Mock draft updated: Falcons pick Clay to mold
Clay Matthews Sr. playing for the Falcons in 1996. His son, Clay Matthews Jr., could be drafted by the Falcons. (AJC Staff Photo/Frank Niemeir)
Dana Point, Calif. — Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris was quite the engaging fellow at the NFL Owners meeting.
Tried to get around to all of the NFC head coaches during their availability session. Checked in with Morris and New Orleans coach Sean Payton before the clock ran out on the session. Didn’t get to Carolina’s John Fox.
Wanted to a better line on their offseason pickups and their draft needs for the Mock draft.
Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris.
“We probably need to get another corner for depth,” Morris said. “Got to get somebody in to compete with (cornerback) Elbert Mack.”
Morris likes their free agency pickup of RB Derrick Ward and the trade for TE Kellen Winslow.
“At receiver, we’ve got angry workers . . . (wide receiver) Dexter Jackson (of Dunwoody) has an opportunity to explode on the scene this year,” Morris said.
Also, former UGA standout Jermaine Phillips of Roswell is moving from safety to weakside linebacker, Morris said.
Payton said the Saints, like the Falcons, felt their biggest moves were re-signing their own players.
“Jon Vilma, Devery Henderson, Jon Stinchcomb, keeping those three
guys was really important, prior to any other move,” Payton said.
Fox told the reporters at his table that he hasn’t talked to Julius Peppers since the team slapped the franchise tag on him. He blamed all of the fuss over Peppers saying he wants out of Carolina on the business on the league.
We’ll, we haven’t forgotten about our second installment of the Mock Draft. We’ll update each Friday leading up to the April 25 draft.
New Orleans picks 14th. Tampa Bay picks 19th. Atlanta picks 24th. Carolina doesn’t have a first round. They traded it to Philadelphia last year in order to get tackle Jeff Otah.
We have the Falcons going for USC linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. this week after further research and DE Larry English dropping to Pittsburgh.
LEDBETTER’S MOCK DRAFT
Clay Matthews Jr. worked hard to turn himself into a pro prospect. His father played in the NFL from 1978 to 1996, including his final three seasons with the Falcons.
1. Detroit Lions: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Lions will try to negotiate a deal before the draft. They pass on Stafford as they try to anchor their O-line.
2. St. Louis Rams: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The defensive mind Steve Spagnuolo gets some one to anchor the unit.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. Can learn the rope behind Matt Hasselbeck for a year or two.
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: Mark Sanchez, QB,
Southern California.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith, T, Alabama. With Sanchez off the board, Singletary decides his motivational skills can help Smith.
11. Buffalo Bills: Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern Carolina.
12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU.
13. Washington Redskins: Brian Cushing, LB, USC.
14. New Orleans Saints: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Sean Payton adds another weapon for quarterback Drew Brews.
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: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Jets elect to add offensive weapon.
18. Chicago Bears: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. A physical corner who’d fit nicely in their Cover-2.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. After passing on Stafford, the Lions add their quarterback.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. They have to find a replacement for Tra Thomas.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi.
23. New England Patriots: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Clay Matthews Jr., OLB, Southern California. Could help rebuild the linebacker unit.
25. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina): Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. The Eagles get someone to share the load with Brian Westbrook.
29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina.
30. Tennessee Titans: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois.
FIRST ROUND FRINGE
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
So can you see Matthews lining up in the Falcons defense? Trading down and amassing picks is a possibility. Do you pass on Matthews and pick up more picks? Pettigrew is sitting there, but Falcons aren’t tempted. Is that a mistake or there are too many defensive needs?
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272 comments Add your comment
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
D3, JJ, and Stirg, I’m just going on what I have seen on the dish. D3 made a vaild point about the heart Matthews brings. I have to admit that I must re-think the one year wonder thing; after all, Curtis Lofton was a one year wonder at OU as a junior and that worked out well for us last year. But the dish allowed me to watch Freeman in coverage and he would definately be an upgrade in that area for the Birds.
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:29 pm
Glad that Arthur took a pass on Singletary..
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
9:29 pm
SeminoleWarrior,
Yeah, I thought it was interesting what DraftCountdown had to say about Freeman. He seems like a good pick. But at #24?
