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?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
272 comments Add your comment
Nique
March 29th, 2009
11:20 pm
For everyone saying Nelson in the 3rd, he won’t be there!!!! Most ppl are ranking him as the 2cnd most complete TE in the draft behind Pet, so he’s a no ? 2cnd rounder! & D3 Connor Barwin won’t make it out of the second round still on the draft board either!
i’ve seen that in some polls Malcon Jenkins has fallen to 24, if he’s there, should we jump on him? He’ll give us the size we lack at corner & he’s a good zone coverage man, no so much man-to-man, but we predominately run zone schemes & He would give us size to match up against Colston, Keyshawn, & Bryant in the division twice a year & the Bolden/Fitzgerald types. Just wondering, I still like Brace with our 1st pick, But this adds a new element to the conversation. What do ppl think?
Also who would u rather have if given the choice Jenkins or V. Davis?
D3
March 29th, 2009
11:52 pm
Nique – Nelson may be the most talented TE after Pettigrew, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will go in the second. I wouldn’t have a problem drafting Nelson in the second, but we can forget getting any of the studs at safety, S.Smith/Chung/Vaughn/R.Johnson. I think because we have Hartsock and Peele, I would rather get a stud at safety in the second and take a chance on a guy like Jared Cook or Chase Coffman in the 3rd if Nelson is gone. You might be very well right on Nelson being gone, if not in the second, then maybe before we draft in the third.
On Barwin, you’re probably right as well. If you are right on Barwin and that’s a position we want to update immediately, then we might as well go ahead and draft an English or Matthews with our first pick and pick a Chris Baker, Terrance Taylor, or Sammie Hill later in the draft.
D3
March 30th, 2009
12:00 am
If Vontae Davis or Malcom Jenkins dropped to us, then that definitely could change the entire conversation. If both were available, I’d say take Malcom Jenkins and pass on Vontae Davis. Davis’ report has some real bad knocks including “poor work ethic” and “has a history of clashing with coaches.” Definitely not a TD/Smitty guy at all. Take Jenkins and pass on Davis. JMHO.
Honestly, there are a ton of picks that I will be happy with come draft day. Jenkins/Maybin/English/Matthews/Hood/Brace would all make me happy. Pretty much off the Pettigrew train though. TD, Smith, & Co. know what they’re doing.
Guess I should go to bed and get ready for the week. Another great day of Falcons talk in the Bird-Cage. Have a good week bro’s.
SportsLoungeCentral
March 30th, 2009
12:10 am
sportsloungecentral.com
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2009
1:06 am
Had to spend some weekend time with QUEEN LED and the little LED PRINCESSES.
BUT y’all have been doing just great without me.
STIRG: The moving of the safety rage is part of teams moving to more hybrid safeties. Guys who are faster, cover more ground in coverage and will come up and smash you like Indy’s little Bobby Sanders. The bigger guys like Phillips are now linebackers. The Super Big safety like David Fulcher of Cincinnati Bengals are a thing of the past. I think Full-Rock use to generously be listed at 245 pounds. AS far as DeCoud he passes the airport test. Looks good and is smart. He appeared to be a willing hitter on special teams. I think there isn’t really a SS position any more. They want to FS who’ll hit and cover.
CRAPAPPLEJOE: It’s my understanding that Atlanta’s offer was not close to being comparable to what Foxworth got in Baltimore. Almost $14 million was guaranteed.
TBHAWKS/D3/STRIG: Maybin is a name that I’m starting to hear about. He may be dropping and could slip to the Birds at 24.
ROBOT: THANKS for the read-out on R. Coleman. I might be the only one on here who remembers Alice though. Coleman still does a lot of good work in the community.
Greetings!
The Rod Coleman Foundation is set to hold its FREE Third Annual Teen Entrepreneurship Camp for Atlanta teens who wish to start and run their own businesses. The five-day business camp, held during Spring Break, April 6 – 10, 2009 , is designed to link classroom education with real-world experience. This year, the host campus is Atlanta Metropolitan College , 1630 Metropolitan Parkway , Atlanta , Georgia .
The ROD COLEMAN FOUNDATION, INC. is organized as a not-for-profit corporation founded to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. The foundation provides support and life skills to youth in group homes, detention centers, and any other lawful purpose. Their work is designed to broaden professional and academic knowledge, and foster the highest standards of education and professional conduct and ethics and to advance educational activities in the business professions particularly as it affects young people who are in need of financial assistance as they pursue entrance to undergraduate and graduate studies; entrepreneurship; and homeownership. For more information, contact the Rod Coleman Foundation at http://www.rodcolemanfoundation.org , info@rodcolemanfoundation.org , or call 404.758.1292. Thank you.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 30th, 2009
8:19 am
Thanks, D.O. I got a better understanding of our direction now. I’ve been excusing players like Delmas, Johnson and Smith because they’re more of free safeties than anything. This little information you’ve revealed puts them back on my mock block.
Thanks for your response, D.O..
