English goes to Falcons in early Mock Draft
Matthew Stafford’s dazzling show at Georgia’s Pro Day did not lock down the No. 1 pick in the draft.
But as one NFC director of player personnel said, “He didn’t hurt himself.”
Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno did not help himself with slow 40-yard dash times. He ran a 4.6 and 4.63 after running a 4.59 at the combine. But he has what some scouts call “front-end” speed and won’t drop out of the first round.
It’s no secret the Falcons will go heavy on defense in this draft. Here are couple of players to track over the next month. They’ll likely still be available when the Falcons pick No. 24.
Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English.
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis.
Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim.
Southern California linebacker Clay Matthews Jr.
Here’s a little bit on English, who measured 6-foot-2, 255 pounds at the NFL scouting combine.
“I’m just a natural competitor and that’s kind of how it’s always been for me,” English said. “I’ve always wanted to be the best. Always wanted to make plays and win and I think those are some of the intangibles that are important in a good football player. You have to be a gentleman off the field and I try to do that.
LEDBETTER’S EARLY MOCK DRAFT
1. Detroit Lions: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Lions go with the safe pick.
2. St. Louis Rams: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia.
5. Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Bengals ignore his injury woes.
7. Oakland Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rey Maualagu, LB, USC. Del Rio can’t resist adding a play maker.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California.
11. Buffalo Bills: Andre Smith, T, Alabama. Bills decide to believe what they see on tape.
12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU.
13. Washington Redskins: Brian Cushing, LB, USC.
14. New Orleans Saints: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri.
15. Houston Texans: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State.
16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss. The second run on tackles starts here.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Jets get their quarterback of the future.
18. Chicago Bears: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Lions get running mate for Calvin Johnson.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi.
23. New England Patriots: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois.
25. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews Jr., OLB, USC.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina): Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State.
29. New York Giants: Hakim Nicks, WR, North Carolina.
30. Tennessee Titans: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech.
So would the Falcons be making a mistake if they select English? Should they trade out of the first round and pick up some more picks? Would it be a good move to address the defensive line in the first round?
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172 comments Add your comment
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!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 20th, 2009
3:48 pm
PMC: Chase Coffman could be the pick when the Falcons get around to offense. But if there’s a run on TEs he may go higher than expected. Then Jared Cook or the Rice TE James Casey look rather interesting if Coffman is gone.
BEDWETTER: I can give you Wyche’s phone number and you can call him whenever you like. Thanks for dropping by, though. Really. Why you got to rip on the bow tie? Spent good cash for that one.
PHILLIP: Northern Illinois is in the MAC. The winning Super Bowl quarterback is from the MAC. Michael Turner and his 1,700 yards came from the same school. Randy Moss, MAC. I could keep going.
BLAWGDAWG: Thanks for the blogging etiquette lesson.
JMAR: Have them taking Perry as a value pick. Best value on the board. Not a need pick
BIG DANCING — Got to get back to the hoops. Was 12 of 16 on day one. Tenn is my only loser today. I need Cleveland State to pull off the shocker over Cleveland State. GO VIKINGS!
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…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 20th, 2009
4:01 pm
PHILLIP: You didn’t have to say PLEASE. English fits at DE. Could play Chauncey on run downs and put him in on third and get the double loop from left and right (Abe) end. If the QB is running from ABE, he would run into English. Also, could use him in that funky 3-3-5 they ran last year with Nicholas as a rush/drop end. He has major passing rushing skills.
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.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 20th, 2009
4:56 pm
PHILLIP: We can agree to disagree. There’s a major buzz around this English kid. The front seven has to be addressed. Staff showed they could cover up the secondary pretty good last season. Can’t have offenses stuffing in down your throats. Front (seven) first, then secondary. Deep secondary draft, remember. It is a mock almost 36 days out. It’s going to change several times before we run the final on the paper that Saturday morning.
He’s very intriguing to the braintrust.
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???
(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!
T.D. “Bring’em Home Now!”
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.