him. They get an outstanding athlete with the ability to develop into an excellent OLB, as well as a player that can get in a 3pt stance and be another version of John Abraham from the L side of the DEF in passing situations. A lot of Falcon fans apparently didn’t pay any attention when Dimitroff and Smith stated they wanted their players to be versatile and able to crosstrain. That seems to be the type of players they’re going after in FA and the draft.
How many top rated 1st rd talents have been disappointments, or outright busts, and how many lower rd picks, or undrafted FA’s, have become Probowlers? Remember an outstanding former Falcons MLB named Jessie “THE HAMMER” Tuggle, who was an undrafted FA? You draft the best value for your team, not the best rated value in the draft. So, English might be the best value for the Falcons.
TE BPettigrew is rated the best blocking TE by a wide, wide margin. There were a number of TE’s that were rated superior to Pettigrew as far as speed, range, athleticism and pass receiving ability, but it was stated they needed to commit to developing their blocking skills. There’s really not much need for a situational pass catching TE, because in obvious passing situations, we can substitute a 3rd WR. The idea for having an all around TE like Pettigrew is to make certain QB MRyan always has a 3rd pass receiving option that’s not a RB.
The fact we are even considering drafting a DE means our coaching staff might be seriously considering switching JAnderson to DT. With Anderson’s size, strength, speed, quickness, range and athleticism, he could very easily end up being an Alan Page type of DT, although not nearly as good. Here’s a quick bio for those who don’t know who Alan Page is. He’s a former All American DT and Notre Dame honor grad. He’s a former member of one of the NFL’s greatest DL’s, the Minn Vikings “PURPLE GANG” or “PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS” of the 60’s ane 70’s, a HOFer and former Minnesota state Supreme Court Judge. HE DOMINATED HIS POSITION, and those of you that are hung up on size would consider him undersized at 6′5″ 255lbs.
Navigator
March 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
I agree with some of the opinions on Michael Johnson, but understand Tech really had to use him out of position, and many times he couldn’t get free. If some team puts him in the 3-4 as a linebacker, I think he will be a star, and even the best sack artist in the NFL have between 12-20/year and they aren’t loafing either. There simply are no defensive rushers that get 6 sacks a game.
ray
March 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
Marko,
No, that’s not what I thought at all. I actually agree with your assessment, and was expounding upon the thought process. What I was saying is that I think it’s important to not focus on the one reported incident, but rather on the player himself. If he’s a bad egg, something about him will more than likely reveal that fact to you. If not, well you’re still taking a chance like you would on anybody else. But at least you’ll know more about his character. Believe me, I don’t want any more talented trouble makers, if it can be avoided.
ray
March 22nd, 2009
8:21 pm
Marko,
Just to confirm, when I used the phrase “throw Pettigrew under the bus”, I was talking about what I’d do in that situation, not what I thought you were thinking/saying. Sorry that it came across that way. My other point is that I feel confident that Dimitroff and Smith will not be thrown off from their objective in thoroughly evaluating these guys, nor will they make “snap” decisions.
It’s funny. I never felt that way about Rich McKay…
ray
March 22nd, 2009
8:45 pm
Ken,
I always enjoy your posts and analysis. Good reminders on the guys we have returning from injury. I don’t know how I managed to forget that, or what kind of guys they were supposed to be, talent-wise. Good stuff, and I see where you’re going with SS, TE, and LDE.
Phillip,
I don’t think we draft English with the idea of him being a pure DE in mind. I agree that this makes no sense. Perhaps we do it because of his ability to play OLB OR that position of DE IF NEEDED. If he’s as good as advertised (or better), and a great value pick, then I say go for it. Why? Well, it wouldn’t hurt to have another young OLB. That, and while we signed Chauncey Davis, what do we do when Abraham is out injured (as he seems to be often enough)? We can play English opposite Davis, that’s what. It’s just one more option, is all I’m saying. Versatiliy, as Ken said, is something Dimitroff and Smith are looking for. Having said that, I think if we draft PURELY for OLB with that pick, then Cushing or Matthews is probably a better pick, as you said. I guess it depends on just what they think English can do for the team, and how much they can keep him on the field. But in order for this to work, he needs to be able to play OLB fairly well. If not, then again…you’re right and it’s not something that makes sense to you or I based on having Abraham, Davis, Biermann, and possibly Jamal.