Tell ya what. I like Clay Matthews, but lately, I’m skeptical of him AND Cushing. Matthews IS a good story. But I’m only truly happy with picking him if TD and the gang says he has “it”, ya know what I’m saying? And I don’t know if he’s got that. He may have to be brought along slowly. And if that’s the case….he’s not a 1st round pick. We need somebody who can come in and have a Curtis Lofton-like impact at LB. We need somebody who both feeds off of and helps Lofton. A running mate in the backfield. We definitely don’t need somebody who isn’t going to help against the run.
I’m not sure which profile Matthews fits. He’s got the size and the talent, so to speak. But is he the right fit? I’m not looking for him to make the Pro Bowl or anything else. But I AM looking for someone who can have a very positive impact like Lofton did.
And if TD and the gang don’t think they can get a guy like that with that pick, then they need to trade down.
Better to trade down and get some more 2nd round picks.
On the flip side of the coin, you could trade that pick away, only to watch a very good player who would fit so well, fall down the draft board…..right to that pick.
Remember, teams are going to go bananas for certtain players. Michael Johnson will be one of them, I think. Each time a team’s scenario changes, or they have a knee-jerk reaction, that’s another player falling further. We have no ideas what will happen.
Personally, I think at this point that English is a better pick at OLB if we roll that way in the first round. But, I could be wrong. He may lack the skills to cover, though I’m sure he’ll be a punisher against the run. He may not have Matthews’ IQ, or he might be even more instinctual. Both are big, strong guys. I think English is more of what we need. That, and he has more ability to rush off the end in “situations” if called upon to do so. He won’t run from blockers, either. Same with Sintim, though I don’t think he’s first round material. What do I know?
Alphonso Smith will be an interesting guy to work out, I’m sure. But is he any bigger than Grimes/Houston? If not, he better be quicker, faster, and much more instinctive. Grimes is small, but he’s a heck of a fighter.
I look forward to getting a safety as well.
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:30 pm
Ohhhhh no. I did not have Freeman going at #24. I had us taking him in the third round.
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:31 pm
Alphonso Smith is smaller than both Houston and Grimes. But as an FSU fan, I saw the guy upclose and in person. He has serious skills but is just too short. Remember Al Rossum at CB…that is what we get with AS but he definately has the skills.
D3
March 27th, 2009
9:31 pm
I’m gonna pull a Robot -> Cushing/Sintim/Matthews #24 –> D3 Happy.
28 Days Boys! Where’s the draft party?
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
9:32 pm
Singletary is crazy. That’s all there is to it. It made him a good MLB…but other than that…
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:36 pm
D3 and Big Ray, did you get a chance to check out my man Jarius Byrd at CB? What do you think of him as a second or third rounder? Big, physical corner.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
9:37 pm
Cutter,
All too true. I think the poker games have begun already. There just isn’t a bunch of people at the table yet. Once teams have had a chance to get several players in for workouts, the poker games will really heat up!
D3,
Freeman might develop along the way. I have to admit, the scouting report is NOT all that favorable. But it’s not for Cushing or Matthews EITHER, if you’re reading it on DraftCountdown. I’m just sayin’….My issue with all of this LB talk is nobody is getting talked about the way Lofton did last year. Nobody except Aaron Curry. And we ain’t gettin’ a chance to even look at him.
JJ
March 27th, 2009
9:40 pm
SeminoleW.- whole wheat pasta (1st time, watched GMA the other day about men/fiber), fresh red/yellow bell peppers and chicken with 4 cheese alfredo sause! I’m a wannabe chef and business owner in real life. I beleive Nicholas has EARNED the right to be the man.
D3 Matthews seams to be a high risk player just like the GT kid – Johnson. I dont see dimitrof/smith reaching out that far in their “2nd yr.” do you?
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
9:40 pm
SeminoleWarrior,
I can actually live with Freeman in the third round. If he’s got the intangibles. TD won’t bother with him if he doesn’t have what it takes. Besides, you can teach a guy to be more physical.