Go Spartans!
marko
March 30th, 2009
8:48 am
Good morning all, I was watching an interview with Bill Bradley, NBA hall of fame, retired senator, Rhodes Scholar not to mention Eagle Scout. He talked about a lot of serious issues like the economy, national security and such. At the end of the interview, on the lighter side, the former Knickerbocker was asked what was wrong with his former team. I want to share his reply.” The knicks have made the same mistake that many other teams have made they have drafted stats instead of character.” As a boy, Bradley practiced basketball three or more hours every day of his life. The man knows a thing or two about character. I couldn’t agree more with Bill’s assessment of the Knicks, and it gives a warm sense of security knowing Dimitroff won’t fall into that trap. I have no idea who Thomas is going to select twenty something days from now. I’m confident however, that we will be proud of them both on and off the field. The days of Ron Mexico are over forever, or at least as long as our new sheriff’s cashing Mr. Blanks paychecks. As for me, consider me a Clay Matthews kool-aid drinker. Going from a hundred-sixty pound walk on to starter at one of the country’s premiere football factories speaks volumes for his character. His stats ain’t half bad either. Are there better players that fit our needs? Well yes, I just don’t see them sitting there at twenty-four. Clay’s a little raw compared to his better known team mates, but we’ve rented Peterson for a year or two so we really don’t have to throw the kid in all at once. Like I said, if I’m reading my tea leaves correctly, we don’t get a better player at twenty-four.
marko
March 30th, 2009
9:18 am
Nique, D3 good stuff as usual. I’m not sold on the idea that the Falcons are committed to spending an early pick on a tight end. Mularkey played the position for eight or nine years and only caught about ten passes a year. Maybe they’re they’re only in the market for an overgrown wide receiver to help out on third downs. If that’s the case were looking at a Sunday pick. As I see it, D-line and safety are gotta haves and tight end is wanna have.
Bo Williams
March 30th, 2009
10:29 am
ACC 7 -1st rounders, SEC-7 first-rounders. Looks like the leagues are pretty even based on draft projections.
Cameron
March 30th, 2009
11:39 am
Sorry about the complaining. I just don’t think the mocks are done very well. It is definitely a crap shoot, but too many bad picks. I will keep my complaints to myself in the future.
Cameron
March 30th, 2009
11:41 am
Stirg:
Speaking of defensive end. Give me one defensive end, in the history of the NFL, that started and produced during his rookie season. I’ll wait…(you’re on the clock).
Just for arguement sake, Dwight Freeney.
Cameron
March 30th, 2009
11:42 am
Bo:
Not a very good indicator of conference supremacy. ACC always does well in the draft, but not well on the field. Lose too many non-conference games and too many bowl games. Just saying.
Nookah
March 30th, 2009
12:13 pm
I just love the banter on this blog. If the Falcons play with the same type of enthusiasm we fans are showing on this blog we will be contending very seriously this year.
I have reviewed my picks. I think we have to have a backup for Trey Lewis, simply because we want to be sure we have some “Geico” there and at low prices too so we will get those in the later rounds not in the “State Farm” rounds.
Marko your point is very valid. TD/MS will definitely draft character guys so that really has switched the focus on a guy like Clay Matthews Jnr. (good character, good football IQ and NFL pedigree). He will be understudying Mike Peterson so that by the time Peterson’s 2 year contract is done he should be ready to step right in and the theme will be maintained – “the process”. Furthermore he shows some versatility as he can play OLB, DE and possibly LB position, again fitting into TD/MS’s mould – hybrid.
#24 – Clay Matthews Jnr. (OLB) – Snr. (hybrid) – very instinctive, physical near the line of scrimmage and can rush the passer, tremendous upside.
#55 – Jarius Byrd (CB)- Jnr. – NFL pedigree – father was a Pro Bowl DB for Chargers and now Assistant Coach with the Bears, good size, good tackler, good ball skills and exceptional hands; 17 careeer interceptions
#90 – Darcel McBath (FS) – Snr. – good size, athletic and fast (4.45 40), excellent range and hands, converted cornerback and can control the center of the field – just what TD/Smitty wants – (oops KB and LM!!!)
#125 – Shawn Nelson (6-43/4; 238; 4.67 40)/Jared Cook (6-4; 235; 4.65 40)in that order or whomever is available – if we get Nelson we’ll be set, has reliable hands and gets into his routes quickly and will provide Matty Ice with the option to turn it upfield. If we get Jared he will be a project, needs some seasoning but has ability.
#143 – Sharrod Martin (CB) – Snr. – Excellent speed (4.4 40), solid ball skills, good potential, can be an understudy – 6-03/4; 197
#160 – Terrance Taylor (DT) – Snr. – Natural strength and good leadership (team captain at Michigan)
#196 – Roy Miller (DT) – Snr – Good motor, exceptional heart and plays hard, very strong, can be a good backup.
GO FALCONS!!!!
