English goes to Falcons in early Mock Draft

YuleeFalcon

March 20th, 2009
11:25 am

Nice Draft. I see Jacksonville grabbing Crabtree though, and Detroit , I think, has to look towards defense with their second pick. Maybe they go with Maybin or Laurinitis. Calvin Johnson’s WR teammate can come from the second round.

Atljbo

March 20th, 2009
11:28 am

I want Michael Johnson…… I feel like everyone pick on his game because he have freakish measuribles….. If the guy was a finish product he would be the #1 pick (meaning we would not have a chance to draft him)…. I feel like Ray Hamilton can help define Michael Johnson game….. Michael Johnson has the quick first step, burst, and speed…I feel like instead of GT gradually helping develop Michael Johnson game and body (lower body strength), they used him in a gimmicky kinda way… I like Larry English allot but if it was my choice I would go with Michael Johnson….

1 more thing….. Michael Johnson is nothing like Jamaal Anderson…… Michael Johnson is quicker, faster, has more pass rush moves, and has one of the best first steps I’ve ever seen.

Mike

March 20th, 2009
11:32 am

I want Cushing or Peria Jerry if they are available. I gotta read up on Larry English before I say I’m cool with taking him…if he’s a demarcus ware/james harrison type, lets do it

ndadome

March 20th, 2009
11:33 am

I like the English choice okay, but not Laurinaitis nor Matthews. I believe Connor Barwin from Cincinnati would be a better pick in the first round, then maybe Patrick Chung or Rashad Johnson in the second, if they’re still there. Do you really think Knowshon will pass the Eagles on their first pick? Interesting. I agree that Stafford will probably not be the first pick to Detroit. Good job.

BankerBird

March 20th, 2009
11:34 am

Though I’d prefer the Falcons go with Michael Johnson at #24, I wouldn’t be disappointed if they went with English. I like Johnson’s measurables, but I’ll admit that English seems to have more a nasty streak, which is what you need to get after the QB. Between Johnson and English, I don’t think the Falcons could go wrong either way.

BLACK AND RED DAWG

March 20th, 2009
11:46 am

RED ALERT , RED ALERT , PEOPLE THIS IS OUR MAN PICK ENGLISH AT # 1 TO GO WITH JOHN ABRAHAM THAT WITH THE KID OUT OF CLEMSON AT DT IN 2ND ROUND AND SIGN MIKE MCKENZIE FOR THE BACKFIELD. i SEE SO GOOD THINGS HAPPENING. A SIDE NOTE MIKE JOHNSON IS NOT MEAN AND HUNGRY ENOUGH HE TAKES TO MAY PLAYS OFF IF HE GOES TO SAN FRANCISCO HE WILL LIVE UP TO THE HYPE.SINGLETARY WILL GET THE MOST OUT OF HIM.

Baba O'Riley

March 20th, 2009
11:47 am

Mike- James Harrison is a system player in Pittsburgh, just like Greg Lloyd and Kendrell Bell.

JerseyFalcon

March 20th, 2009
11:51 am

If Michale Johnson didn’t go to Tech, does anyone think teh Falcons would select him in the first round?? Come on people…get out of the state of Georgia, there are 49 other states that people play great football in. Pick a LB who can cover..and sometimes blitz. Remember Smiths defense isn’t a bitzing D.

Kendrick

March 20th, 2009
12:00 pm

I see them staying home and drafting Michale Johnson out of GT. He would be a great compliment to John Abraham on the other side. Then i think they address the issue of secondary and add more depth in the LB core.

Falcon Devil

March 20th, 2009
12:06 pm

Laurinaitus is too slow to play OLB he has high 4.8 alomst 4.9 speed. I’ve heard people say he can play OLB but I disagree. We are set at MLB, I’m sorry but I can’t see how you guys think he is a potential pick for us.

Falcon Devil

March 20th, 2009
12:08 pm

I see Clay Matthews or Brandon Pettigrew as the likely picks in this draft scenario.

ndadome

March 20th, 2009
12:09 pm

Falcon Devil I’m with you on this one. He’s slow. .haven’t we already seen that act?

PMC

March 20th, 2009
12:15 pm

Lions are going QB Tackle. This is a deep WR draft. The last thing they need is another 1st round WR with all the other needs and playmaker he is Percy Harvin was pounded at Florida the Lions can’t risk that pick.

I think you’re absolutely right on the 3 linebackers for the falcons and I think they might like to get Peria Jerry there or maybe even trade up.

I’m sorry I don’t get the hype on English, but I’ll trust Dimitroff to know what he’s doing if that’s the pick that’s the pick. I just don’t see them going DE this year unless someone falls. This pick is DT, Linebacker or Offensive Tackle if one falls that far. I think anyway.

marko

March 20th, 2009
12:16 pm

Interesting, you have Staffford going to the Seahawks. If so, I think he’ll make Greg Knapp look a lot smarter than Mike Vick did. I used to blame all of Vick’s problems on Knapp, now it looks like it might have been the other way around. Anyway I’m glad to see Mora and Knap get a second chance. When they’re not playing the Falcon’s, I wish them both the best of luck. On English to the Falcons, I think not. Nothing against English, it’s just that Dimitroff seems to prefer players from proven football factories for his early picks. If you study Larry’s film , he had a great game against Chicken Tech, but Dimitroff seems to favor players that have consistently lined up against top level competition. I like Laurinaitis, but I’m afraid he might not be fast enough for the will position. Matthews may be the best fit, but his resume’s a bit thin. He only started one year. As I try to imagine Mr.D’s check list, meets the need, character, smarts and athleticism Matthews seems the most likely pick. The key is that Dimitroff does’nt seem to beleive that picking the best available athlete is necessarily the best way to build a team. Over the years the day after the draft graders were rarely kind to New England. They always picked at the end of the first round, so they missed out on the early exciting picks. A lot of their selections were considered reaches by the Mel Kipers of the world. At the end of the day, the boring picks of April looked pretty damned good in November. Just as long as he stays to hell away from Virginia Tech, I’ll trust whoever he picks.

PMC

March 20th, 2009
12:18 pm

They made it to the playoffs with very very average TE’s. I don’t think Pettigrew is the TE pick. I think they would rather have Chase Coffman later on at higher value unless Pettigrew is really THAT much better.

Blake The Snake

March 20th, 2009
12:21 pm

I think English can be a very productive player in the NFL. If the Falcons select him as a defensive end I would be surprised. We just re-signed Chauncey to a four year deal. If Jamaal starts 2009 the way he has the past two season I believe the Falcons will put Davis in for the remainder of the season. That goes for Michael Johnson too. Now, if English is flexible enough to move to OLB then he might be worth the pick, butwe selected Kroy Bierrman last year and he has the same collegiate stats and measurables. I’d feel more comfortable with a player like Sintim or Louis Delmas.

WR

March 20th, 2009
12:24 pm

I keep wondering have the fans given up on Jamaal Anderson to soon. The guy is entering his third year as a Pro, if you read his Bio, he has only played end for about 5 years and thats including his time at Arkansas. Going a step further, what are the chances that the Falcons will take an end in the first place. They just resigned Davis, Biermann looked pretty good in his rookie season, and watching Anderson this past season, I believe he’s close to what we all want and what the falcons believe he will blossum into. Don’t get me wrong at times I want to label Anderson a bust but after really watching him last year I believe he’s on his way. We need a young stud linebacker or Strong Safety and please stay away from Laurinaitis, Cushing may work or even Matthews, but let someone else deal with the next Ohio State bust.

I MUS.WRITE

March 20th, 2009
12:29 pm

Micheal Johnson .mirrors what we already have C Davis, JA98, Beirrman, Abe, but i wouldnt be upset if we took him. With the right coaching i believe he will outperform all of them with the exception of Abe. Just hope he does’nt turn out to be Andre bruce.

I would go DL and pick up Ziggy Hood…… Cushing/Maybin will be gone …. C Mathews has to many Questions surrounding him and Hood is better than the overrated P Jerry IMO…. So I would Go DL- Jason Jefferson,K Moorhead etc are okay backups, but I think Hood can start right away…. Put him on the line with ABE, C Davis,and Babineaux and we could get that pass rush thats been missing the last couple years
B Pettigrew could be a possibilty as well -The other TE’s are gret athletes speed and nice hands but are not mauling type blockers like Pettigrew, and since we are a running team he just makes since .