By the way, do you see Clint Sintim as being in the same class as Matthews or Cushing, talent-wise? I don’t know enough about the guy (I’m researching him as we speak).
D3,
See my comments above to Phillip, in regard to English. It seems we are thinking along the exact same lines (funny…I see this now because I didn’t ready your comments before posting mine, lol!)I’m still not sure what the best idea is there. But I still agree that safety may not be the best position to draft with our first pick. We definitely have a shot at a good one in the second round.
I’d like Chung as well. I still like William Moore, and think he’s got some skills. I’m not entirely sure about Delmas size-wise. He’s definitely got the skills, and stepped it up during the senior bowl and combine. Maybe I’m flat wrong about him. I feel that he needs another 10 or 15 pounds on him, but that could possibly take away from his speed. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be glad to have him, just don’t think #24 is the pick to get him at.
Pettigrew looks better and better at that slot, to be honest. It would be less of a reach than safety or cornerback, in my opinion. Scratch that, it’s not a reach at all. While I doubt Raji or Jerry will be available at that pick Evander Hood is a good, strong guy. Very strong. But again, will his impact be enough at that slot? Can he earn the starting slot of Lewis and possibly Jamal Anderson? I don’t know. Raji is a lock for that, in my opinion. But he’ll be gone.
You know, I say that….but the fact is, teams will do unpredictable things on draft day. We never know WHO will fall to us in that spot. I can’t wait. We have 33 days to go until then, and I just about can’t stand it.
What will be interesting, and will help shape the draft will be where QB Mark Sanchez goes. Same with OT Jason Smith. What if the Lions actually DON’T pick Stafford (who just aced the Wonderlic test)? Teams will be reacting, like one big, long domino effect. And that could really benefit us.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
KEN: Good job as usual. Will check in with Coach Smity on Wed at the NFC Coaches’ breakfast at the Owner’s meeting. Will add Robert James and Trey Lewis to my list of questions.
PHILLIP: Didn’t take the bow-tie back. Got to the store (Men’s Warehouse) and ended up with some new shoes. Think I’m going to roll with the bow-tie.
JJ: A Falcons bow tie would result in a conflict of interest for me.
D3: Welcome back.
CAMERON: Come on dude. Did my own mock after spending Thursday in Athens for UGA’s pro day. All of the teams were represented and several of my league contacts where there to share their views on how things are going. English to the Falcons came up a few times. Remember, it’s still early and we’ll update the mock each Friday leading up to the draft. I love Mel’s hair and his Towson State connects.
STAFFORD SCORES 38: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2009/03/22/matthew_stafford_wonderlic.html
You can follow the blog on Twitter: DOrlandoAJC. When I put up a new blog, I’ll send out a notice on Twitter.
D3
March 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
33 Days and counting. Can’t wait for the draft this year. I always love the draft, but this year I’m super-excited about this year’s. The draft is the best respite for football in the long time between the Super Bowl and opening day. DOL, nice mock and I say keep the bow-tie. Are you going to be changing it every so often?
Ray – I like Patrick Chung and Sean Smith looking at potential, measurables, and value. Definitely shouldn’t draft a S, CB, or DT not named Raji, Jerry, or Hood. Hood might be a bit of a reach, but I’d be happy. As far as Sintim goes, everything I’ve heard and seen I don’t think Sintim, or Laurinitus for that matter, is in the group of Cushing, Matthews, English, or Maybin.
Navigator – I see your point on Michael Johnson and he will definitely be a stud at the next level for somebody, but I just don’t see it for us at DE. I just think that we’re actually not quite as bad as other positions. If we could trade J.Anderson for Michael Johnson, I’d say H yeah. JK, I think Anderson will actually finally break out (hopefully).
What will be really interesting to watch will be the Cutler-McDaniels saga. Read an article over at NFL.com saying there’s like 10 teams interested in Cutler, rightly so. The team to watch will be Detroit. They have the artillery to pull it off with two first round picks. If they do that it will probably help us out as it will send Stafford down the board and push more players we’re interested in like Pettigrew or Cushing down to us. As far as the Cutler saga goes, I think Cutler probably could get over it, but McDaniels seems like an egotistical Belichik-clone by even considering trading his best, young player and then acting bull-headed about it. If he does trade Cutler, then he better hope he wins and Cutler doesn’t because he’ll never live that dumb@ss decision down.
My bracket is done. My stupid, moronic self had FSU going to the Final Four. DUMB, DUMB.