Nuff respect!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 30th, 2009
12:17 pm
Cameron, that argument was presented two days ago. I was corrected and we’ve moved on. Thanks for the challenge.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter Mocks LB Clay Matthews Jr. As Falcon Pick
March 30th, 2009
1:00 pm
[...] AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter Mocks LB Clay Matthews Jr. As Falcon Pick [...]
Tyger
March 30th, 2009
1:57 pm
The Depth Chart, Contract, Age, Injury History, – all have to be considered at this time of year.
The Depth Chart tells us that we are thin at safety and defensive tackle. The injury report tells us that Trey Lewis, Von Hutchins, David Irons are cleared to return. Contract length and age tell us that John Abraham and Todd McClure are getting long in the tooth.
But the key to #24 is what to do about Jamaal Anderson, #8, from 2007?
Is he a DE or does he reduce to DT? It’s too early to cut bait, but I believe Anderson will be reduced to DT, with a contract re-structuring in his future. That facilitates Chauncey Davis’ move into the starting line-up opposite Abraham. Bierrman gives us depth there. Bottom line is Falcoons did not have a pass rush outside of Abraham. And its clear, that Anderson cannot provide it. An upper echelon pass rushing DE makes sense if you are serious about fixing the pass rush. see Michael Johnson, 6′7, 260, DE, GT.
Second, even if Trey Lewis comes back, which Trey Lewis do you have? The one that showed so much promise his rookie season or a big guy dragging one leg? If Jamaal reduces down, and gains the appropriate weight and strength, he should be able to make plays there. Falcoons have no choice here, they continue working with Anderson or trade/waive him, but they wont concede that their #8 overall pick is a bust.
I MUS.WRITE
March 30th, 2009
2:48 pm
D3 …. I would totally go for that draft……… The Brace Theory-Mock draft tres1- actually I like both
Ken Strickland
March 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
I’ve just finished reading the article about TD and Smith’s interest in DT Evander “ZIGGY” Hood. Both men have openly stated they believe in being strong up the middle on both sides of the ball. I certainly hope that’s the case because DE’s and LB’s won’t make you strong up the middle. A strong DL can make a lot of secondary and LB problems go away. I believe if we draft him, we’ll also draft a roadblock DT in the later rds.
I can see a big turnaround in our DL, and our overall DEF, with a rotation of TLewis, JBabineaux, EHood, KMorehead and possibly another rookie DT(Sammie Hill). The next 4 rds can be used to get the TE(Morrah), SS(Chung or Moore), CB(Francies) and LB(?) or additional DT(Sammie Hill) we might need, and not necessarily in that order.
Tyger
March 30th, 2009
5:21 pm
Ziggy Hood had a whopping 1.5 sacks in 2008
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 30th, 2009
5:30 pm
“ESPN” REPORTS THAT FALCONS HAVE BEEN QUIET DURING FREE AGENCY BECAUSE OF VICK BONUS MONEY. LOOKS LIKE MY BOY STILL CALLS THE SHOTS
LOOKS LIKE THE 4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE FOR 2009 IN NOT JUST THE REGULAR SEASON – OTHER THAN DETROIT, THAT PRESEASON LOOKS PRETTY GOOD AS WELL. I CAN’T WAIT – SEE YOU THEN GUYS 
Bill
March 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
If the birds can pick up another 2nd and 3rd rounder, I’d trade down…This years draft is short on true super stars but very deep through the first 4 rounds…
Tyger
March 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds, with one team — the Detroit Lions — clocking him at 4.49. That was substantially faster than the 4.66 he ran at the NFL scouting combine in February.
NFL teams are split on whether Johnson is a defensive end or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. One team said he could play “strongside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme.”
“There is no surprise that Michael Johnson is a heck of an athlete, a heck of a physical specimen,” Dimitroff said. “Things will work out very well for him well in the National Football League, not to mention a number of other players on the Georgia Tech football team.”
Johnson, 6-foot-7, 266-pounds, went to dinner with Miami Dolphins defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers on Sunday at the Fox Sports Grill. Several coaches from the New York Jets took turns speaking with Johnson Monday. He advised not to read too much into the dinner or the conversations.
Jets pick 17th and Dolphins pick 25th.
D3
March 30th, 2009
7:54 pm
Evening Boys! Starting to finally go over the DT first argument, but its still a tough one to follow. The question we have to ask is which position needs MORE immediate attention: OLB or DT?
Trey Lewis can come back 100% and be the stud we expect, but he has been injuried twice in the last year and a half. If he were to go down, who would we have: K.Moorehead or Jefferson? OLB seems to be in a better shape immediately with Nicholas, Peterson, & Wire. Peterson is not a long-term fix, but which one will contribute more next year? DT seems to be more of a safe pick, but it has to be the right guy.
Jerry, Hood, or Brace? Tyger’s got a good point in that Hood had a fairly poor senior year and many ‘experts’ say that Brace may have benefited from Raji, instead of the other way around. Jerry probably wouldn’t be there anyway.