And yeah, Byrd looks like a good pick somewhere along the line.
cutter
March 27th, 2009
9:47 pm
I’m not completely sold on Matthews but then again I’m not completely sold on any of these 1st rounders to be honest. Matthews does intrigue me however he’s got great bloodlines, nothing about the NFL will be foreign to him you know dad is in his ear, the kid walked on at USC not some jr college and got a scholarship, maintained better than a 3.0 gpa, has got the second or third best measureables of any linebacker in the draft. Off the field I see him being another Brooking for the community. He’s coachable, has the intellect to learn and has the physical attributes to excel.
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:52 pm
I vote that we have the draft party at JJ’s place. Little more meat on the plate though…LOL. Ray, I agree that TD is big on intangibles. Nicholas has been a good study for two season so it is time to see what we have. What has me so curious about Sintim is that in the last three months, when he KNEW he needed to be on top of his game, he has not been. And that does not sit well with me, especially when there are no reports of any injuries.
SeminoleWarrior
March 27th, 2009
9:55 pm
Darn Cutter, you make a brother feel guilty man. That is the best argument yet for me to shift my position on Matthews. Maybe I will take him and Freeman and talk DVG into a 3-4 scheme.
JJ
March 27th, 2009
10:07 pm
Cutter – guess you read the same reviews that I did. Besides the family lineage, he was a small walk on that didn’t start until his senior 5th yr. on the team. He did start 2 games in ‘07 for cushing when he was hurt. Do not want to piss of crabjoe but who does this guy sound like?
DE is out at #24 – see stirg. If no TE/DT in first, one blogger a few days ago said the best DB on the board. I know everyone says their no DB worthy of 24, but what if? Is smith or chung worthy to over select/pay? I still like JerryDT, pettigrewTE(Nelson may be better at 55) AND LOVE 6-2, 221LB OF STEEL= CHRIS VAUGHN SS! but i could be wrong…change daily it seams!
Phillip
March 27th, 2009
10:16 pm
Pettigrew at #24 sounds like the safest bet to me and fills a need. Just too many questions surrounding other possibilities.
I also feel strongly that our other biggest needs in order are : CB (Jackson, Houston and Grimes all look like solid reserves to me), S (Decoud is still very much unproven but perhaps this is a position best to add a FA to help groom him), DT and OLB. If Lewis is healthy perhaps DT is not as big a need but I think thats still a big IF. Guy is coming off 2 knee surgeries. I would definitely not take a DE, we have 2 young guys there already (Anderson and Biermenn) and it takes too long to develop a DE. We need guys who can step in right away.
cutter
March 27th, 2009
10:24 pm
I liked DT Jerry until found out he was 6′1 1/2 290 lbs sounds like a Babineaux to me, like Nelson in 2nd and 3rd DT.
JJ
March 27th, 2009
10:31 pm
Phillip – agree, how comfortable are we with a DT (2 KNEE SURGERIES-ON SAME KNEE) in his first 2 yrs? We need a back-up for him and baker, somewhere in this draft.fa.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:40 pm
Okay, maybe I do stand corrected.
The more I look at scouting reports, the more I hear about English being a better fit in a 3-4 scheme. I don’t expect TD and Smith to change to a 3-4 anytime soon, if at all. Maybe Matthews is a better pick, despite his lack of experience. That part still bothers me, though.
We may not get an impact ‘backer in the 1st round. Don’t know for certain. But maybe we get a guy who gets to learn the ropes for a year or two, then takes over for Peterson or something. Maybe that’s the goal.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:42 pm
Cutter,
I brought up that same point in the last blog. The guy is no bigger than Jamal Anderson, and is actually shorter. I agree. He would have to show some serious skills and fit for this to be a good pick. That, and the ability to add some bulk. I’m not seeing it. But then, I don’t work under Dimitroff either…
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:43 pm
Phillip,
A lot of what you say makes sense.
D3
March 27th, 2009
10:44 pm
Early night for me boys, last one of the night, gotta get up and go take a damn test on frackin’ saturday. GD,WTF? Anyway….
You guys should be lawyers man, I have been convinced to have huge doubts on pretty much everybody I like in the first round. Good arguments.
