Updated Mock draft: Virginia LB Sintim to ATL

Falcons defensive players who were fierce like Pam Grier's cousin, the great Rosey Grier.

The Falcons are looking for defensive players who are fierce like Pam Grier's cousin, the great Rosey Grier. He played for the Rams' Fearsome Foursome line with Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen and Lamar Lundy in the 1960s. Pam, this week's honorary blog guest, was pretty tough in the 1974 movie Foxy Brown.

Just 22 days to the draft and two more mock drafts before the really big Mock Draft, the one that counts. The one that runs in the paper on Saturday morning of April 25th.

But for now, we’ll do the best we can as situations around the league are fluid.

However, University of Southern California linebacker Rey Maualuga visit with the Falcons on Saturday means one of two things.

Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim could add some pop to the Falcons defense. (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff).

Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim could add some pop to the Falcons defense. (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff).

He’s slipping in the draft and is going to be around when they pick 24th overall. Or the Falcons plan on trading up to get in the mix for the All-American attack missile from USC.

But he’s a middle linebacker and doesn’t fit the “needs-based” drafting philosophy. They selected Curtis Lofton last season. This visit falls into the “due diligence” department.

Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English also is set to visit the Falcons. Oregon safety Patrick Chung has a private workout set up, but is not coming in for a visit. Also, Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas is set to visit.

The Falcons are in the process of revamping their linebacking corps after starters Michael Boley (New York Giants) and Keith Brooking (Dallas) signed with new teams during free agency. They signed linebacker Michael Peterson in free agency.

Rey Maualuga is coming to visit the Falcons on Saturday. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Rey Maualuga is coming to visit the Falcons on Saturday. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Falcons coach Mike Smith told the AJC at the NFL owners’ meeting in Dana Point, Calif. that he was impressed with all four of the USC linebackers in this draft.

Denver’s trade of Jay Cutler helped to shake up this week’s mock draft.

Before their issues with Cutler, the Broncos were set to draft defense. But with the 12th and 18th picks of the first round, look for them to move up to get in position to possibly land USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. There are only three first round quarterbacks in Georgia’s Matthew Stafford, Sanchez and Kansas State’s Josh Freeman.

With the Jets needing to address their QB situation, look for them to take Freeman at 17.

They Falcons are going defense, but with their first pick elect to move away from Clay Matthews Jr., last week’s pick. He’s a one-year wonder and is too close to Kroy Biermann in skill set. They are looking for thumpers to control the edge against the run and make impact plays.

English remains interesting, but his history of serious injuries – high right ankle sprain, sprained right shoulder, torn right ACL, torn pectoral and a broken right hand — in college are a turn off.

Oregon safety Patrick Chung to get private workout with Falcons.

Oregon safety Patrick Chung to get private workout with Falcons.

Look for the Falcons to select Virginia’s Clint Sintim. He was very productive and has very long arms at 33 ½ inches. He has played in a pro styled defense.

Maualuga (11 to 20), Matthews (24 to 25), Florida State’s Everette Brown (5 to 11), Oklahoma’s Duke Robinson (30 to out of first round) all dropped this week.

Some of the climbers include Texas’ Brian Orakpo (9 to 5), LSU’s Tyson Johnson (12 to 9), Freeman (20 to 17) and Florida’s Percy Harvin (17 to 15).

LEDBETTER’S MOCK DRAFT

Pam Grier likes this week's mock draft.

Pam Grier likes this week's mock draft.

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 minded Steve Spagnuolo gets someone 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: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Bengals get a receiver to run alongside Ocho Cinco.

7. Oakland Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. Raiders don’t pay much attention to the recent controversy surrounding Raji.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez, QB,
Southern California.

9. Green Bay Packers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. Packers have to improve their defensive line.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith, T, Alabama. With Sanchez off the board, Singletary decides his motivational skills can help Smith.

11. Buffalo Bills: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State.

12. Denver Broncos: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State.

13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss.

14. New Orleans Saints: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Sean Payton adds another weapon for quarterback Drew Brews.

15. Houston Texans: Percy Harvin, WR. Florida. Pro Bowler Andre Johnson needs some help.

16. San Diego Chargers: Brian Cushing, LB, USC.

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Jets get their Brett Favre replacement.