Tough, tough decisions. If Maybin, English, or Matthews are sitting there it would be tough to pass on them. Even though it necessarily not help us immediately, it would lock our LB corps up for years and years. Honestly, there are good arguments on either side. Technically, CB & S would be a bigger need, but there is not any #24 CB’s or S’s worth that pick, IMHO. Malcom Jenkins being the exception, but I would take a pass Vontae Davis because of his attitude. There’s ton of S talent in the 2nd round including Chung, Vaughn, S.Smith, or R.Johnson.
Stirg & Nique – you guys are probably right on Nelson. So I’d rather have a Chung or Vaughn and couple that with Cook or Coffman that can develop with good coaching. JMO.
danny ray
March 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
Protect Matt Ryan. A lot of defensive players names are being tossed around. There are some issues with the defense that need to be addressed but our defense isn’nt as bad as some believe. Ryan’s brains and arm was a major reason for the falcons success last year. Make sure he has all the weapons on the line and the skilled positions to continue the falcons road to nfc championships.
D3
March 30th, 2009
9:27 pm
KenStrick – you might be on to something in the TE. We may very well wait until the 4th round or so, and in that case a Morrah would be an ideal fit. Personally, I’d rather take a chance on Cook or Nelson, who gives up a little on the blocking front, but makes up for it in athletic talent. Assuming we could get his blocking to improve, I could see a guy like Coffman working into being a solid TE. Big, tall TE with good hands and not necessarily blazing speed.
Nookah – like your picks. Matthews, Nelson, Byrd, and Martin in particular. I don’t think that Byrd is worth a 2nd rounder and Nelson will probably be gone way before the 4th(as Stirg and Nique pointed out to me). I think Sherrod Martin might be a solid 4th or 5th round pick. Big, physical corner with aggressiveness.
Mock Draft Quattro
1)Aaron Maybin – OLB
2)Chip Vaughn – S
3)Chase Coffman – TE (Assuming Nelson’s gone, Stirg & Nique)
4)Sherrod Martin – CB
5)Sammie Hill – DT
Hey, gotta mix it up a little.
Question to the Bird-Cage: if you do go with a DT first, which one do you take if Jerry, Hood, and Brace are all there?
Ken Strickland
March 30th, 2009
9:33 pm
TYGER-as proven by the NY Giants SB winning DEF, you don’t need QB sacking DT’s if you have QB sacking DE’s. With DE JAbraham being one of the NFL’a best pass rushing DE’s, and the added pass rushing ability of DE CDavis, all we need from our DT’s is pocket penetration. That prevents QB’s from stepping up into the pocket to avoid the outside pass rush from the DE’s, as they’re trained to do. TLewis and JBabineaux have both demonstrated the ability to do this effectively. Add the penetrating ability of EHood, and the pass rushing and run stopping ability of our DL will be much improved.
I don’t remember who the poster was that said it, but his comment centered around the fact we won’t likely draft a DE with our 1st couple of picks because we’ve already committed a bundle of money to DE’s JAnderson, CDavis, KBiermann and JAbraham. I agree with that totally. It’s time to get more production out of what we have, not spend a high draft pick and more money on another DE, especially when we need to upgrade several other critical DEF positions. We can’t label JAnderson a BUST until we see how he’ll perform at DE this yr, or how he performs after the possible switch to DT.
I WANT TO HEAR AN EXPLANATION FROM ANYONE WHO FEELS THE FALCONS WILL BE UNABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF PLAYING A TOUGHER SCHEDULE NEXT YR.
D3
March 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
Mock Draft Quattro.1 (DT Theory)
1)Ziggy Hood – DT
2)Chip Vaughn – S
3)Jared Cook – TE
4)Cody Brown – OLB
5a)Sherrod Martin – CB
5b)Sammie Hill – DT
darrell starks
March 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
Why in the world would you draft any DT IN THE 1ST round it wouldnt make sense when you can wait in the 3rd round and DRAFT DORRELL SCOTT FROM CLEMSON OR A RON BRACE FROM BOSTON COLLEGE we need big bodys up front at DT so that our LB can be protected and make plays. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D3
March 30th, 2009
9:59 pm
Darrell – I happen to agree with you that if Maybin, English, or Matthews are there I say we take him and look to pick up a solid DT in the 2nd or 3rd. I don’t think Brace will last to us in the second at our pick, though.
Been a good one. OLB or DT first? The debate rages on……..until tomorrow!
BTW, cool fantasy draft prediction from NFL.com
http://challengegames.nfl.com/predictpick/
Take it easy fellas.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2009
10:33 pm
JACK IS THE MAN!!! Just got done watching Jack do his thing. Dude is a beast!!!
Will get us up a new post tomorrow. Should be a busy day. Smitty, Dimitroff and Matthew Ice will be downtown for one of the early morning business breakfast deals. They are all getting their Sporting News awards. Also, they will give an update on the offseason workouts later in the day out at the Branch. While all this is going on in Falcons land, Michael Vick will be in Federal Court trying to get his bankruptcy plan approved. I get the football stuff. Jeremy Redmon is a Richmond to handle the bankruptcy stuff.