Good stuff guys.
Ken Strickland
March 22nd, 2009
11:36 pm
It’s obvious our unwillingness to sign FA TE Smith was due to his lack of blocking skills and/or his inability or unwillingness to develop those skills. Knowing our coaches emphasis on TE blocking skills, wouldn’t it make sense to expect they’d take the same approach when considering a TE in the draft?
I looked at the scouting reports of the top TE prospects in this yrs draft. and it appears Pettigrew is the only TE expected to be a 1st rd pick. To find a TE with the prerequisite blocking skills and all around ability that approaches that of Pettigrew, I ended up with the 12th top rated TE in the draft, Cameron Morrah(6′4″ 244lbs) out of Northeastern. He’s said to have above average speed, soft hands, and is rated a better blocker in space than Pettigrew. Richard Quinn(6′4″ 264lbs) from North Carolina is the 18th rated TE in the draft, and his only shortcoming, compared to Morrah, is his lack of above average speed, which is rated as adequate. None of the 11 TE’s rated above Morrah were consideered even adequate in-line blockers and some were said to have little potential for improvement. WE CAN DEFINITELY GET THE TE WITH THE SKILL SET WE NEED IN THE LOWER RDS.
I can see us drafting English in the 1st rd, which would take care of both DE and OLB. We draft SS Chung in the 2nd rd, TE Morrah in the 3rd rd and one of the big roadblock DT’s in the 4th rd. Our remaining 4 picks will be value picks. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?
ray
March 23rd, 2009
12:09 am
Ken is at it full steam!
D3,
I agree. Laurinaitis has a good head on his shoulders and seems very instinctive. But he’s not as strong as those other guys, not as quick…and doesn’t seem any more cerebral. And we have a MLB already.
matty
March 23rd, 2009
9:26 am
this is a joke. there is no way that the lions take another WR in the first round, not again. and stafford #1.
Cameron
March 23rd, 2009
9:39 am
Sorry for getting so harsh. I keep seeing that pick. Really don’t think the Falcons should take English. Just don’t think you spend a first round pick on a role player. That guy needs to be an impact every dwon player no matter if it is offense or defense. Would prefer Peria Jerry, Cushing, or a CB. I am sure there is something to the pick or Mel wouldn’t say it, and I know you wouldn’t suggest it either. I have been pretty harsh to the guys on NFL.com’s mock drafts as well. I just don’t understand some of the picks that people suggest. They make no sense. Anyways, I no it is a long way out. I am sure they will get better. Sorry, brah.
ATAlien
March 23rd, 2009
10:02 am
Michael Johnson would be an interesting pick. If you watched GT at all last year, you’ll see MJ got double and triple-teamed a majority of the time. With Abraham on the other side, MJ would get one-on-ones 99% of the time. With a good line coach to polish off his skills (which he didn’t have a GT), he could be solid.
I MUS.WRITE
March 23rd, 2009
10:09 am
Just say No to Laurinatis, he’s got Andre bruce written all over him.
Whass up Ken -I see u burning the midnight oil, good post -Im in full football mode now cant wait for the Draft…….
Taking English at 24 is a real possibility but we never know whats going to happen on draft day……….
Im hoping That maybe Aaron Maybin slips thru the cracks so we can snagg him -That would be your dual threat DE/OLB…
Cameron: Cushing is gone by 24 but if he’s there then we have to take him, I dont know about P Jerry he is overatted to me and I think Hood will be a better player-he kinda reminds me of Rchard Seymoure. The only Cb i would take in the 1st would be A Smith.but that would be a reach as well ……..The 5′9 cb is not what i like in the 1st -I would go DT/LB and get Sean smith in the second
welikebaseball2
March 23rd, 2009
10:34 am
KEN: I’m with you. I love the idea of having English. I did find a mock with the Patriots snatching him up. Considering the blocking TE prospects you mentioned, I can’t say that I’d be opposed to trading the pick if English or Stintim is gone. Speaking of Stintim…
RAY: As with Ken, I’m with you on the English pick. With the draft’s depth at safety, we’ve got a good chance of picking up a player that can immediately impact the defense from that spot in the 2nd round. Sure, we could always use more help at DT (the middle of the D could use some fortifying), but I don’t see any remaining DT’s worthy of using a 1st round pick on. I’d much rather grab the freakish English in the 1st, a safety in the second, & hope Trey Lewis gets healty or that J. Anderson will translate into a solid DT. We’ve got more options at DT than we do at DE & OLB.