JJ – you’re exactly right on Matthews being a risk. One year as a stud gives me reason to pause and maybe he’s a workout warrior, but I was reminded of last year with the Tennessee Titans taking Chris Johnson b/c he was a stud at the combine, but not experienced. Worked out pretty well for him, granted there have been many that have tanked as well. It is a risk, but the work ethic is what I think will make the kid a stud. He obviously has the measurables, and combine that with a work ethic. I’d be willing to take a risk on him. Hell yeah, right with you on Chip Vaughn, sounds like a stud. Maybe more SS ready than Smith, stronger than Chung perhaps? Peria Jerry is probably much more of a safe pick. Then we should go for a Connor Barwin/Marcus Freeman/Nic Harris, but when?
Seminole – yeah, Byrd looks like the man. Question is where do we take him? I’ve already locked 3rd round for TE for Nelson/Cook/Coffman in that order. Also, check out Sherrod Martin & Keenan Lewis when you get a chance. More big physical CB’s we like.
Big Ray – you’re right about no sure thing. That’s what you get when you have a successful year, tons of possibilities and no certainties. I don’t know a lot, but I do know that I will be pissed if we take one of these CB’s first. I wouldn’t like taking a S either, the 2nd round talent is too deep to reach, particularly when we have DeCoud poised to take over.
Final thought of the night. I would be happy with any of the following in no particular order(assuming others like Raji & Cushing would be gone):
Jerry/Maybin/Matthews/English/Pettigrew
Another great night in the Bird-Cage boys. Good stuff.
I vote for Taco Mac in Decatur for the draft party. Have a good night bro’s!
Ken Strickland
March 27th, 2009
11:03 pm
I think TD and Smith are satisfied with what we have in projected starting DT’s TLewis and JBabineaux. That means we won’t likely draft a DT with our 1st pick, even if Jerry is available. If Smith and VanGorder are looking to use the LB position to rush the QB, and compliment DE JAbraham, I can see drafting LB Clay Mathews Jr. It also gives us Peterson’s replacement and eliminates the need to draft a pass rushing DE. Instead of moving DE Abraham around on obvious passing downs, like we did last season, we can move LB Mathews around.
If you read the scouting report on the CB’s we currently have on our roster, you’ll find they all have good man cover skills, but all have issues with zone DEF’s. We were forced to play a lot of zone last yr because of our poor pass rush and the need to coverup our SS’s poor man coverage skills. Upgrading the SS position and inproving our pass rush will allow us to play more man DEF and better able to take advantage of our CB’s strengths.
I don’t see us taking TE Pettigrew either. He’s rated as an excellent blocker with excellent hands, but he’s slow and does little after the catch. In other words, he lacks the speed and quickness to stretch the DEF and attack the cover 2 zone, and that’s what we’re looking for. That also seems to be the rap on our current receiving TE JPeelle. We don’t need to waste our #24 pick on a better version of what we already have, especially when this draft is so deep in what we want in a TE.
JJ
March 27th, 2009
11:16 pm
so ken, who at 24? smith? chung? I like nelson
JJ
March 27th, 2009
11:32 pm
Guys, has anyone considered this Dimitroff’s “matrix”? Its been in the news last year and a little this year.It’s now in place among all falcons recruiters.
Coach Smith’s idea of “interchangeable” pieces: a defense which puts a premium on SPEED AND ATTACKING THE BALL:? works well with English and Matthews Jr.
So? no idea, too many beers, maybee chung, maybee smith…i punt for today…but tomorrow is another day…another change of pick..stirg going on about 2 te..lol…good blog guys!!!
The Robot Nesbitt
March 28th, 2009
1:02 am
Robot is focus of hate blogging. Robot not programmed to feel human emotion, but Robot cry.
Robot day job is copier at local term life insurance company. Robot copy emails and life insurance policies all day. Robot wishes he was football instant replay machine.
Robot confirms that Falcons will select linebacker and defensive tackle in the primary and secondary rounds. Not necessarily in that order. Falcons re-signed Davis and now have significant US currency invested in three defensive ends. No more investment is warranted with holes still remaining elsewhere.