MARKO: The Bill Bradley stuff is interesting. Your character guys also need to be able to play the game.
CAMERON: Don’t be sorry about complaining. I like the walkup Mock concept because it gives us something to discuss as the draft approaches. The main one that matters is the one the day before the draft.
NOOKAH: Thanks for the great banter comment. You bloggers have been doing a great job of keeping the football train moving on down the tracks.
VS2: Vick’s bonus money is not hurting the Falcons. You missed this story:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/03/26/falcons_vick_return_nfl.html
1. What are the contract ramifications for the Atlanta Falcons?
Vick’s contract is suspended. His $7.5 million base salary did not count toward the team’s salary cap last season. However, his prorated bonus counts against the salary cap. That number for 2009 is $6.43 million. If Vick is traded, an additional $680,000 — his prorated bonus number from 2010 — would be absorbed under the 2009 salary cap. This amount is not significant as most teams operate with as much as 10 percent of “dead cap money.” The NFL salary cap for 2009 is $127 million per team.
darrell starks
March 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
We need playmaker on defense and guys who can step in day one and maybe started 1ST PICK CUSHING 2ND PICK SEAN SMITH who if there at pick 55# would be a steal for us him and coleman at the safety would be awesome 3RD PICK DORRELL SCOTT at 90# Big and and strong up the middle and if some how we can fit ASHER ALLEN in there oh boy this defense would be very talented. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
(raising my hand) Can I answer darrell starks’ question? First, a Ron Brace won’t last until the third round.
I researched Mike Smith’s draft history, while he was defensive coach with Jacksonsville Jaguars, 2003-2007. I was shocked that, considering they speak highly of his scheme and emphasis in the middle (DT), they only drafted two players during his tenure. They drafted one defensive tackle in the seventh round and he now plays in a reserve role. Another defensive tackle, Anthony Maddox (remember that name), played at Delta College and was drafted in the fourth round. Do you want to know why Jacksonville was so lowly with defensive tackles during MS-era? They drafted two first round tackles in the two years prior to his arrival. In 2001, the Jaguars drafted the UGA legend Marcus Stroud in the first round (13 overall). In 2002, their number one pick was John Henderson (9 overall). Now, I don’t have to explain the impact those two names had on their defense. These two pro-bowlers was a significant part of the Jaguars defense and Coach Smith’s scheme.
I have asked time and time again, wouldn’t you rather address a top rated defenciency with a top rated player? Why wait until the fifth round, and draft Sammie hill, to address a first round issue? Draft Ron Brace (or a Ziggy) in the first round and surround him with the first round line. Jamaal Anderson and John Abraham were drafted in the first round (8 and 13, respectively). Babs is first round talent, that happened to fall to our laps in the second round. It seems, to me, logical to draft a first rounder to compliment first round talent. We all know that the rest of the defense can be addressed in later rounds and free agency.
Speaking of free agency…Remember the name Anthony Maddox? He’s a defensive tackle from Delta College that was drafted by the Jaguars in 2004, under Mike Smith. You want to talk about character? Here’s a kid that left college and work at a furniture store, to make ends meet. After two years of absence from football, he returns to college and records 150 tackles with 10.5 sacks. He was name Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted by Jacksonville in the fourth round. Guess what? He’s now a free agent defensive tackle…
Hey, D.O.. Ask TD if they’re looking for a scout…
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 30th, 2009
11:04 pm
I failed to mention, Anthony Maddox is a homeboy, from Moultrie, GA
darrell starks
March 30th, 2009
11:23 pm
BRIAN CUSHING USC LB 6″4 245pounds make plays in the backfield not down field like 56# use to do SEAN SMITH UTAH SAFETY 6″3 215pounds switch from WR to DB and did nothing but make plays all season and shut down JULIO JONES in the suger bowl in man on man coverge DORRELL SCOTT CLEMSON DT 6″4 320pounds very strong up the middle will be a force at the next level ASHER ALLEN GEORGIA 5″11 200POUNDS RUN 4.3 FOURTY who if would have stayed would easily been a 1st round pick in next year draft. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big Ray
March 31st, 2009
12:07 am
See?
This is why self-acclaimed “new blogger” Stirg should be the new “Bird Babe”, though he might want to drop the “Babe” part…nobody does his homework better. Nice post, Stirg. Nice indeed.
And then there are those who NEVER do their homework. VS2, that would be you.
So VS2, we know you’ll cheer for the demise of the Falcons (we love that, because it brings us such good luck). So what team will you be cheering for to WIN? Panthers again? Buccaneers maybe? Good luck, buddy!
Ken,
I’m okay with Hood as the pick, as long as TD and MS think he’s the right guy. I know we have some guys who can play that spot alongside Babs, but there are questions. How healthy is Lewis, and can he stay that way? How far along will he be? Is Jamal Anderson big enough to play that spot with efficiency, or will he remain a DE? We need another guy, and as Stirg says, why wait until much later in the draft to address it.