D. ORLANDO: Great insight on potential Falcons’ picks. Kudos for the listing of Stintim. Not many of the “experts” have mentioned him as a potential pickup for the home team. Based on my research, I’m more comfortable with him in coverage than I am Matthews. Though Matthews has got a faster 40 time, I’ll take Stintim’s agility all day.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 23rd, 2009
11:01 am
Ken, good work. I jumped on your bandwagon a long time ago when you, first, presented the hypothesis of drafting a tight end (especially at number 24). It certainly convinced me; but, like you, I’ve been trying to figure out how to draft Pettigrew and still address our needs on defense. Your solution is an approach that I considered but excused when I didn’t see a similar tight end in the top ten, of TEs. I now see, I didn’t search far enough.
Cameron Morrah seems to fit our need. You said is from Northeastern. He’s actually a product of California Bears (#8). You also listed him as a number 12 tight end; when Yahoo! Sports ranks him at number 9 and NFL Draft Scout.com ranked him 8 out of 97 TEs, which makes him even more attractive. His physical attributes aren’t as appealing as Pettigrew’s (6′4″, 244lbs vs. 6′6″, 263lbs) but it didn’t seem to be a problem with U. of Cal., where he put up some attractive numbers (averaging over ten yards per catch). His stats (41 receptions for 484 yards) suggested that he did more blocking than catching, which is another useful tool in the Falcon’s organization. Drafting him gives us the the opportunity to address other positions.
Good job!
D3
March 23rd, 2009
11:25 am
Unless they plan on moving Jamaal Anderson inside to DT, I just can’t understand why they would want to draft a pure DE. English and Maybin are the exceptions, I guess, in the fact that they can do both. But drafting them purely to for DE purposes I just don’t get. We just re-signed Chauncey to compete with Jamaal Anderson for the DE spot and Abraham was worthy of a Pro-Bowl nod, with Kroy Biermann showing some great signs of potential. We will need to draft Abrahams replacement eventually, but I think we have greater areas of need this year.
Concerning LB, I would be happy with Cushing, Maybin, English, or Matthews. Laurinitus is definitely a MLB, and Sintim is officially listed as an ILB as well. I would prefer one of the other 4, but obviously they know what they’re doing and if they pick him they’ll get my benefit of the doubt.
Recent drafts having us taking guys we’ve all discussed: English, Pettigrew, Maybin, Matthews, Jerry, or Cushing. Honestly, I would be happy with any of those picks because they would immediately upgrade our OFF/DEF. I just saw one having us taking Robert Ayers out of TENN, which I can’t really understand.
D3
March 23rd, 2009
11:33 am
Unless they plan on moving Jamaal Anderson inside to DT, I just can’t understand why they would want to draft a pure DE. English and Maybin are the exceptions, I guess, in the fact that they can do both. But drafting them purely to for DE purposes I just don’t get. We just re-signed Chauncey to compete with Jamaal Anderson for the DE spot and Abraham was worthy of a Pro-Bowl nod, with Kroy Biermann showing some great signs of potential. We will need to draft Abrahams replacement eventually, but I think we have greater areas of need this year.
Concerning LB, I would be happy with Cushing, Maybin, English, or Matthews. Laurinitus is definitely a MLB, and Sintim is officially listed as an ILB as well. I would prefer one of the other 4, but obviously they know what they’re doing and if they pick him they’ll get my benefit of the doubt.
Recent drafts having us taking guys we’ve all discussed: English, Pettigrew, Maybin, Matthews, Jerry, or Cushing. Honestly, I would be happy with any of those picks because they would immediately upgrade our OFF/DEF. I just saw one having us taking Robert Ayers out of TENN, which I can’t really understand.
sorry if there’s a re-post.
Cameron
March 23rd, 2009
11:58 am
I MUS.WRITE,
Evander Hood is the overrated one to me. He got all this hype in college, yet never showed up during the games, highlights, or anything. I admit I never paid that close of attention to him. But, with him, William Moore, and Sean Weatherspoon on the same defense there is no way Missouri’s defense was that bad if those guys are as good as people say they are. You have to be weary of guys who have all of the measurables, wow at the combine, yet never produce on film. I just don’t like him with a 1st round pick. If you miss on a first round pick, it sets your team back at least a year.