The results: new starters at linebacker (draft), defensive tackle (draft) and safety (free agency). That is all.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
10:01 am
JJ-to be honest, I have no idea. I can see where we could benefit from drafting a SS, DT, DE, LB, or CB at #24, but not TE. I do know the level of talent and ability among CB’s seem to drop off more drastically than the other above positions as you go down in the draft. What you’re looking for in a CB also depends on the type of DEF we intend to play. If you play a lot of zone or cover 2 DEF, you place less emphasis on physical attributes and more emphasis on mental attributes such as reaction, recognition, quickness and awareness. If you play a lot of man DEF, physical attributes like speed, technique, footwork and reaction are more important.
The position and player our coaches decide to draft at #24 will depend on how they decide to deploy the DEF, and that’s info none of us have access to. It also depends on the level of confidence they have in the abilities of the young players we already have on our roster. How highly they think of the safeties out of this group, JFudge, TMcCloud, AHarris & EBrock, could determine who and where they decide to draft a SS. The same goes for CB, LB and DT. Again, none of us has access to that info so we can’t really determine which way TD and Smith will go with our #24 pick.
At any rate, I’m having a whole lot of fun debating with you guys about the upcoming draft. One really has to reach in order to find fault in most of the suggestions being presented. Oh, I read an assessment of CB DFoxworth that said that in no way should he be considered a shutdown CB.
fan
March 28th, 2009
11:03 am
i would rather see the falcons take a leader like James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State to fill the future void of brooking! not to mention the fans he would bring since his dad is famous. i can see it now a bunch of red and black fans in raider type outfits wiht falcon wings it will be awesome.
Nookah
March 28th, 2009
11:05 am
Ken, there is a reason why TD and Smitty let Foxworth go. I am not sure what you read but I agree that a shut down corner he is not. We will find a more than adequate relacement for him and at much less cap space.
GO Falcons!!!
Nuff respect!!!
I MUS.WRITE
March 28th, 2009
11:44 am
It doesnt matter if we are thin at safety, you dont spend 2 out of your first 3 picks on the SS/FS position especially when they wont come in and start right away…… I like Chung the best but he wont start over Decoud -who was here last year and knows the system.
With the 24th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft the falcons select DT Evander Ziggy Hood…….
Stay away from those OSU Linebackers….. Ive been watching Freeman on tape and he is not what we need …..maybe as a 4th or 5th rounder…..He doesnt play reall physical to me -just like his partner in crime JL….. If you cant shed blocks and get after the ball carrier in college- then it wont happen in the NFL
I would pick Z Follette in the later round , CB- I would go Jerius Byrd or Mike Mickens
I hope Connor Barwin or Chip Vaughn are available for us sumwhere between round 2-4
I like CBarwin becuz he is a dual threat…. We have good depth at DE but this guy can moonlight as a OLB/TE i think this is the versability that TD and Smitty are looking for.
I MUS.WRITE
March 28th, 2009
11:51 am
Sumone needs to give M.Singletary a psych eval right away………But on the other hand the 49′ers probably figure if a 23yo stud QB cant talk about his parents divorce then he isnt the leader we need. It has nothing to do with his ability on the field but it could show them how he responds to pressure……………….If im going to pay a guy 1st round money I wanna know everything. What type panties does your gurl wear, What cereal do u like Etc……. I’ll bet these Folks wished they had asked Pac man or travis Henry ?’s before signing them.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
NOOKAH-exactly. The Ravens could afford to pay him shutdown CB money because they have a solid pass rush that would allow him to play like one. We can’t lose sight of the fact we have to really watch our CAP and not overpay for someone that’s not head and shoulders above what we already have or can easily get. TD has had to remain in a holding pattern when it comes to FA. He has to wait until the commissioner rules on the MVick situation, which will have a major impact on our CAP, and that won’t happen until after the draft. That’s why TD has had to lay low in FA and rely heavily on this yrs draft to get what we need.
Look, if we get the TE, SS, DT, CB and additional pass rusher we need, and DE JAnderson steps up, along with DT TLewis, our DEF, with the assist of the excellent coaching we got last yr, will be more than able to get the job done.