Again, if a guy they think is a supreme value and talent at another position comes up, then that has to be considered.
I’m still not seeing Michael Johnson as our pick, despite the athleticism. I don’t dislike the guy, but there are so many mixed signals. I know he’s talented. And some other team will probably take a shot at him before we can. That’s fine with me. I think he won’t play LB in the NFL. He’s a DE. And he may become a great one, I don’t know. But is that the best fit for us?
TD said he wouldn’t have issues getting into the NFL. That’s not exactly an endorsement. That’s acknowledging that the guy is athletic as hell and can play the game. I just don’t know if he’s a guy we pick up. But somebody will, and in the first round too, I’ll bet.
Big Ray
March 31st, 2009
12:27 am
Looked at some of Ziggy Hood’s scouting reports. The usually dour DraftCountdown had almost nothing bad to say about him other than sometimes he plays “too tall” or doesn’t use the proper leverage. However, good coaching can fix that. The biggest thing was that he “has a non-stop motor, is very strong, does everything well, but nothing great….may not be a star, but will be productive in the NFL for a very long time.”
I can deal with that. Regular Joes become stars, and I’d rather have a solid foundation to work with. Again, Raji would be my top choice at DT, but he’ll be long gone by then. Hood looks like the right kind of character. He looks like he’ll get after it. And that’s what we want. I like the pick okay. Might even excite me. Is he the best pick at #24? He might be, you never know.
It’s debatable, and that’s what makes this so much fun (though we still have 25-26 days of waiting left). Whether or not a guy is the best pick at #24 also has to do with who’s left on the board, ya know?
Big Ray
March 31st, 2009
12:29 am
From the Warroom Report on Ziggy Hood:
Strengths: Good NFL ready size and bulk…really strong…good first step…has great range for a player his size…can hold his own at the point of attack…shows a great motor…good awareness…experienced college player…high work ethic, team leader…really closes well when he gets to the QB…
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his use of leverage…would like to have seen a little more collegiate production…may have limited upside?…some durability questions…can get too high…
Overall: Evander “Ziggy” Hood improved every year at Missouri and is an impressive player on tape. He does not have one part of his game that stands out, but can contribute both versus the run and versus the pass. His intangibles, added to solid, if not spectacular physical tools should add up to a valuable NFL player, even if he does not develop into a star. He has ideal size and strength with a solid work ethic, which can be hard to find.
Brian Spaulding
March 31st, 2009
1:47 am
Call name LCD (Left Coat Dawg) :
Clay Matthews and all the USC boys are juicing–maybe not all, but 90%, and I know because my good friend (trainer)m helped! Sad, but , they know how to hide it.
tbhawksfan
March 31st, 2009
5:05 am
Looks like the consensus is leaning DT (Hood, Jerry). Given our needs and the likely draft, it will either be OLB or DT. Those seem to be the likely need choices available. Safety will be adredded in the second or third round.
I think another rotation ready OL is a must (Weiner).
Good drafting and a little luck could easiy upgrade our rotation at S, OLB and DT. With these three picks the Def is ready.
Look for a released OL with experience and something left in the tank.
The rest of our picks can go to depth and/or development.
Ken Strickland
March 31st, 2009
7:57 am
Most of the current mock drafts are all over the place when it comes to who the Falcons will draft. The range goes from LB CMathews Jr, to DE/OLB LEnglish, to SS WMoore, to CB VDavis, to DT PJerry, to TE BPettigrew. Looks like TD has done am excellent job of confusing everyone about who we’ll draft with our 1st pick.
No one can say with any degree of certainty that players like DT PJerry or TE BPettigrew or OLB CMathews will or will not drop to the #24 slot. All it takes is one surprise pick to throw the entire draft out of whack. After that, teams start going after players they wanted but didn’t think would be available to them. Didn’t that happen last yr when the Falcons went OFF and took QB MRyan, and most people had us going DEF and taking DT Dorsey. There’s absolutely no way the Chiefs thought Dorsey would get by both the Falcons and Raiders and fall to their #5 spot, as desperate as both teams were for DL help.
We could end up choosing between at least 2 or 3 of the players mentioned. There will always be teams that will draft the player and position they feel best fills their needs, not the player or position the so called draft experts feel fits their needs. I doubt if many of the so called experts, and few of us fans, have considered the impact acquiring FA LB Peterson and the healthy return from IR of LB RJames, DT TLewis, CB’s BGrimes & DIrons and OT’s RFoster & PMcCoy will have on TD and MS’s draft decisions. The same holds true for other teams as well. Then you have teams like the Raiders and Lions who’s braintrust is/was either incompetent(GM MMillan) or stuck in the past and trying to reconstruct the team based on the glory of the 60’s and 70’s(ADavis).