Zach Follette people ….. Git’er done TD this guy is a savage he’s like a young Brookings with more speed and attitude – he just makes plays

English seems like a project DE to me and he’s a little lite in the britches at only 250- Could be wrong tho we’ll see what happens ….dang -6 more weeks til the draft

Beast

March 20th, 2009
12:36 pm

Man i think atlanta falcons should pick DT then Linebacker in the second round. TD is a smart dud and i think Blank would waste his time picking up a normal dud from the NFL to run most of the falcons business. what he did last season is amazing and he did it by not picking up the big names out there among the free agents last year. nobody the falcons picked up didnt even have real starting chance wit there other teams. So understand what ever TD does is for the best for the Falcons.

I MUS.WRITE

March 20th, 2009
12:39 pm

agreed on J Laurinitis …He looks slow even in his highlights and gets washed out of plays often,He doesnt really shed block well. We all complained about brooking but Jl is almost the same guy-jus watch his Utube highlights ………jumping on piles 7-8 yards down the feild ……….. did we learn nothing from the Championship game a couple years ago, Jl was pretty much a non factor the whole game after all of the hype surrounding this guy. As im watching the game -Im like “thats him” no thanx.

Nique

March 20th, 2009
12:39 pm

I totally disagree with this pick, the Falcons addressed OLB by signing Peterson, our starting LB crew this year will be Peterson, Lofton, & Nicholas, with Olb reserves Wire & Robert James (our 5th round pick from last year who got hurt after an impressive preseason & was forced to miss the entire year like Thomas Brown)& MLB Tony Gilbert.

While I think we will add another LB through the draft, it shouldn’t be & I believe won’t be in the 1st round. I would trade down into the early 2cnd (trying to get a 2cnd & a 4th for our 1st rounder)& then take Brace out of B.C. at NT with the 1st 2cnd rounder & then take the best SS left with the second 2cnd rounder probably W, Moore (our original pick) & then in the 3rd round I either go OLB with M. Freeman out of OSU or T.E. either C. Ingram of UF, Travis Beckum (the best receiving TE in the draft), or Chase Coffeman who at least one of these 3 will still be around, & then in the 4th I look either at TE if i didn’t in the 3rd or at T focusing on Andrew Garner out of Tech or Lydon Murtha.

KC in Smyrna

March 20th, 2009
12:40 pm

If Pettigrew, Michael Johnson, and Clay Matthews are available, there is NO WAY we select English in the 1st round. I would go with Pettigrew because he would essentially “finish” our offense. I think Johnson will go in the top-10 of the draft. NFL teams love athletic freaks and MJ is as good as it gets from that perspective.

It would be a tough selection if M. Johnson and Pettigrew are available. Both would be instant starters for the Falcons. It depends on the role of TEs moving forward in the offense. Do we go with “rent-a-TE” route or franchise TE?

If both are available give me Johnson. Move Anderson inside to DT. Johnson and Abraham would be a tough duo to contain.

Poor McKay

March 20th, 2009
1:06 pm

DOL, English makes sense because Abraham may have 1-2 seasons left. Having Abraham, Davis and English would likely mean we have above average pressure on the QB. And that makes our secondary better. Still need to do something about DT… maybe Brace will be around when we select in 2nd round (or TD could trade up to grab him).

kauai dawg

March 20th, 2009
1:08 pm

Does English look like tarzan and play like jane? He passes the bus test. I like the idea of a hybrid type LB/DE combo. I like the picks of Matthews, or Johnson or English.

WR

March 20th, 2009
1:16 pm

It sounds crazy considering a TE, with what we perceive as the state of the falcons defense, but I don’t think as fans we get the complete behind the scenes picture. TD, said the falcons would be quiet in Free Agency which they have been, but I don’t believe they would be this quiet if the defense is as far off as we might think. The falcons are building for now and the future and I agree that if Pettigrew is on the board take him, he would be the only real need thats worthy of a 1st round pick, and he would pretty much complete our offense as someone stated earlier. There is also the idea of trading the first round pick for a 2nd and a 3rd or 4th, but that may be too difficult considering the falcons are picking so late in the first round. D-Led and everyone else with an opinion, Shaun Rogers is a talented DL man, but seems to have emotional issues, or motivational issues, which ever you prefer. I’m just wondering if under the right tutelege and atmosphere, would he fit in with the falcons system, he’s young, talented,could come at a fairly decent price, but he just can’t seem to manage his emotional state of being. He hasn’t been a trouble maker and he has preformed well in both Detroit and Cleveland, his motivation and drive for success seems to be the question mark.

Greg

March 20th, 2009
1:19 pm

I know about Michael Johnsons’ numbers and saw some of the drills at the Combine. I agree with KC that there’s no way at all he drops to #32, and will probably be gone by the time the Birds pick. However, it’s clear to me that he’s not presently a better DE than English. He’s five inches taller and only 5 lbs. heavier. Strength? He refused to do the bench press, while English put up a respectable number (24). Burst-quickness? In the 20-yard shuttle, Johnson and English were in a dead heat. Johnson may have gobs of potential, but for the Birds, with Abraham getting a little long in the tooth and often hurt, I say if you are going to draft a DE with the first pick then I’d go with a guy who can start right now. Best available DE would be English. But you know what? If I can trade down from #24 and for it get a high-in-the-round extra #2, and an extra #3, then I’m trading the pick.

Truebeliever

March 20th, 2009
1:19 pm

I think the falcons may take Bandon Pettigrew if he’s there @ #24. He’ s certainly the best player in the draft @ a position the falcons need to address, not to mention he,s a solid blocker.Which the falcons demand from their TE’s. Then they will go Defence with their remaining picks in the draft

Wondering

March 20th, 2009
1:31 pm

Why don’t we just trust Thomas Dimitroff with the pick. I’m sure he’s done a little more research than we have. And his track record is pretty good. By the way, I never would have said that about any previous GM.

Deep South Falcon

March 20th, 2009
1:35 pm

ANybody looked at our secondary lately…..ummmm…it sucks @$$!!!!

D. Orlando Bedwetter

March 20th, 2009
1:36 pm

Well, thanks for officially telling us who we WON’T be drafting, Ledbetter. And where the heck have you been for the last week? Seriously, we know we added a backup Center, and I think we could have used a little more info in the last week. Honestly, can we please get Steve Wyche back? PLEEEEEAAAASEEEE.

And dude, your bow-tie….um, NO.

JMar

March 20th, 2009
1:36 pm

Can you explain why you have the Vikings taking Jerry? Seems like RB and DT are clearly their strongest positions, w/ AP and the Williamses. Sure Pat is getting a little older, but it’s not like they don’t have present holes to fill.

Capt. Insano

March 20th, 2009
1:38 pm

For all of those hating on Michael Johnson, you have to look at his upside. Plus, if a man can do this: http://www.playatgatech.com/UserFiles/mikejumpsmall.jpg (damn that’s scary) he’s defiantly worthy of a second look.

Also, you have to remember, Johnson was playing opposite of arguable the nations best O lines. The ACC is known for their running attacks and that all begins with the front line. With a little development, could you imagine what kind of issues team would have with Johnson and Abraham teamed up? Oh, and speaking of Abraham, they said similar things when he came out of college. He turned out pretty good…

Mookie

March 20th, 2009
1:47 pm

Beast = MORON

Michael Turner wasn’t one of the biggest free agent signings in all of the NFL last off season. You’re absolutely right. Good job.

I just hope we don’t take a flippin TE with our first pick, gives me flashbacks to the Falcons of old.

I will be pleased if we take the nastiest and most hungry defensive player available at #24

Fortyminutesto5

March 20th, 2009
1:48 pm

I say NO to Laurinaitus. He’s a sure fire bust. I’d like to pick up one of the USC LB’s in the first, then use the 2 rounder on SS or TE.

Seminole Warrior

March 20th, 2009
1:50 pm

The Falcons will be looking to shore up the defensive side of the ball. Thus this first three picks will focus on that side. CB Darius Butler or SS Patrick Chung will be the pick. Both would be major upgrades to their respective positions. We did not just drop $14 million on Davis to be a backup at DE. English is a wonder of the system and will not be a productive down lineman; he will have to switch and take time to mature into a different scheme than Coach Smith typically likes on D.

Seminole Warrior

March 20th, 2009
1:52 pm

Note: As I MuS Write stated, do not sleep on Ziggy Hood. I agree that he would be a great pairing with Babs.