18. Denver Broncos: 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): Rey Maualuga, LB, LB, Southern California. He slips, but doesn’t get past the Lions.

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. Son of former wrestler “The Animal.”

24. Atlanta Falcons: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia

25. Miami Dolphins: Clay Matthews Jr., LB, USC.

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: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. His 40 times are scaring a lot of folks.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois.

The Fearsome Foursome! Merlin Olsen (74), Deacon Jones (75), Lamar Lundy (85) and Rosey Grier (76), sitting down with his guitar. Falcons coach Mike Smith would love to turn his defensive line into the New Millenium's Fearsome Foursome.

The Fearsome Foursome! Merlin Olsen (74), Deacon Jones (75), Lamar Lundy (85) and Rosey Grier (76), sitting down with his guitar. Falcons coach Mike Smith would love to turn his defensive line into the New Millennium's Fearsome Foursome.

FIRST ROUND FRINGE
Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

The other domino from the Cutler trade has to fall. That’s their climb up to get Mark Sanchez. They need to get in front of Jacksonville at No. 8. Like Sintim in the red and black? Rather have English? Rather have Matthews Jr.? Like Pam Grier, stopping by as our honorary guest?

260 comments Add your comment

Nique

April 3rd, 2009
1:55 pm

Thx, Stirg d’Nahsif & I appreciate the scouting report from last year. Ray has the chance to be the best MLB taken since Patrick Willis & will give us the playmaking LB that we’ve lacked & desired under this new Defensive scheme. It would also give us 2 really stout run stopping LB’s, which would definitely come into play if we are even considering the 2 smaller DT philosophy that you & Bradley were talking about the other day, but even if that’s not the case, it will definitely play dividends bc one of the things that Smith has always said since he’s gotten here, is that he wants to make Offences one definitional & that his Defenses are always most effective when that can happen & this would go along way towards helping that manifest itself.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
1:55 pm

Cutter-

Maybe YOU dont screw around with a 2nd year player, but we’re not asking YOU to. Are you saying that simply because you think he was drafted “Just” to be a MLB that he cannot be successful moving outside? Do you have the facts to back up that claim? If so, then you sold me. If not, then i guess this merry-go-round continnues until Draft day.

Good insights though. But imo, guys get moved and shifted around – I recall TD and Smitty wanting versatility – this would mean they can succeed with making a move if it were to better the team.

Thoughts?

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
1:57 pm

Cushing and Matthews are taking steroids and Mauluga is clean????? Riiight. D.O.L.- Again with 2nd round prospects mocked in the 1st round. What’s up with that?

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
1:59 pm

Let guy is lightning fast – whos to say he wouldnt excel at the FS position? or SS? You have to think Hybrid, you have to think forward and progressively. If a guy is comfortable in a system, and has awesome talent, he should be able to excel anywhere around his traditional playing position…hands down.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
1:59 pm

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:00 pm

I dont think its been 100% confirmed yet that they were taking actual steroids. Slow down man.

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
2:11 pm

It’s called the understood you. Versatility is a plus, a bonus if you will, if YOU read the scouting reports and if YOU watched filmed of Lofton in college You would understand why he is not an OLB. He is undersized and has trouble playing in coverage, at the combine he posted a 4.79 forty a 24.5 vertical 7.69 3-cone drill. Maybe you have some insight that I don’t but I tend to watch film on guys to see what they can do. Every position on the field does not reguire versatility to be successful. I realize you want to be right but I just don’t think you are in this case…sorry.

Reno 911

April 3rd, 2009
2:16 pm

DOL: though I know they’re playing things close to the vest, any feeling on the Falcons’ interest in Connor Barwin or Lawrence Sidbury? Barwin is a workout freak, at least, though I can’t say I’ve ever seen him play. I know he’s better suited to be a 3-4 rush OLB, but I think the guy has huge upside potential. If Smitty and TD want versatility, how about this guy? He worked out as a DL at the combine, and was pretty much the quickest/most athletic of the bunch. If he’d worked out as a LB, he’d be near the top of that group, too. He started out playing TE at Cincinatti before moving over to D, and I’d argue that if he’d stayed there, he’d be one of the top 5 TE’s in this class. So, here’s a guy who is definitely athletic enough to play Sam OLB, can definitely walk down and rush off the edge if the Falcons’ run 10+ snaps out of the 3-4, and might be one of the better red-zone TE’s in the draft. The Pats did it with Mike Vrabel with success, so why not us? Just a thought. Maybe Barwin isn’t worth #24, but he’ll be gone by the middle of the second. He’s just too good of an athlete. Any chance the Falcons trade their 1st down into the early 2nd in return for another 3rd rounder? Just a thought. Not sure if he fits into the Falcons’ needs, but my bet is that Barwin will be a versatile and valuable player for someone out there.