I MUS.WRITE
March 28th, 2009
12:19 pm
Where is the draft party goig to be …….How about DLED’s house….Git’er Done Homie-By the way those Bowtie’s are so…… You look like you sing in a barber shop quartette..or maybe pulling security for the Nation of Islam…… Step it up LOL
darrell starks
March 28th, 2009
12:29 pm
TD SMITH
Cameron
March 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
I have decided I am going to top getting pissed off at peoples suggestions (especially the so-called experts) for who we should draft in the first round. I realized that I trust Thomas Dimitroff and our staff and I know they will make the right decisions. Which tells me several things: A. We will not draft Pettigrew in the first round, B. We will not draft William Moore in the first round, C. We will not draft Clay Matthews in the first round, D. We will not draft Larry English in the first round, E. We will not draft any of the other “tweeners” that don’t fit a 4-3 in the first round.
I feel better now. If only I could get the experts out there to produce logical mock drafts now.
Cameron
March 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
I need to stop reading Robot’s posts. I lose countless brain cells every time I read his idiotic, painful responses.
I MUS.WRITE
March 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
What u talking bout Great Falconi…… Barry Bonds had a great career period, even if you take out the 4 years when his Hr numbers were off the charts he is still a Hall of famer…. Were you there when he was juicing Did you actually see the trainer inject the man-thats what I thought. Once againg Bobby Bonds was a stud during his time -itz called genetics.
Same with Sr. and Jr Matthews his dad played in the NFL for 18 years and had a solid career, why wouldnt his son be just as good with hard work and his father teaching him the game. So what if he’s a ripped guy-do u have proof that he is juicing-if not u need to stop-
You would probably be a good reporter stretching the truth all in the name of a good story.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Despite my own mock(ery), I think I can almost determine the direction the defense is going, in terms of drafting. I’m going to try and assume this by using the process of elimination. For example, lets start with D.O.’s conversation with Coach, in which he expressed intentions of moving DeCoud to strong safety “because teams are going to that”. That is not to say “we don’t have a safety; so lets move DeCoud”. It is merely suggesting that their strategy may require DeCoud’s characteristics to play SS. After all, didn’t TD draft DeCoud? I think he’s smart enough to keep Milloy if DeCoud, or Fudge, is not ready. This eliminates the idea of drafting a strong safety at 24.
On to cornerback. I also read somewhere (and I do believe it was the same conversation D.O. had with Coach) that Jackson deserves a chance to start opposite Houston, who is maturing well. Hutchins and Grimes are returning. Although he stated that “we must replace…Foxworth”, I think we can wait to address that position because of the lack of talented corners worthy of 24. That eliminates cornerback.
Now, this is just my thinking, I like our linebacker situation because it only takes one piece to fix it. It only takes one linebacker, preferably from the draft, to add to that unit and add the pass rush that the secondary need to succeed. Coach Smith hinted towards something that I don’t think most of us picked up. He said that in their system “the linebackers are interchangeable”. If that is true, we may be in some trouble because Nicholas did poorly on the strongside last year. Thus, another reason why we picked up Peterson. The newly drafted linebacker must be able to, beformentioned, rush the passer, pursue the runner and keep up with a TE. Judging from the corps of linebackers in this years draft, I think that linebacker came come from 2-3 rounds. I think the Falcons are looking for an unorthodox linebacker. Someone that can be found in later rounds or are already on the team (i.e., Robert James, Nic Harris, etc.). Has anyone questioned Tampa Bay’s decision to move Phillips down to the weakside linebacker position? Am I the only one that is concerned about that? We’re blogging about recruiting bulk, size, speed, height and weight, instead of understanding the scheme for which we need to recruit for. Let’s leave linebacker alone, for right now, because we’re so uncertain of their contributions to our scheme, for which we no nothing about.
Which leaves me to the final two positions worth recruiting for at 24…defensive tackle and tight end. I’m going to leave tight end alone because I promised D.O. I wouldn’t lobby for that “P” guy anymore; but after reading Justin Peele’s resume, I realized we can afford just a pass-catching tight end and still run an affective two tight end set. So, in essence, a good tight end can be obtained in later rounds (e.g., Cameron Morrah).
Coach Smith, and staff, seems to be very excited about Trey Lewis’ return. I’m excited, too, but the kid never played a full season before injury. The best bet is to sit someone behind him to learn, even if the learning is on-the-job-training. Considering that the linebacker weight criteria is getting lighter, I think the line needs a big Grady Jackson. I don’t think Jerry is a big plugger. I think his talent gets past the line and disrupts the backfield. I think we need a Ron Brace or a Sammie Lee Hill, to take on blockers and release the pressure on those light linebackers.