Mookie

March 20th, 2009
1:58 pm

Why all the Laurinitis (sic?) bashing? His dad is freakin’ Animal of the Road Warriors. Animal didn’t raise no sissy… Have doubt about a mean streak in him? I don’t.

marko

March 20th, 2009
2:02 pm

Chase Coffman and Ron Brace are popular picks with a lot of you guys, but I kinda think not. Brace is addicted to cheese burgers. If the Falcons wanted a player that refused to stay in playing condition they would have kept Grady. Chase on the other hand has a medical issue, his foot’s injured, and he may not be good to go this year. I’d suggest Ingram out of Florida would be a pretty good pickup. He’s been compared to Shannon Sharpe. If he’s half as good as Shannon he’s twice as good as anyone we have . I’d also check out Fila Moaia. If Southern Cal. gets three linebackers selected in the first round, it stands to reason that somebody was doing a pretty good job of setting them up. Fila is three hundred pounds of solid muscle; not real fast, but harder than a grand piano to move around. Draft him and everybody that plays around him suddenly looks a lot better. Anyway those are my picks. I’m confident a number of my fellow bloggers will be happy to show me errors in my judgement. I won’t be offended. Anybody that once owned DeLorean stock should’nt be too thin skinned about having his judgement questioned.

Franky

March 20th, 2009
2:39 pm

This is for Marko. Greg Knapp is a sorry Off Coor. Did you notice that The Raiders releived him of his play calling duties before he was fired.. He can’t coach> Quit blaming Vick. We all know that story move on. Trust me, Mora and Knapp will only make the Seahawks worse. The Falcon should Draft: English 1st, Delmas 2nd and the TE from Mizz 3rd

Baba O'Riley

March 20th, 2009
2:41 pm

Does Towers like English’s bulging biceps?

Baba O'Riley

March 20th, 2009
2:52 pm

Knapp and Mora tried to turn a physically gifted athlete at the QB position into Brad Johnson. That’s like trying to turn Pujols into a singles hitter.

Phillip

March 20th, 2009
3:19 pm

I think Larry English is a poor fit and I am suprised you would take him Daryl. What is English? A Defensive End? he’s kind of small/short at 6′2″ don’t you think. Plus, Falcons just gave Chauncey a 4yr/$14 million deal – so, that tells me the Falcons have every intention of letting Chauncey be “the guy” opposite John Abraham. If English is not a DE in our scheme – do you really think Thomas Dimitroff who preaches “needs-based, system specific” is going to take a flyer on Larry English who comes from a small school and will have to make a position change? I don’t see it!!!!!!

James Lauranaitis still has not finished his 40 yard dash……he is slllllllllllooooooooowwwwwww! JL only has enough speed to play the middle and last I checked the Falcons are set at the MIKE position with Curtis Lofton. So, JL is also not likely as an option – besides, he was not very productive in the big games against the higher level competitions in college.

Clint Sintim is a good player but I think he is more of a 3-4 OLB/Rush End.

The one candidate you have right here is Clay Matthews – he is a very versatile player that has the playing personality that Dimitroff covets. As Dimitroff was quoted as saying when talking about defensive players he wants he said “I like defensive players who play with ‘controlled-wreckless abandon’”. Well to me that is the style that Clay Matthews plays. If he is on the board, I think Clay Matthews is the pick.

If Matthews is gone, I think Falcons could possibly simply take Brandon Pettigrew who would not be a popular pick with so many needs on defense but he would be a good pick.

Me, I want Clay Matthews….

Jeff Gibson

March 20th, 2009
3:19 pm

English Has Okay Stats ; He’s Listed as 42nd pick Around 5th or 6th among Linebackers in another Mock Draft. Clint Sintim, Ray Maluka, Brian Orapko,Both USC Players all List Higher and Probably have Better Stats. Concerning Stats Kearney had over 120 Tackles So Draft People with a lot of tackles to replace him and the others. The Safety Position had a lot of tackles as well and around 10 in College with more than most.

BlawgDawg

March 20th, 2009
3:22 pm

BLACK AND RED DAWG Just for future reference, no one has read your post because you chose to post in ALL CAPS. If you want someone to actually read your post, don’t be an idiot and post in ALL CAPS. It is juvenile and people automatically skip over any posts that are in ALL CAPS because they know it’s not worth bothering with.

The UNDISPUTED Truth

March 20th, 2009
3:33 pm

Baba, the Brad Johnson analogy is a bad one. I mean, BJ has a triple-digit IQ.

Knapp’s critics keep forgetting that the “physically gifted athlete” who used to play QB for the Falcons was either too lazy or too stupid to master an NFL playbook. (Citing sources from around the NFL, Don Banks of SI wrote as much last spring.) THAT is why the team had to dumb down the offense during the Vick Error.

In Oakland, Knapp had to deal with a young QB who missed most of his first season because of a contract holdout. Again, it was a case of having to keep things simple.

Now that Knapp (and Mora) are in Seattle with a veteran QB who is capable of mastering an NFL playbook, we will finally get a chance to see what he can really do. If Knapp fails there, I’ll admit I’m wrong about him.

As far as the draft is concerned, my sources say beware of Michael Johnson, who appears to have a lazy streak that turns him into a non-factor far too much of the time.

Phillip

March 20th, 2009
3:41 pm

1-24) Clay Matthews, III-OLB-USC
2-55) Ron Brace, DT-Boston College
3-88) Rashad Johnson, SS-Alabama
4th) Antoine Caldwell, C-Alabama
5th) Andrew Gardner, OT-Georgia Tech
5th) Jerraud Powers, CB-Auburn
6th) Ryan Purvis, TE-Boston College

that is what TD is gonna do…..now you know. I like it!!!!

Phillip

March 20th, 2009
3:55 pm

So, Daryl please tell me where Larry English “fits” in our defense? is he a DE or a OLB? If he’s an OLB, is he a SLB or a WLB? Do tell…

Reno 911

March 20th, 2009
4:05 pm

Good question Phillip. Don’t count on an answer.

Mookie

March 20th, 2009
4:10 pm

Phillip quit coming across like a douche know it all. You’re act is tiresome

Zack

March 20th, 2009
4:16 pm

You all are close, but we have to go defensive backfield in round 1 if TD doesn’t trade down. We can grab the #2 or #3 corner on the board (I assume Jenkins will be long gone, and we don’t want him anyway) like the guys from Wake or Vandy, unless you think Chris (do I smell something on fire) Houston is ready to hold down as the #1 corner. There are several OLB’s and DT’s that we can take in round 2 and 3, but we need to keep going for young talent at each level of the defense. We can get a starter at DT or OLB in round 2 and a guy who is maybe a year away in round 3 and keep moving forward. Forget offense, we can get a TE later or next year. We just need some more biscuit eating boys for depth up front and we’ll be fine on O. Go DB in round 1, who’s with me!?

Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » "D-Led" has us taking Larry English

March 20th, 2009
4:21 pm

[...] AJC Mock – Daryl Ledbetter [...]

Phillip

March 20th, 2009
4:21 pm

Daryl, thanks for your response. I know that Larry English is a decent player but I just don’t see him being a Dimitroff kind of guy – he seems more like a “rush end” in a 3-4 lineup. He’s kind of on the “small side” im my opinion to be a 4-3 end – but to each his own. I don’t think we paid Chauncey Davis $14 million to be a 1-2 down defensive end – if we are, then we grossly overpaid the guy.

There are simply too many needs on the defense to get some kind of “rotational guy” in the 1st round. While we are all “guessing”, my guess is the NFL GM’s that will be interested in English will be the ones running the 3-4 defense.

Dimitroff will look for a player that can stay on the field all three downs. If he goes defense, I think he is looking at Clay Matthews, Peria Jerry or Louis Delmas. If he goes on the other side of the ball, I think its Brandon Pettigrew…..

Anyway, I disagree with you Daryl but thanks for engaging me here…..BTW, do the Falcons have a workout scheduled yet for Larry English? Did they meet with him at Combine or Senior Bowl? Just curious. I know the Falcons have a visit scheduled with Clay Matthews but that is all that I have heard so far – sure they have other visits scheduled – if you know, please let us know – thanks!!

Mookie, sorry you are a washed-up NBA star – stick to the basketball blogs – you obviously don’t know football

Phillip

March 20th, 2009
4:25 pm

and when I say “small”, I really mean “short”…..255lbs is big enough from a weight perspective but you like your D-Ends to be 6′4″ or taller ideally.

cutter

March 20th, 2009
4:29 pm

Larry English won’t even go in the 1st round much less to the Falcons. If defense is truly the priority you go DT or OLB if Evander Hood and Matthews Jr. are both available its a tough call both are good kids. English is a 3-4 ILB all day and 4-3 MLB at best. If Matthews Jr. and Hood are gone you can’t miss with Pettigrew. Let’s at least mock someone to Atlanta that fits the scheme and is considered a 1st round projection English lost 1st round projection when he went to the combine and ran a 4.82 forty. Hood at 6′3 300lbs ran a 4.88.