Peria Jerry may not be the biggest or best. But, absolutely nobody could blcok him in the SEC. And I mean NOBODY! He is a talented athlete that has a high motor. I like the sound of that. He has a troubled past, but who doesn’t. I think he has learned from those mistakes and those circumstances made him realize how much he loves the game of football. I like him a lot. If the linemen in the best conference in college football cannot block him, then that is saying something. There is a reason why Ole Miss’ defense was good last year. Name me another player off of that defense.
I still would prefer Cushing as a SLB with the first pick. Guy is a beast, can run, can cover, play the run, and rush the passer. Trading down a few spots, or even to the top of the second round, would be really nice too.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 23rd, 2009
12:58 pm
FYI, the Atlanta Falcons are being featured as today’s subject on ESPN’s “On The Clock” series. You can catch them at about ten minutes before the top of the hour.
Ken Strickland
March 23rd, 2009
1:49 pm
D3-we have to consider the fact that DE Abraham is not only injury prone, but he’s probably going to be far too expensive to resign when his contract ends. So, signing a DE/OLB prospect like English not only protects our immediate interest in the event Abraham is injured, it allows us to replace his production when his contract ends. Instead of moving JAnderson inside to DT, I believe he’ll be used at DE and DT, like he was at times last yr. That approach gives our coaches the opportunity to determine, and him the opportunity to demonstrate, if he’s going to develop into more of a quality DE or a quality DT. We could certainly use both. This guy is just to athletically and physically gifted, and too versatile to get rid of so early in his development. Don’t forget that former Falcon DE, Patrick Kerney, wasn’t any further along in his development after his 1st 2yrs, and he was surrounded by better talent.
STIRG D’NASHIF-I used ESPN to get my scouting info. As you already know, it doesn’t matter where he’s rated. It only matters whether we can get him in the 3rd or 4th rds. Because of his above average speed, and superior athleticism, he’d be more valuable to QB MRyan as a pass receiver than Pettigrew. He would also be more valuable to RB MTurner past the line of scrimmage than Pettigrew, since blocking in space was listed a Pettigrew’s major weakness, along with his lack of elite speed. And you were correct, I mistakenly listed Morrah attended Northeastern, instead of CAL.. Brian Mandeville(6′5″ 258lbs), who was rated just above him at #11, attended Northeastern.
atldiehardfan
March 23rd, 2009
2:09 pm
wtf ae u guys talking michael johnson is better than larry are you guys crazy first go read some stats or something larry english is a beast him a john abraham on the field is dangerous
Nique
March 23rd, 2009
2:32 pm
Ken,
While i agree with your comment on the TE’s ability, or lack there of to block. It is very simular to the conversation i had on another blog. Behind Brandon Pet. the top three rated blocking TE’s in this years draft are David Johnson out of Arkansas St, Dan Gronkowski from Maryland, & Richard Quinn of UNC, but the problem with all of them is that they are also one demintional, bc they can’t catch or streatch the feild.
While all of these guys are lagit blockers, they do nothing for us in the passing game! They can block, but they are still one dementional, since they can’t catch or get seperation from defenders. Here are their stats. I wouldn’t spend anything higher than a 5th rounder at most on any of these guys. We have blocking TE’s now, they can’t catch or aren’t real threats in the passing game, I feel like these guys would be more of the same. Maybe excluding Gronkowski, who had 29 catches & 3 TD’s which isn’t auwful, but those numbers, in addition to a long of 25 yards probably isn’t quite what we are looking for & isn’t a real threat.
David Johnson Arkansas St. 21, 6-2 270.
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2006 13 200 15.4 62 1
2007 10 204 20.4 84 3
2008 22 356 16.2 53 5
Dan Gronkowski, 24, 6-6 Weight 255 lbs.
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2005 2 37 18.5 25 0
2006 2 11 5.5 9 1
2007 7 66 9.4 26 0
2008 29 287 9.9 25 3
Richard Quinn of UNC is a really good blocking TE as well. 22, 6-4 250 lbs.
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2005 0 0 0.0 0 0
2007 4 27 6.8 11 1
2008 8 97 12.1 32 1
Nique
March 23rd, 2009
2:36 pm
I like the TE’s in this order & I base my thoughts on facts, so here’s their #’s.