If we’re looking at DT EHood, you can bet your life we’ve already taken a loooog intense look at DT PJerry. He just might be our target all along, and this Hood, English, Pettigrew, Mathews thing just might be a smokescreen, or backup plan in case Jerry’s unavailable. I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THE DRAFT TAKES PLACE.
djtruk
March 31st, 2009
8:29 am
I have read numerous comments of Michael Johnson being a bust. First of all you need to get to know the young man. If you watched any of the Tech games you would have noticed that he played special teams as well as being on the field 90% of the time on defense. Yes he would have had more sacks but he only started one year. I saw sacks,pass break ups, interception return for touchdown, block kicks, forced fumbles,QB hurries while fighting off two and three offensive linesmen.Did you know he coached a kids team while attending college and working out for football? Did you know he visited schools and hospitals and talked to kids? Do you know he comes without luggage? He stayed in school and got his education when he could have been a second or third round pick last year.Every since Mike Mayock made the comment buyers beware there has a bunch of people jumping on the bandwagon. I think Mike proved himself during the NFL combine as well as his workout day at Ga. Tech. But don’t worry all the teams he’s working out for are picking before the Falcons which tells you one thing he is much better than advertised. Good Luck Falcons, but I think I’m going with MJ’S team this year.
marko
March 31st, 2009
8:35 am
Orlando, thanks for the nod, you’ve got to cut me some slack dude. I never suggested that we draft Mother Theresa, not to say that the old girl didn’t possess some outstanding qualities. Nobody could throw a Hail Mary quite like Mother Theresa. Want to talk leadership? I’m told that the other sisters nicknamed her butt kicker. Now that’s the kind attitude that goes a long way in the locker room. Still, at the end of the day, her forty times sucked, and she could barely press 225 three times. I also find the fact that she’s no longer among the living a little discouraging. No Orlando, I’ve given this some thought and I’m sticking with Clay Matthews. Great forty times, outstanding coverage skills, a living terror on blitzes and I really admire the way that he consistently keeps his body temperature above room level. It would be nice if he had a Nobel Peace Prize, but I’m willing to settle for an outstanding work ethic and a solid GPA. As you can see I’m still on the Matthews band wagon, but our old friend Seminole does make a pretty compelling case for Ziggy Hood. There are only three outstanding DT’s this year. Two should be gone by twenty-four. That would mean Ziggy or never. Nique, I don’t see this as Seminole’s right and you’re wrong. If we know anything about Mike Smith, It’s that the term starter is mostly an honorary title. At the end of the game everybody’s dirty and smelly. Seems to me the he’s taking a page from the round ball boys. He’s going to have a big team and a quick team. He will use them as the situation demands. If I’m right, we’ll still see a big beefy boy taken later in the draft.
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 31st, 2009
9:01 am
Like I pointed out lastnight in Mike Smith’s draft history with the Jaguars, it’s obvious that big defensive tackles play an intricate, but essential, part of his scheme. The Jaguars drafted Marcus Stroud and John Henderson in the two years prior to the MS-era. Did the Jaguars do this to attract Mike Smith as defensive coach? Is the fact that they already had Henderson and Stoud convince Mike Smith to coach the ball club? If I’m a defensive coach being sought by a team with Henderson and Stroud as my pillars on defense, then I’m sold. My point is this, the Jaguars built one of the finest defenses in the NFL but they did it over a period of three years. In 2001, they draft Stroud (big). The very next year, they draft Henderson in the first round also. To solidify their defense, they hire Mike Smith in the following year. In 2003, and beyond, I think you remember Jaguars having the most dominant defenses.
Let’s get this man some help in the middle. We’re asking him to chauffeur Mr. Blank with drivers from d.u.i class. If I’m in charge with driving your dignitary, give me a Dale Jarrett and Michael Waltrip.
Draft Ron Brace to go along with this top rated defensive line that we already have. Please don’t spoil this barrell of apples with a fifth round draft pick. If Trey Lewis is healthy, who can move Lewis and Brace from the line (with Anderson, Davis and Abraham rushing the outside). If Trey Lewis is unhealthy, who can stop the lethal tandem of Brace and Babs? Trust me, that scenario won’t sound as attractive with a fifth rounder or an undertackle. Brace for 24, literally and figuratively!
richbrave
March 31st, 2009
9:53 am
D. ORLANDO:
As propagandist for the UNIVERSITY of RICHMOND let me introduce you to LAWRENCE SIDBURY JR. DE, 6′4″ 265, consistant 4.63 forty with 4.47 personal best, 11″ hands, yard-long arms and a beast of a desire to rush the passer or stuff a runner. Rated 2nd to 4th round with a 3rd likely. The REDSKINS will never look at him because he’s local D.C. talent and they only go for their own after they’ve established themselves i.e. SHAWN SPRINGS etc. Check him out. Could be a great pick for the FALCONS in the middle rounds.
richbrave
March 31st, 2009
10:01 am
D.ORLANDO:
My response to your #13 BRIAN CUSHING. Oh, hell no!!!! Stay away from USC LB’s. CURRY or a trade down and SINTIM, or forget it.