Mookie

March 20th, 2009
4:32 pm

And you know everything! It’s very refreshing.

cutter

March 20th, 2009
4:34 pm

The Falcons set up a workout with Clint Sintim.

Russ

March 20th, 2009
4:39 pm

Every, folllow the leader and say we need a LB.

We just signed Peterson and Lofton has MLB locked up. Nichols and Wire and hold down one of the OLB spots together.

We need a #1 caliber CB !
Go get A. Smith out of Wake Forest or Butler out of U Conn.

Butler has 4.4 speed, the highest verticle at the combine, and the best agility scores at the combine. Dude has all the natural ability to be a #1 cover corner.

A. Smith has 4.45 speed and excellent ball skills though a bit undersized. He dominated the compeition at the Senior Bowl vs. his draft day co-workers.

We cannot continue to cover up our inadequate corners by playing the vanilla, cover 2 defense where opposing QBs are free to pick us apart. With better corners we can have a more exotic defensive game plan that will actuall make the opposing QB think for a change.

If not CB we need a S. Delmas maybe the way to go here.

In the 2nd round get Brace. The 330 lb run stuffing DT out of BC.

If you know what your doing you get a solid LB in the 3rd round. D. Ellerbe may be available then . He is just as good as those over hyped USC boys. He produced better then some of them on the field and his measurables are just as good too.

In the 4th get a pass catching TE to play on 3rd and long.

cutter

March 20th, 2009
5:08 pm

I wonder how Decoud FS and Chevis Jackson CB are coming along. I wonder if they are ready to contribute both flashed a little last year.

Stirg d'Nahsif

March 20th, 2009
5:17 pm

It took me a minute to respond to this one because I was over here using some bad words to describe my feelings for this pick at 24 (sorry, D.O.; you still my dog, though…woof!); but then, I thought about it…

Earlier, I gave my theory about defensive ends and the time it takes them to mature. Yesterday, I even suggested Michael Johnson as an option for the 24th pick. Today, your expertise has made me change my mind, yet again. I don’t think Larry English would be a bad idea at 24 because of his versatility. As you indicated, he can move around so much (DE, OLB, Will, Sam). For that reason, I apologize for the bad thoughts I developed and I didn’t mean to talk about your N.O.I. appearance. You’re still my favorite sprots writer.

With all that out the way, I want to bring your attention to the names you left on the board after pick 24, particularly Pettigrew and Johnson. Now, I know you can’t go wrong with either Johnson or English to solidify our needs on defense and I’m jumping on your wagon with the English pick (I’m sure if you had anticipated Johnson lasting that long, you’d pick him too). In your opinion, do you think Pettigrew would work at 24? I read Ken’s entry and he developed a valid point about keeping the offense on the field to show a better defense. Personally, I don’t think there’s any other TE with his talent. Your opinion, please; and don’t be mad with me. You still my horse; even if you never win a race.

cutter

March 20th, 2009
5:19 pm

As a DE I just don’t see it as a need we’ve got Abraham, Anderson, Davis, Biermann. But put a beast DT beside Anderson along with Abraham and Babineaux I think that is where you start to build your defense.

huh

March 20th, 2009
5:27 pm

marko if that’s the case then explain to me why Oakland offense got better when they took away Knapps power to call plays. Knapp is just not a good offensive coordinator. He does not make adjustments, does not play towards a player strengths, and will go away from whats working week in and week out.. I still don’t see the hype of Sanchez. I think if a team takes him that high they will be regretting that decision soon. The guy is a second round talent at best in my opinion. As far as the Falcons, we need another play maker in the defensive area.

I swear some of you are __________!

March 20th, 2009
6:11 pm

To the Undisputed Retard: If you can memorize an NFL playbook, let alone your ABC’s, then maybe you should be playing for the Falcons now. What were you saying when Vick took your falcons to the NFC Championship? When he beat Bret Farve at Lambo? When he was makin corners and safties look retarded? Fact is he’s gone. But dont make Gregg Knapp into a scape goat. They did try to make a scrabbler into Joe Montana. Not his fault. If so, why draft him, if you knew his feet were the golden ticket?

Moving on from the Vick hater, I think the falcons should go with the best possible player that there that fills a need. TE Pettigrew if he’s there. if not LB with Cushing, who prolly wont be there so go with Mathews JR. I really dont care about the first pick. Am I the only one whose afraid of our DB’s situation? My God, we will get destroyed. Please falcons get a couple of quality DB’s this year. we lost Foxworth and milloy. sign another vet( McKenzie maybe?). cant have nothin but basically rookies out there. they will get owned.

I swear some of you are __________!

March 20th, 2009
6:15 pm

Russ, you are a freaking genious! Corner’s are what we need the most, then its a tie with TE or DE. Trade down, get two corners if you can, then go DE.

I swear some of you are __________!

March 20th, 2009
6:19 pm

p.s i wouldn’t take any qb from southern cal. i called leinart as a bust, and if dirt warner can take his job, it speaks for itself. southern cal qb’s get attention bc they are on that huge stage in california. they are in great systems. but when it comes to leading an nfl team, they are all trash. exposed

Falconsfan

March 20th, 2009
6:30 pm

The defense has so many holes it HAS to be addressed. Would love to get Michael Johnson but the LB is the biggest hole to fill. OR.. just for kicks.. could you image MJ at LB? 6′7 and covering the field like that? I know.. crazy thought.

Nique

March 20th, 2009
6:46 pm

For everyone suggesting Hood as the DT to take, we need a NT not a UT which is what Bab is, we need a Big space eater if you understand the way this scheme works. Hood is only 295 & won’t be big enough to fill the gap & occupy 2 blockers, he’s more of a penitrating DT, when we need a space eater, that’s why we need BRACE whi is 6-3 330 & will fill the void left by Grady & will give us two lagit run stuffers up the middle with size, him & Lofton. & for those suggesting we get him ion the 2cnd round with our selection, HE WON’T BE THERE!!! Brace is the 2nd best NT in the draft behind his teamate Raji & if we miss out on both of them, there is only one other NT in the draft who is even rated in the top 100 prospects coming out & that’s Terrance Taylor from Michigan & he is 6-0 320, which is nice, but it’s not 6-3, 330. So we either have to take him at 24, which wouldn’t be the worst thing, but I think that we could trade down & still get him at the beginiing of the 2cnd, but not towards the end when we select. So once again

I think the smartest thing to do is to trade down into the early 2cnd (trying to get a 2cnd & a 4th for our 1st rounder)& then take Brace out of B.C. at NT with the 1st 2cnd rounder & then take the best SS left with the second 2cnd rounder probably W, Moore (our original pick) & then in the 3rd round I either go OLB with M. Freeman out of OSU or T.E. either C. Ingram of UF, Travis Beckum (the best receiving TE in the draft), or Chase Coffeman who at least one of these 3 will still be around, & then in the 4th round since we’ll have 2 picks in this round, I look at TE if we didn’t in the 3rd & then at Tackle focusing on two guys either Andrew Garner out of Tech or Lydon Murtha out of Neb.

At 6-3 255 lbs English wouldn’t be able to hold up at DE, he is an OLB in a 3-4 scheme & situational pass rusher & Orlando you say “English fits at DE. Could play Chauncey on run downs and put him in on third” you don’t draft situational pass rushers in the 1st round, not unless you have no needs or can afford to bring a player along! If he’s gonna only play on passing downs, then we can’t afford to take him in the 1st @ 24!

So i’d LOVE A RESPONCE TO THIS & YOUR THOUGHS ON MY IDEA OF TRADING DOWN FOR AN EARLY 2ND & 4TH THEN TAKING

(1ST) 2cnd rounder – Brace -DT/NT
(2CND) 2cnd rounder -SS -W. Moore or P. Chung
3rd rounder – OLB M. Freeman from OSU or TE – C. Ingram or Travis Beckum
(1st)4th rounder -TE if we didn’t in 3rd- C. Coffeman or James Casey
(2cnd)4th rounder -& then Tackle focusing on 2 guys Andrew Garner of GT or Lydon Murtha out of Neb.