Using this process of elimination, I concluded that the Atlanta Falcons will draft Ron Brace for pick 24 (despite my desire to want that “P” guy). Ron Brace has all the requirements to take on, at least, two blockers. Furthermore, you find Brace in the top four of defensive tackles and that includes his teammate (Raji) at number one. Tackles ranked two and three (Jerry and Hood) are under tackles. So I ask my self. Self, how did Raji get ranked number one and Brace, still, ranked in the top four, from the same school? Is it because Brace did an outstanding job of taking on blockers to free up Raji’s pass rush? Hmmm. Sounds like the kind of man we need.
Do y’all remember the 1998 Atlanta Falcons? Do you remember when Jamal Anderson ran for almost 2000 yards that season? For a long time, we though Jamal was an exceptional back. We didn’t realize that it was the speed of Tony Martin (WR) that made defenses leave only seven in the box. While most of the secondary tried to cover the receivers, Jamal Anderson ran all day. This is the same concept. Brace will do his job, well enough to free up other linemen or the linebackers.
Ron Brace, pick 24.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Here’s some interesting info on a CB that is considered a sleeper. He’s San Diego State’s Coye Francis and ESPN has him as the 8th rated CB in the draft. He’s approximately 6′1″ 185lbs and ran a 4:35 40. They say he’s ideal for any team that plays, or wants to play. a lot of man coverages and is looking for a cover CB. His only major weakness is he can often be over aggressive at the line. He’s a hitter and plays the run well for his size, and can mirror a receiver. They said he could also make an excellent safety if he adds a few pounds, which his frame should easily allow. Now he would make an excellent 2nd rd pick, especially if our coaching staff doesn’t feel we need to get a starting SS out of this draft.
1-LB CMathews Jr or English(whoever’s available)
2-SS WMoore or Chung(whoever’s available)
3-CB-CFrancies
4-TE-CMorrah
5-DT-SHill
You
March 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
I’m tired of Cameron’s complaining. Post your own mock or shut your pie hole.
FISHTER
March 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
With Smitty runnin this thing, you gotta think that they will draft at least two DT’s and a DE somewhere in here. He’s gotta be looking for another great duo like he had in Jacksonville.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
STIRG-whether one agrees with your assessment or not, and I’m not disagreeing with you, one can’t disagree with your logic. I’ve been using that approach, but not to the extent you have. DT RBrace is considered a 2nd rd selection abd DT Sammie Lee Hill can be had in an even lower rd. The truth is, your assessment just proves we can trade down and still get quality at every position of need after the 1st rd.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
TRIED TO GET THIS SECONDARY UPDATE IN THE PAPER, BUT SPACE IS TIGHT AS EVER:
In the secondary, the Falcons must replace Foxworth and safety Milloy.
“We are returning a starter at corner in Chris Houston,” Smith said. “When we started game one last year, Brent Grimes was a starting cornerback. We are anticipating Brent to come back.”
Thomas DeCoud, a third round pick last season, will battle Jamaal Fudge for Milloy’s vacate spot.
“For Thomas, this is a great opportunity for him to have shot,” Smith said.
Replacing nose tackle Grady Jackson could be problematic.
“I’m excited that Trey Lewis is healthy,” Smith said. “He was very impressive on tape during the 2007 season when we evaluated him. He’ll be an important evaluation for us.”
HEY ROBOT: How do you compute. Rod Coleman to the Saints. He’s reuniting with former DL coach Bill Johnson.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
Ken; I know, right.? I just can’t figure any other way to figure out a good pick for 24. Sure wish I knew the formula for “The Matrix”. But serious, I think we’ll roll with DT or TE. I think Brace’s stock will increase the closer we get to the draft. He’d make a hell-of-a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme, which most teams are playing. I’d definitely take him in the first if I don’t think he’ll last to 55. Yahoo! Sports even mocked him at 25, Miami, in the first round.
D.O., What’s happening? While we got you in the cage…What is this “new” thing about moving safeties? Why do you think Tampa moved Phillips? Do you think DeCoud can hold down strong safety?