Ken Strickland
March 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
RICHBRAVE-you’ve done just the kind of research and found just the kind of talent that’s made Dimitroff the kind of talent evaluator he is and successful GM he’s become. It’s also TD’s ability to uncover these hidden or not so obvious gems that could drastically influence who we’ll draft at #24. LET’S FACE IT, IF WE CAN DIG UP GEMS LIKE CB FRANCIES, TE MORRAH, DT SAMMIE L HILL OR DE lSIDBURY JR, YOU KNOW TD HAS ALREADY PROCESSED THEIR TALENTS, THE POSITION THEY CAN POSSIBLY BE SELECTED IN THE DRAFT AND THE POTENTIAL IMPACT THEY COULD HAVE ON THE TEAM.
A lot of GM’s and HC’s stick with drafting the well known, highly publicized players from the big football programs and are afraid to go off the beaten path and draft what might be a more talented, less publicized player from a smaller program. I could assemble a “DREAM TEAM” comprised of Hall of Famers who came from small schools and weren’t nationally publicized players. Can you say record setting RB Walter Peyton or record setting WR Jerry Rice, or DE’s Ed “Deacon Jones, Elvin Bethea, OL Larry Little, Gene Upshaw, Rayfield Wright, Jackie Slater LB’s Robert Brazille, Wille “Mr Contact” Lanier, Jack Lambert DB’s Ken Houston, Willie Brown, Mel Brount, Lem Barney QB Terry Bradshaw, Jonny Unitas WR’s Jerry Rice, Willie Joiner, John Stallworth, Steve Largent, “Bullit” Bob Hayes, Don Maynard DT’s “Mean” Joe Breene, Julius “Buck” Buchanan etc.
Reno 911
March 31st, 2009
12:40 pm
Does anyone else remember that the Falcons used their 3rd round pick in 1993 on Harold Alexander, a punter (!), out of Appalachian State.
Just a blast from the past. Feel free to be nauseous. I was.
Tyger
March 31st, 2009
1:08 pm
Value is a word you’ll hear Mel Kiper Jr. use early and often and it applies here. At #24 you want a Pro Bowler, not just another role player, we have those. If you look at the depth chart, you’ll see the Falcons have enough bodies. They need big playmakers!
I’m sold on Peria Jerry too, but he won’t be around at #24. Is Ziggy Hood any better than Jason Jefferson or K. Moorehead? That’s the question and that’s not what I want from the #24 pick.
Are we accumulating bodies or building a champion?
I believe we have good players, but not enough sizzle. I want some sizzle. A game changer from that 1st pick. The analogy with Henderson and Stroud is comparing #9,#13 picks of a Tom Coughlin draft to a #24 pick. If a #9/#13 talent falls to us, which I think MJ qualifies as, then pull the trigger, that’s value.
After review, I believe several good players will fall to us. QB’s Stafford and Sanchez, one or the other, will fall. Teams can move down and still get them. That creates movement, but the high value picks are at OL/DL and they’ll go fast, and if you don’t get that value, you might as well move back and get equal value later, but cheaper. No need to pay 1st rd. money for 2nd/3rd rd. talent.
Also notice over the past week how Michael Johnson’s stock is rising?
It’s value, teams want value for that 1st pick, they can fill a need with a good role player later in the draft. You want to infuse some high-end talent into your roster.
marko
March 31st, 2009
1:25 pm
Enter your comments hereClark Judge runs down the Falcons needs. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11570087 He seems to agree with most of us that the birds are looking at outside linebacker and defensive line. Ron Brace remains a popular choice with many. Why not, he’s a solid player at a position of need. My problems, with Ron, concern his history of back problems and his inability to keep his weight under control. Weight in a defensive lineman can be a good thing it makes it harder for the bad guys to push him around. On the other hand, body fat is dead weight the player has to carry around. This causes them to tire more quickly, and makes them more prone to injury. Brace will be lucky if he’s selected by the Falcons. Smith will make every effort to see to it that he’s properly trained and not overworked. I wish we were as sure that Ron won’t sign his contract and go nuclear cheeseburger on us. If we draft Brace, I hope we have the foresight to place strict weight clauses in his contract. He can play at 335. Can he at 360? If fat is that good a thing, shouldn’t we be sending scouts to the Golden Corral?
terrell barron
March 31st, 2009
1:39 pm
Ron Brace is a 3-4 NT people. We run a 4-3. With Raji off the board, our best option would be to trade a 2nd and a 5th to the Chiefs, or #24, if we absolutely have to, for Glenn Dorsey. They’re swithing to a 3-4, and he’s become expendable. If we cant do that, I say we go with English. He can play some OLB and he can put his hands in the dirt at DE on passing downs. Jaamal can move inside when he comes in. He could possibly take over for Mike Peterson at SLB next year while keeping Abe fresh at DE. Now that’s value.