Ken Strickland

March 20th, 2009
6:49 pm

It’s truely amazing how some fans will make comments about certain players they don’t like, that can’t be supported by fact. Just because they are ignorant of a certain player, or the school and/or conference he comes from, they automatically put him down.

Dwight Freeney(6′2″ 268lbs) and Robert Mathis(6′1″ 245lbs) have both managed to finish at of near the top of the NFL in sacks and/or made the Probowl. So, being 6′2″ 255lbs won’t automatically disqualify DE Larry English from being a quality DE, especially when it comes to rushing the passer. DE John Abraham is 6′4″ 263lbs, Kroy Biermann is only 6′3″ 245lbs and Chauncey Davis if only 6′2″ 274lbs.. If height is the criteria one chooses to use to determine whether a player can be a successful DE, then we’d better get rid of what we already have and erase the names of all sack master Probowl DE’s that are only 6′2″ or 3″ tall.

Anyone with a minimum football IQ knows that a strong pass rush can raise the level of play of an average secondary to above average.

Lionsfan

March 20th, 2009
7:21 pm

Sorry nephew. The Lions will not draft another WR in the 1st or 2nd round for the next 10 years.

Nique

March 20th, 2009
7:22 pm

I hope Ken Strickland’s comment wasn’t a responce to me bc 1 while Abraham is 263, that’s part of our problem against the run, he is a pass rushing DE who doesn’t hold up well against the run mostly bc of his size or lack there of & so therefore it would make NO since to draft someone with the same issue to play on the other side of the line. We are already an undersized line, Grady Jackson was the only thing that has saved us the past few years & though his skill were declining, his size still benifited us alot! English is a good player & could be a really usedul pass rusher like Freeney, who also does a horrible job stopping the run, bc once again he is an undersized DE, but anyway, my point is, if Englis is going to ba a pass rusher only, you don’t draft 1 or 2 down players in the 1st round, you draft everydown players in the 1st! & i didn’t say anything about hieght in refrence to DE’s, i said it in refrence to DT’s where it does play a factor into effectiveness. Just look at where Smith came from & the system he wants to duplicate here in Atl, the Jags system, it’s bases on dominate DT’s, Henderson & Stroud! So come on, I really hope you weren’t talking to me & suggesting that i don’t know my stats, players, systems, or how to evaluate, bc u’d be really mistaking yourself!

Ed

March 20th, 2009
7:28 pm

That draft isn’t even close to what is going to happen. Need to study some more…

BLACK AND RED DAWG

March 20th, 2009
7:47 pm

TOO; BLOWDOG OR BLOGGERDOGGIE, I WAS NOT GOING TO RESPOND. BUT, SINCE YOU ASKED FOR IT, HEAR IT GOES, PLEASE DON’T READ THIS IF YOU DON’T LIKE MY STYLE BROTHER. ENGLISH IS A REAL STUD. TRUST ME HE HAS TO REALLY BE GREAT TO COME FROM THAT SMALL SCHOOL AND BE MENTIONED IN THE 1ST ROUND. READ UP ON THE MAN.KEN STRICKLAND SEEMS TO KNOW TALENT.LARRY ENGLISH HAS 31 SACKS AND IS NEAR UNBLOCKABLE. THAT IS 31 TO TO YOU FOOTBALL NOVICE. I PLAYED COLLEGE FOOTBALL. THAT MAKES YOU GOOD ON ANY LEVEL. ALSO CAPITALS STAND OUT MORE WHEN YOU TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO READ YOUR ENTRY THAT IS PLACED BETWEEN 200 ENTRIES. KICK ROCKS YOU NERD. PS. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BLOGGING ETIQUETTE LESSONS !!!

D. Orlando Bedwetter

March 20th, 2009
7:49 pm

Well, D. I give you credit for actually responding to my post and taking the high road. Seriously though, where have you been lately?

And I stand by the bow-tie comment. I’m a pr*ck, I know….

TNFalconFn

March 20th, 2009
7:51 pm

The falcons need to address any defensive position. I hope they can pick Peria Jerry in the first and sean smith or patrick chung in the second.

cutter

March 20th, 2009
8:28 pm

I guess I see Trey Lewis at 6′3 325 being the NT for the Falcons. TD has said the staff is anxious to see what Lewis can contribute so NT might be filled. If Lewis can be a force, Hood would help with pass rush and Lewis would add to the run defense, we need both. Hood is 300 by combine info but could add 10 to 15 lbs. The only reason why we re-signed Grady Jackson was because Trey Lewis got hurt.

TheSAV

March 20th, 2009
8:45 pm

I think the Falcons should trade the first round rick for a top second and third round selection.

ray

March 20th, 2009
9:26 pm

Ah yes, the Falcons blog we’ve come to know and love.

Insult the beat writer, but always showing up to this blog. Ha! Gotta love the boundless hypocrisy of some. And don’t get mad at me. If you respond to that, then the shoe fits. Wear it well…..

I see no harm in drafting a guy that can play DE or OLB if he’s the kind of guy Dimitroff and Smith really want. Never hurts to have a guy who takes his job seriously and is described as such by Chris Steuber of Scout.com:

“English is a relentless defender who plays with a non-stop motor. He’s a tweener who has the talent to be a special DE, but lacks the size. He flashes a quick first step, good strength off the edge and blinding closing speed that abruptly hits the quarterback. He moves well in space, showing good awareness and tackling ability. He has strong hands and is able to defend against the pass.” – Chris Steuber, Scout.com

D. Led says there is some buzz about the guy. He looks like a mean, nasty guy to me who takes his job seriously. I like that. If he fits the profile that Dimitroff and Smith like, then he’s a good pick. His versatility stands out to me, because while he may not be a prototypical DE, there’s nothing to say that he can’t play that spot on some downs and create problems. Besides, the guy can play OLB, and we’re in the market for a guy to take over at that spot (in a couple of years, for certain). Besides, we have a veteran OLB in Peterson who can still give us some decent production, but will serve as a mentor for English.

Same can be said if we draft Clay Matthews, though he probably cannot give us the same level of versatility.

Laurinaitis doesn’t make sense unless they don’t like Lofton, which I doubt. The guy makes plays, but he lacks speed. I don’t think that’s a big issue as far as him getting drafted, but I don’t see him being better for us than Lofton, and they play the same spot. And he’s too slow to play outside. I like Sintim, but think he’s a 2nd or 3rd round pick, not a first.

I don’t know that a first-rate DT will be available by the time we pick. And if not, I’d rather have a GOOD OLB who can start or at least take over in a year or so, and be our guy for several years….than over-reach for a decent-but-not-great DT who cannot give us anymore than the guys we have now. Trey Lewis is a big guy coming back from injury that Dimitroff likes. Babs is here at the other spot, and Jamal could be moved inside.

No, I’d not be mad at getting English if he fits the TD/Smith profile.

I still wouldn’t be mad if we got Pettigrew either, as long as we got some decent/good defensive players later. But as others have noted, Pettigrew is not the only TE in the draft that can make a splash….

ray

March 20th, 2009
9:30 pm

I really don’t know about Michael Johnson. He’s a high-risk, high-reward kind of guy. He’s obviously a very strong, very gifted athlete. So was LaVar Arrington. If Johnson’s head isn’t screwed on right, then TD/Smith will find out. If he’s been schemed wrong, then they’ll know. If he has the right stuff, they’ll take him.

My guess is “no.” Just sayin’. Somebody is going to take a chance on him. And when they do, that might shake loose a very good, solid player that we wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise. That’s the great thing about the draft. Somebody (a few somebodies, actually) usually gets all hot and bothered about some particular player and passes a very good player right to you. One can only hope.

I’m wondering if Peria Jerry isn’t overrated…

falconidiot

March 20th, 2009
9:50 pm

We needed DT last year, but we had to put Vick behind us, paid off. This year there is no greater need than DT, Falcons make move of draft for Raji

darrell starks

March 20th, 2009
9:50 pm

I DONT no to much about LARRY ENGLISH but i think he is more of a 3, 4 guy if we had to choose between BRIAN CUSHING OR CLAY MATTHEWS JR, THERE IS NO way CLAY is better than CUSHING. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stirg d'Nahsif

March 20th, 2009
10:38 pm

WoW, D.O.! Cleveland State is spanking Wake right now! Hope it can last; you ’bout to make me twenty bucks. Now I can afford to go to Applebee’s and get the two entrees and an appetizer special. Good looking; Good call!