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
Boy, I’d sure love to see Thabeet in an Atlanta Hawks uniform.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
5:40 pm
Let’s use a modified version of STIRG’S approach. Let’s pretend we had to start next season eith a DEF staffed with players from our current roster.
DE’s-JAbraham & CDavis
DT’s-TLewis & JBabineaux
OLB’s-Peterson & Wire or Nicholas
MLB-CLofton
CB’s-CHouston & CJackson
S’s-McCloud & Coleman
DE CDavis basically outperformed JAnderson while coming off the bench and playing far less time. That makes him a definite improvement over JAnderson, especially as a pass rusher. DT TLewis is a definite improvement over GJackson. He provides every attribute GJackson provided(size & strength) plus all the attributes he didn’t(speed, quickness, lateral movement, pursuit ability and pass rushing ability). LB Peterson provides the leadership and versatility KBrooking provided, plus he’s faster and more physical. LB CWire is a better run stopper than Boley and both Nicholas and James provide the versatility once provided by Boley. A yr of experience and familiarity with the system and his teammates will automatically make CLofton a better MLB. SS McCloud is an upgrade over Malloy, especially as a pass defender.
NOW YOU CAN’T SAY THIS LINEUP WOULDN’T BE AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT OVER LAST YRS POOR RUSH AND PASS DEF, ESPECIALLY PASS DEF.
I MUS.WRITE
March 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
Good post Strig d Nahsif-Intresting…………………. Ditto to Cammeron- give it a rest dude nobody wants to hear cry’n- P.s. i wont hide behind another screen name -give it a rest already
tbhawksfan
March 28th, 2009
6:45 pm
If we’re so deep, why not go BPA. That would be a RB, TE or WR.
Another perspective. If we are so deep and no defensive player is going to be able to crack a starting position, doesn’t that imply that we should look for quality over quantity. We also have 3 extra pick in next years draft.
I really didn’t like the way the Cards pushed our Dline off the ball. We also ranked as one of the worst run stopping teams.
IF we could try to trade into the 8-10th pick, for something like #24, #90 and a fourth next year, could we get THE player that the defense needs; Raji DT? I’d try hard to pull it off.
#9: Raji
#55: Best OLB Maybe someone slides, if not McKensie will be there.
#125 Watkins OT
Fifth round for depth development.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
That’s my point, exactly, Ken. I’d go to battle with that lineup. The draft is only going to make that unit better. There’s not one defensive end, in the draft, that can start over that lineup. There’s not a cornerback, in the draft, that can start in front of that lineup. A safety might start but he’d have a hell-of-a climb to beat out DeCoud (who’s hungry and ready to start). You might can find a starting linebacker in the draft but they are so plentiful and can be found in later rounds. Defensive tackle and tight end is the only position left, worthy of drafting at 24. I’d rather draft a tackle at 24 than a tight end, simply because there are better tight ends in later rounds, than there are defensive tackles, after round two. If you have a number one need, why would you fill that position with a number five player? Why wait until the fifth round to fill a top-ranked position? If I own a business and I need to hire a manager, I don’t want the applicant that was turned down by five other companies. I want the number one applicant that the five other companies want. Again, one mock sent Ron Brace to Miami, in round one, at 25. We can wait for Sammie Hill if you want to but we’d be better off with Brace, in the end.
Thanks, Ken, for simplifying my point. Ron Brace, 24.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
No problem STIRG. I’m enjoying the heck out of all this. This beats the heLL out of all the negative and derogatory crap that’s been posted on Falcon blogs the past few yrs. The way I see it, it’s going to be very hard for TD and Smith to screw up this draft since we are fairly well stocked with young talent already. Plus, the draft seems to be deep at the positions we covet most.
I don’t see why some people insist on thinking the players in this yrs draft are some how better than the ones we drafted last yr and the yr before. With at least 1 yr of experience and mastering the new DEF scheme, why wouldn’t players like safeties McCloud, Harris, Fudge, LB’s James & Nicholas, DT Lewis, CB’s Jackson, Irons, Grimes and DE KBiermann be more advanced and capable of contributing more than this yrs potential draftees?