Brandon Pettigrew
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2005 11 128 11.6 21 1
2006 24 310 12.9 31 4
2007 35 540 15.4 54 4
2008 42 472 11.2 38 0
Travis Beckum (an all-american & the best receiving TE in the draft)
YEAR TEAM REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2006 WISC 61 903 14.8 62 5
2007 WISC 75 982 13.1 46 6
2008 WISC 23 264 11.5 42 0 (played in 6 games this year)
Jared Cook
YEAR TEAM REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2006 SCAR 6 113 18.8 26 1
2007 SCAR 30 421 14.0 31 3
2008 SCAR 37 573 15.5 66 3
Shawn Nelson (a pretty undervalued blocker, he pancaked Maluga twice during senior bowl practice on one one drills & probably is the sleeper of this TE class)
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2005 35 540 15.4 63 5
2006 36 506 14.1 51 3
2007 33 451 13.7 40 5
2008 53 557 10.5 29 3
Cornelius Ingram
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2006 30 380 12.7 38 1
2007 34 508 14.9 37 7
Chase Coffman
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2005 47 503 10.7 33 4
2006 58 638 11.0 37 9
2007 52 531 10.2 33 7
2008 90 987 11.0 48 10
Now you also have to take into consideration who these players offensive systems were targeting, how these players were utilized, what kind of QB they had getting them the ball, & also their blocking ablity or lack there or. But i did want to provide some stats & highlight packages in the link above to provide info for those who might not know as much about some of these guys.
Andre
March 23rd, 2009
3:01 pm
I would rather the Falcons use the pick on the safety Delmas, I think he would be a huge playmaker for us. What do you guys think?
Ken Strickland
March 23rd, 2009
3:05 pm
NIQUE-exactly. You saw what I saw. After Pettigrew, every TE I checked was one dimensional either as pass receivers or blockers, until Morrah. Too be honest, other than size and strenth, Morrah’s scouting report showed he could be a more complete TE than Pettigrew, especially after he’s added about 10lbs, which they said he could do with no ill effects.
I’m just trying to think outside the box like Dimitroff. We don’t need a TE to help us develop a solid OFF because we already have that. We need a pass receiving TE to EXPAND an already effective passing OFF, and we need him to be an effective in-line blocker so we can maintain an already powerful rushing OFF.
Considering a pick like English is a stroke of genius. Drafting him addresses our pass rushing issues, the possible loss of DE JAbraham to injury, and the depth issue at both DE and OLB. I have to say, WE’RE IN GOOD HANDS WITH DIMITROFF.
D3
March 23rd, 2009
3:39 pm
Ken – that is a solid point, but when does Abraham’s contract come due again? I am in agreement on English, I’m just curious as to what they would mainly train him as. I’ll take any of the guys between Cushing, Matthews, English, & Maybin. English and Maybin do offer that possibility of dropping down as a DE, but I would think that he would train first as a OLB. We do have a lot of options with Nicholas, Wire, James, and Peterson to compete for outside spot.
Strig – thanks for the “on the clock” update. I’ve been waiting for the Falcons one. People can say what they will about Mel Kiper, but he said all along that the Falcons should and probably would draft Matt Ryan. Interested to see what he’ll say.
Cameron – if it comes down to a choice between Hood and Jerry, I’ll go with Jerry simply because of the level of competition in the SEC, compared to the BIG 12 show on turf.
Andre – I think Delmas is the probably considered the top S of this year’s group, but it is a pretty weak group this year by comparison. I think he will be a good player, but #24 is a little too high, IMHO.
Nique – I’m with you on TE’s. I understand that we could probably wait and find value at the TE position and if anyone can do it, Dimitroff can, but its a risk waiting that late. I’d say wait no later than passing on Shawn Nelson or Jared Cook in the 3rd. Just because they weren’t a prototypical blocker in college, doesn’t mean they can’t improve under solid coaching. Hartsock’s our designated blocker anyway at this point. Pettigrew seems to be the only do-it-all TE, and I’m not sure Morrah has as much upside.
clthurman
March 23rd, 2009
4:04 pm
Okay listen closely…..Brent Grimes, David Irons and anyone else we have in the secondary at this moment BLOWS….they will not get the job done so quit this smoke blowing up your ass analyzing and hope…really hope that there is another Foxworth lurking on some team’s roster who TD can grab and then get too cheap to pay.
Rev Hal
March 23rd, 2009
4:17 pm
I’m a big stupid moderator. I have herpes and don’t know the difference between a football and a hockey puck. I have herpes. My name is REV HAL.