Marty Foreman

March 20th, 2009
10:51 pm

How could anyone argue with “that” picture of Larry English???
T.D. “Bring’em Home Now!” (We “know” that Jamal Anderson isn’t going to cut it!) …and our BEST DE sometimes gets dinged up (injuries are a part of the NFL!

Marty Foreman

March 20th, 2009
11:02 pm

T.D. and Coach Smith will “probably” NEVER take Pettigrew because of off the field problems e.g., catching only 43 balls for 472 yards as a senior — with no touchdowns,and an off-field incident in January of 2008 where he was charged with assaulting a police officer outside a party.

darrell starks

March 20th, 2009
11:16 pm

CB ASHER ALLEN OF GEORGIA 5″10 198 pounds and run a 4.3 FOURTY CB D.J MOORE OF VANDERBILT 5″10 182 pounds run a 4.4 FOURTY CB DARRIUS BUTLER OF CONNECTICUT 5″11 181 pounds run a 4.4 FOURTY CB ALPHONSO SMITH OF WAKE FOREST 5″9 190 pounds run in the FOURTY I DONT NO, CB ASHER ALLEN is bigger stronger faster and more physical than all three corner back who is projected to go before him in the draft. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stirg d'Nahsif

March 20th, 2009
11:19 pm

Hey, Marty. Remember those college days? Ever been at a party where one disruptive dim-wit gets everybody in trouble? He was a college kid at a party. The police officer was campus police, who probably didn’t make the team.

…and if my math serves me correctly, 43 balls for 472 yards, averages over 10 yards per catch. Did any of our tight ends produce that last year? Matter of fact, how many tight ends produced 10 yards per catch, in the NFL? I’ll help…only 19 players (out of 32 teams; and two players are with the same team) caught more than 400 yards and averaged 10 yards per catch. I’ll take his stats. Get use to these words: “For the 24th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State.”

darrell starks

March 20th, 2009
11:53 pm

IF TD decide not to draft LB THAT WILL be okay i think LOFTON, WIRE, PETERSON, AND NICHOLAS can get the job done, first pick SAFETY SEAN SMITH OF UTAH second pick CB ASHER ALLEN OF GEORGIA third pick DT DORRELL SCOTT OF CLEMSON all three players can be day one starters for the falcons. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sstan

March 21st, 2009
12:28 am

This is not a good Mock draft. First off the bengals will not take crabtree because they just signed coles. second the seahawks will not take a quaterback beause they have bigger concerns and i can c them adressing pat one or another quaterback in another round.Oakland and jacksonville need recievers more than anything and detroit waisting another first round pick on a recier that why they got another gm. be serious. Josh freeman will fall to the second round. However i did like the philly , cardinals and the rams pick. we all know the rams will go defense. they have adressed their line and now they will move to the linbackers as they must improve on d

Doe

March 21st, 2009
1:39 am

Haha. Matt Millen must be Back in Detroit, taking another wide reciever in the 1st round. I say take Pettigrew. And let Matt Ryan lead the Falcons to the top rate offense. Mat Ryan is the ‘TRUTH’. Take defense every other pick. TD can find some gems with the other 6 picks.

Ken Strickland

March 21st, 2009
3:54 am

NIQUE-I wasn’t pointing a finger at you. My comment was about people using arbitrary factors like height to determine whether a player can excel at a particular position, like DE. However, size can fall into that category as well. People marvel at a SS or LB that can stepup to the line and stuff the run. Yet, to question a DE’s ability to do the same against the run because of his size(wt)when most DE’s, even the smaller ones, are as big or bigger than your average SS or LB, just doesn’t make sense.

Teams ran on us between our DE’s not around or over them. DT GJackson had the size to hold his ground, but he lacked mobility, lateral movement, stamina, the ability to change direction, to persue, to effectively rush the passer, to recover and get back into the play, to cover screen plays and the athleticism to jump up and deflect passes. His limited assets(size and strength) couldn’t overcome his abundance of libialities. His presence didn’t stop teams from hurting us rushing inside, nor did it stop us from ranking near the bottom of the NFL against the rush.

DT JBabineaux(39 tackles) and GJackson(28 tackles) are the only DT’s that finished in the top 7 in tackles among DLinemen. DT KMoorehead had 17. DE’s JAbraham and CDavis(who didn’t start), recorded 38 tackles apiece and DE’s JAnderson and KBiermann recorded 27 and 21 respectively. Our DE’s, despite their size and height, did a much better job against the run than our DT’s. When a teams safeties annually rank among the teams top tacklers, it’s a sure bet that team is weak up the middle against the run, and we definitely are that.

I don’t think Dimitroff or Smith expect to resolve all of our shortcomings, especially on DEF, in this draft. I think they’d be satisfied if they got a couple of starters or so, and some prospects that can be developed for the future.

tony

March 21st, 2009
4:32 am

clint sintim make more since if peria jerry goes early in the draft. sintim is a more powerful linebacker who can control the line of scrimmage without being mugged by the big boys up front. he is auguably the best pass rushing linebacker in this years draft.

marko

March 21st, 2009
7:35 am

Groucho Marx once noted that the biggest trouble with America was the fact that everybody that really knew how to run the country was too busy cutting hair, or driving cabs. To me that seems to be the main trouble with drafting football players. All us guys that really know what to do are too busy doing other stuff, like feeding our families. Most us put a lot of time into this stuff. We read all the draft profiles we can get our hands on, and watch as much football as we can get away with. But let’s face it, we’re at a serious disadvantage here. We don’t get the wonderlic scores. That could hurt Bubba’s feelings, and more importantly we don’t get to sit down and talk to these kids. Brandon Pettigrew is a great athlete, but Dimitroff and Smith are going to want to hear his side of the assaulting an officer charge. They jolly well better like his answer because if they don’t, he won’t be sporting a Falcon on his helmet next year.

STUCK IN SC

March 21st, 2009
7:53 am

Hey Orlando……Ask TD what his thoughts are on drafting a kid from a small school versus a D1 school. Just curious.

Gunner

March 21st, 2009
8:40 am

I think Michael Johnson could be the next Julius Peppers. sometimes you have to take a chance.

Brian Hunt

March 21st, 2009
10:10 am

I’d only take Michael Johnson if I could get him in the late second or third round. He disapears too often on game day to invest a first round pick on him. Only draft him if you can minimize your financial risk.

Ken Strickland

March 21st, 2009
12:04 pm

STUCK IN SC-that’s a very interesting question. Back in the old days of pro football, there were teams like the Cowboys, Chiefs, Raiders and Steelers that relied heavily on players from small colleges like Grambling, Tenn State, Morgan State, Jackson State, Alcorn State, Southern Univ, Texas Southern, Floride and Alabama A & M, Bethune Cookman, Arkansas AM&N, NC A&T, NC Central, SC State, Norfork State, Howard Univ etc. Now we’re seeing small college programs like Valdosta State, Troy State and conferences like the MAC producing outstanding impact NFL players.

There was a time when Grambling Univ, under legendary HC Ed Robinson, ranked 3rd behind Notre Dame and USC in the number of players sent to the NFL. The thing that’s so amazing about that accomplishment is the relatively short timeframe in which they accomplished that feat, compared to USC and Notre Dame. You see, there was a long period in NFL history when Black players weren’t allowed, and both USC and Notre Dame were able to send their players to the NFL during this period. MAN, YOUR QUESTION REALLY CONJURED UP SOME OLD SCHOOL MEMORIES.

new cars

March 21st, 2009
12:06 pm

I would rather see us get secondary help in the first. Then look at tight end and the line of scrimmage in 2-4. After that go for best athlete at lb and secondary

rob

March 21st, 2009
12:46 pm

Thanks DLED for the mock draft..I enjoy reading all the comments of your viewers. I dont know how the draft will unfold for the Falcons but I feel confident that the braintrust will make sound choices. Still lots of tme before the draft and trades could also play into this slow free angent activity…Keep the stories coming.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

March 21st, 2009
1:07 pm

TOURNEY TIP: If you followed my Tourney Tip on Monday you should be feeling pretty smart this morning. The CLEVELAND STATE Vikings pulled off another tournament shocker. That was a super halfcourt bounce pass from my man Cedric Jackson. Horizon Conference took down the ACC.

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.

ndadome

March 23rd, 2009
4:58 pm

Cameron You wanted another name off that defense: Hardy. Played beside Jerry at DE. Most of the SEC can’t wait for that guy to graduate. That’s not to say Jerry isn’t the real deal, though. He’s my choice in the first round, although I wouldn’t be upset with Connor Barwin from Cincinnati. .second round, Rashad Johnson, safety, Alabama. .third round, Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri.

DeShawn from the Mountain

March 23rd, 2009
5:06 pm

When was the last time we had a real threat in the secondary? Thomas Dimitroff will do the smart thing and go fs or ss. I happen to like Sean Smith out of Utah this guy reminds me of Ed Reed but bigger at 6′3″ 200 lbs. The tape don’t lie we were killed in the secondary this pass season the corners get no inside help. Lawyer Milloy had to costly blown covers in the playoffs.

Supes

March 23rd, 2009
5:22 pm

if Michael Johnson is there at 24 and so is Larry English, I take Michael Johnson (out of GT) in a heartbeat. The guy was a projected top ten pick last year. Did he have a senior season like the scouts/pro’s projected him to have? No, but he’s the physical tools to be an oustanding DE in the NFL. The guy is a freak, plus a good character makes him a nice fit for the Falcons.

As far as TE, I think blocking is always good to have, but your number 1 TE should not be used for blocking. He is that satefy blanket, that 3rd down receiver, etc. Work the middle of the field. So while blocking is good to have in the TE, catching, excelling at beating LB across the middle, that’s what the Falcons offense needs the most.

I’m glad they resigned Justin Peele, he’s a good 2nd string TE. Now time for a Pettigrew, J. Cook or Chase Cauffman in the draft. I’d be happy with any of those 3 future NFL TE.

marko

March 23rd, 2009
7:14 pm

Thomas Dimitroff is fraud, and I can prove it. After last years success, people have showered Thomas with praise that rightfully should have gone to coach Smith considering the worthless rejects his general manager saddled him with. One can scarcely imagine what he might have accomplished had Dimitroff seen fit to provide him with a decent group of players. Let’s take last years draft starting with boy wonder Matt Ryan. Sports illustrated’s draft guide gave Matt a rating of 4.22. Franchise players are rated 5 to 6. third pick in the draft and Thomas sticks us with a turkey with a 4.22 overall rating. Appalling? Well sports fans that was the cream of the crop it all goes down hill from there. Number two Dimitroff trades away valuable picks so that he can trade back into the first round and take Sam Baker, short arms and all. Yo Thomas, ever wonder why you never see a short armed Gorrilla? The long armed Gorillas killed them all. What a putz. Next we come to Curtis, short and slow, Lofton. If he was any good don’t you think the Tuna would have selected him ahead of you. Folks this is the kind of stuff you get when you just hand the keys of multi- million dollar franchise over to akid that can’t even aford a decent haircut. Third round, Chevis Jackson, we take a kid in the third round that the gods at Sports Illustrated told you was a forth rounder at best. Now 3b, Harry Douglas, Sports Illustrated says undrafted free agent. Way to go Dimitroff, blow a third round pick on a player you could have had for bus fare. For 3c we get Thomas DeCoud, stop the presses. Six picks into the draft we finally get a player Sports Illustrated worth a third round pick. If you thought at long last that things were starting to pick up a bit you were wrong. No forth round pick. We had to give that one up for the Baker debacle in the first round. At least Thomas had a whole round to pull himself together right? Just wait, 5a Robert James according to sports Illustrated, Thomas had wasted a whole round just to burn a fifth round pick on a non drafted free agent with a lousey attitude. 5b By Dimitroff standards this was a pretty good pick. only a full round early. If you were starting to think that things could’nt get any worse, you’d best sit down. round 6, Thomas Brown, University of Freaking Georgia. Did’nt Moses tell Rankin to never draft a player from UGA. IF God destroyed New Orleans for taking in a few stray hommos, can you imagine what he’s going to do to us for harbouring Bulldogs? I can barely continue, but 7a we get Wilrey Brown, If you really loved a child would name him Wilrey? Well poor Wilrey, depised by his own parents, joined DeCoud as the only two players Dimitroff had selected where mighty Sports Illustrated had suggested they be taken. To close this sorry account, let’s come to the real Zinger, Keith that is, Sports Illusrated provided no info whatsoever on our final draft pick. The man Arthur had appointed to lead us out of the wilderness had just wasted his last pick on a player that S.I. did’nt even consider worth a free agents contract. Bobby Petrino had wasted a whole year of his life for nothing. I know Falcon fans, they are nothing if not optimistic. You’d think a Falcon fan would be depressed because his wife only provided him with monthly sex. Quite the contrary, he choses to look at the bright side. After all he knows a couple of guys she cut off altogether. Along these lines, they suggest that Coach Smith turned three of these misfits into starters. Most saw extensive playing time, Matt Ryan was rookie of the year and the Falcons made the playoffs. Have any of you happy idiots heard of dumb luck? A busted clock is right twice a day. Even a blind hog finds an acorn every once in a while. How else can you account for my total lack of virginity?

D3

March 23rd, 2009
8:29 pm

DOL – Thanks for the updates. Look forward to the new blog post.

Supes – disagree on taking Michael Johnson over Larry English, only because English has the ability to play both OLB & DE. I could be wrong, but I don’t see Michael Johnson playing any OLB at 6′7. Don’t get me wrong, I think Michael Johnson will be a stud wherever he goes, just not a right fit for us at this time. I do agree with you on TE, Pettigrew, Cook, or Nelson I say. Players can learn to block if they have the desire and drive, but its hard for stud blockers to learn how to get open, catch, and make plays.

Deshawn – love to have Sean Smith. Like the size, measurables, and possibility to play both positions and it seems his potential is really high.

Marko's LAST Hope

March 23rd, 2009
8:30 pm

Marko, I recommend finding a bridge and jumping off of it. Before that, make sure you tie up all lose ends.

Supes

March 23rd, 2009
8:32 pm

D3, my comments were strictly based on Michael Johnson being drafted to play DE in the NFL, as well as English. I didn’t consider his OLB playing abilities, I do agree that his height and size maybe too much for that position. Just D-Line comparison between the two, if Michael Johnson is there, and the Falcons want another pass rushing DE (to start taking over fro Abe), Michael Johnson from GT has my vote over Larry English.

D3

March 23rd, 2009
8:43 pm

Supes – youre right on about Johnson being a better DE than English. Completely agree. Honestly, if we had a magic wand I’d love to switch Michael Johnson for Jamaal Anderson.

Just watched “on the clock” at espn nfl. They said there was a strong possibility to drafting Michael Johnson. I say all for it, but only if we move J.Anderson inside. That would be a pretty stout line of Abraham, Babineaux, J.Anderson, & Michael Johnson on the outside with Chauncey & Biermann rotating in. Not to mention Trey Lewis. Actually, not a bad idea after all. Don’t listen to Mike Mayock on Michael Johnson though, just destroys him at every chance he gets.

Paulie

March 23rd, 2009
10:13 pm

I don’t remember where I read it, but Jamaal Anderson was a TE before he was converted to defense late in college. Is it so inconceivable to switch him back to TE, a position we need to fill, and draft all defense, all rounds? He’s got size, speed and needs to have an attitude that he’ll do anything to hang on with the team, ’cause he sure ain’t making it at DE and I really don’t see him having the push to be an effective DT. Is my idea too bizarre or is it possible?

Ken Strickland

March 23rd, 2009
11:20 pm

NIQUE-why would you consider drafting high profile no blocking TE’s like JCook, CCoffman, TBeckman and Nelson? Coffman’s scouting report says blocking is his greatest weakness. Cook’s scouting report says he get’s pushed around inside and isn’t going to contribute much as an inline blocker. The same is basically said to be true about Beckman. Nelson’s report says he’s a decent blocker in space, but has issues as an inline blocker. INLINE BLOCKING, WHICH IS BLOCKING AT THE POINT OF ATTACK, OR AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, IS WHAT OUR COACHING STAFF IS LOOKING FOR IN A TE.

Didn’t we just reject an experienced, productive one dimensional FA TE named TSmith because of his limited blocking skills? Why would we waste a draft pick on a simular one dimensional TE with limited blocking skills and absolutely no NFL experience?

PAULIE-JAnderson was a TE when he 1st came to Arkansas. But consider this, there must have been a good reason he was switched to DE in college. Why would you think he’d make a better TE in the pros, with so little experience, when he couldn’t cut it in college?

There seems to be a lot of interest in DE Johnson from GA Tech. Well, he’s not as valuable to the Falcons as English. Johnson is strickly a DE, while English can play DE and OLB. English’s versatility makes him a greater value pick for the Falcons than Johnson. With JAnderson, CDavis and KBiremann, we don’t need another LDE that doesn’t have OLB skills. We need a OLB with the skills to play DE. I remember another GA Tech player named Calvin Johnson that everyone said the Falcons had better pick or they’d be sorry. He was suppose to be the greatest thing as a WR since sliced bread and was going to tear the league apart. Well, we see none of that happened.

Supes

March 23rd, 2009
11:45 pm

Ken…how good of a blocker is Dallas Clark (Indy’s TE and Payton Manning’s “security blanket”)? Exactly. Which is why I think Chase Cauffman can be a great pass catching TE in this league. I also don’t see Antonio Gates being mentioned as a great blocking TE, but he’s outstanding catching the football, running routes and has great hands. The package of a great blocking/catching TE is extremely rare in the NFL, and infact, TE aren’t utilized in those ways anymore. There is almost a “specialization” in the TE position, where Gates, Clark and Whitten are the class of the pass catching TE’s right now.

So I don’t mind having Cauffman brought in here to catch passes from Matt Ryan, and eventually, if he builds himself into a decent blocker, I consider that a plus.

D3…Yes, that would be one great D-Line with all of those guys mixed in there.

Mock Draft Take 3. | The Recycle Bin

March 24th, 2009
6:53 am

[...] D. Orlando Ledbetter of the ajc.com Falcons Blog has offered his take on this year’s draft. Quoting Ledbetter, is almost like someone quoting my ramblings on this blog, but I digress. ” 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. [...]

marko

March 24th, 2009
8:02 am

Just for the record, Thomas Dimitroff does’nt have a bigger fan on this planet than me. If he were to read my little tirade, I’d hope that he get a chuckle or two out of it. At worst he’d realize that Sports Illustrated was the butt of the joke not him. But then Thomas is a pretty bright guy isn’t he? As for the suggestion that I jump off a bridge, thanks a pant load, but no thanks. I would however appreciate it if someone were to suggest that I do a better job of proof reading my stuff.

marko

March 24th, 2009
8:23 am

D3, ever hear of Ted Hendricks, “the Mad Stork” was six foot seven. Played well enough to get an invite to Canton. Jessie Tuggle on the other hand, did’nt get drafted because he was only five eleven. The point is that great players come in all different shapes and sizes. Me I’d give the nod to Michael Johnson over Larry English. Effort issues aside, he produced his stats playing linemen that are going to be first round selections.

cutter

March 24th, 2009
8:24 am

I think we are getting a little carried away with this versatility stuff. We have needs on the defense I think most will agree they are on the DL at the DT position in the secondary at SS and CB and the OLB positon needs depth and yes it would be great to have a blocking TE to add to that offense. Versatility is nice to have but how many teams in the NFL have OLB’s that play DE? A 3-4 teams OLB has to have the DE size because his is dealing OT and sometimes a TE when he rushes. With our situation at DE right now it appears to me we need a OLB that plays OLB and a DT that plays DT and a SS that plays SS and yes it would be nice to have a TE that does it all. Let’s not get to caught up in whether a guy can play 2 or 3 positions and make sure we get guys that can fill needs on defense I don’t think the great turnaround of this defense is gonna be a guy who is a slow OLB and undersized DE in the 4-3 scheme. Being able to show different looks on defense works and defenses are being successful with it but we need to BUILD a good solid base defense before we can worry about OLB’s that can pretend to be DE or vice versa.

cutter

March 24th, 2009
8:46 am

Calvin Johnson over 2,000 yds and 16 TD in 2 seasons…just getting started.

Ken Strickland

March 24th, 2009
9:15 am

SUPES-you’re right about both TE’s, but that fact has nothing to do with us or what we’re looking for in a TE. It’s obvious our coaching staff wants a TE with inline block ability and the ability to stretch the DEF as a receiver. Peele is the closest thing we now have to that, and apparently our coaching staff feels he lacks what is needed as a receiving TE to effectively stretch the DEf. Dimitroff and Smith aren’t looking for the most athletic TE or the best receiving TE, and we already have at least 3 one dimensional blocking TE’s. We’re looking for the TE that combines the best of both, and Pettigrew is the highest rated TE because of his overall blocking a receiving ability. Since Pettigrew would come at too a high price, and we already have a solid passing OFF, we can afford to draft a TE with more blocking skills than receiving skills, but he must possess both. We can let the other teams, and fans, drool over superior stats, measurements and receiving ability, while we quitely get what we need in the 3rd or 4th rd. That way, we can use our top 2 or 3 picks to draft what we need on DEF.

Also, when you talk about TE’s Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates, you’re talking about TE’s that are featured receivers on pass oriented OFF’s. Our OFF philosophy is the complete opposite, as we’re one of the NFL’s most run oriented OFF’s. We’re looking for a TE who’s inline blocking skills will allow us to maintain the same level of effectivenes in our rushing OFF, and who’s receiving skills will help expand our passing OFF. WE DON’T NEED, NOR DO WE WANT, ONE DIMENSIONAL TE’S LIKE AGATES, DCLARK, CCOFFMAN, JCOOK, TBECKMAN ETC.

We already have our star WR’s. What we need is a blocking TE with enough speed and quickness to effectively attack the weakness of the cover 2 zone DEF, which is up the middle between the safeties, and do it on any down without having to substitute. OUR OFF DOESN’T NEED THE DRAFTS BEST BLOCKING TE, THE BEST RECEIVING TE, OR THE BEST TE. We need the TE that best gives us what we need at a price we can afford to pay, period. ACCORDING TO SCOUTING REPORTS, THAT TE IS 6′4″ 244LB CAMERON MORRAH OF THE UNIV OF CALIFORNIA(THE GOLDEN BEARS). I GOT IT RIGHT THIS TIME.

One other thought. Don’t be supprised if we draft a CB at #24. Every draft has a number of freakishly athletic tweeners like English, especially from smaller schools, that can be had lower in the draft. DE’s Biermann(Falcons), Freeney and Mathis(Colts), who was a LB at div 11 Ala A&M Univ, are excellent examples. Although Freeney is more renown and is higher paid, Mathis has actually been more productive over the last few yrs.

D3

March 24th, 2009
11:37 am

marko – I’m not saying Michael Johnson would be a bad pick, I was just saying that if we draft him, he’s obviously going to be a DE and that we MUST move Jamaal inside to DT. If Jamaal could put on a little weight he could be a DT in the mold of Richard Seymour perhaps. I originally was really opposed to drafting a pure DE, but if we were to move J.Anderson inside permanently, drafting Johnson would solidify both needs.

Larry English or Aaron Maybin would give us more versatility and that’s true, but if I would have to assume they would be training those guys as OLB’s first and they could occasionally use them as a DE or just in case option. Cushing or Matthews might be more “OLB” ready, per se, but maybe English or Maybin would have more upside. Drafting any of them in my opinion would be a solid pick.

Ken – starting to come over to your idea a little on TE. Listening to Mel Kiper on the Falcons yesterday saying we could grab a TE in the 2nd – 4th. He mentioned the usual suspects: Cook, Beckhum, Nelson, Ingram, Coffman, or Casey. But if it comes down to which TE maybe not block as good as Morrah, but necessarily may have more pass-catching upside like Nelson, I’d go with Nelson. With good coaching, which we have, blocking can be coached up, athletic ability to stretch the field can not as much.

The Michael Johnson theory has a huge upside, assuming we move J.Anderson inside permanently, but it also carries huge risk as well. As Stirg noted a couple of days ago, the development of a DE is pretty slow the majority of the times, do we really want to wait for Johnson to catch up, or give Anderson one more year to bust out?

Big C

March 24th, 2009
2:15 pm

I’ve heard from an alum of NIU, who has worked with Larry English. He says this guy is the real thing.

vickfan

March 28th, 2009
3:34 pm

Why are you all still talking about Vick, he done his time like some of you MOVE ON. I bet the ones dragging Vick was the one packing the dome to see him play. Johnson needs to be the 1st pick, the linebackers are to slow, MJ knows how to get off the ball and rush the QB. Enough said

Falcons’ 1966 throwback look is here to stay | Atlanta Falcons with D. Orlando Ledbetter

February 9th, 2010
5:41 pm

[...] Let’s practice some “Citizen Journalism” today. We didn’t start doing our Mock Draft until March 20th last [...]

English goes to Falcons in early Mock Draft

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English goes to Falcons in early Mock Draft

172 comments Add your comment

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