Nookah

April 3rd, 2009
2:17 pm

My question is simply this. If we are interested in RMaualuga, what would we have to give up to move to about 10 – 15 slot, which is about where he is projected to go?

Thoughts?

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:17 pm

HEHe – its nota matter of being right there kitten. Its a matter of not NOT drafting a guy simply because we think we have our MLB of the future. Rey Mal is fast, lightning fast – watch the film.

Besides – arent we all just throwing around ideas? None of our thoughts or opinions matter much. You take things that you cannot control too personally. Maybe some other issues there to deal with.

Either way – I agree with TD and Smitty. Having a Troy Polomalu type player would kick arse. I was saying Rey as being more of a FS or SS – not lofton. Dont let your emotions get the better of you Cutler, ahem – i mean Cutter…..

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
2:17 pm

Themikeman-So now Lofton can play FS also or are you referring to Mauluga? And which one is lightning fast again?

Nookah

April 3rd, 2009
2:21 pm

RENO 911, you preempted some thoughts that I had. Barwin is also being looked at by NE. He could be a good “value” pick.

GO FALCONS!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:21 pm

RENO911 –

NOW your thinking outside the box. I love it. A new-age Mike Vrabel would be sweet! Im just trying to bring back to light the fact that TD and SMitty said specifically what they like – and thats Hybrid/Versitile guys who can play more than one position. How hard of a concept is that the get?

Lets start to analyze those fellows….Reno911 seems to be on to something…..new direction for this discussion.

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
2:22 pm

I’m sorry I thought I was conversing with an adult if you want to be condescending I think that is done better in person.

WR

April 3rd, 2009
2:23 pm

DLed, love the picture of Foxy, the original Beyonce. Back to football, I still believe Nt or Dt are the best option, whether thats in the first round or trading out and picking up more picks. Aaron Curry seems like the only linebacker in the first round that could come in and help right away and he won’t be available. I say we stock up on Dt’s and lb’s this year see what we can get out of our young safeties, and hope to have enough picks to trade up next year and pick Taylor Mays from USC if our safeties bust.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:23 pm

Cutter-

READ!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp1dUZUMXxc

Yes, i said Rey was fast….take a looksi, friend.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:26 pm

Cutter -

I guess i’ll just not take part in the discussions until you and I agree…..jeez.

and who threatens people in a blog, i mean honestly….Its like throwing a cupcake.

JG

April 3rd, 2009
2:27 pm

D Led,

If Matthews and Cushing are on Steroids, do we Trade our First round pick for a early 2nd round and 3rd Round pick? Get all our Defensive needs in 2nd and third rounds. Maybe a Tight end in the 3rd?

Just sounds like everyones stock is dropping and there may be some serious bargain in the Second round?

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
2:27 pm

Rey Mauluga as a 255 lb FS is outside of any box I’m aware of.

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
2:33 pm

Mauluga 4.81 forty at the combine and ran better at Pro Day and I like the guy but he ain’t a MLB/FS hybrid.

JG

April 3rd, 2009
2:33 pm

Cutter and TheManMike

Rey Mauluga won’t be anywhere near where we draft, So I wouldn’t even waste your time on him. He will be long gone ..

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 3rd, 2009
2:36 pm

THEMANMIKE: I go scouting at my favorite sports bar.

RENO911: Barwin is a good call. He’s Vrabel clone. Dude was stud for the Bearcats, starting his career as a TE.

BLOG TIP: Let’s slow down on the roid rage also its nothing new for Cushing. They were accusing him as far back as high school in New Jersey.

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
2:38 pm

Ken Strickland

April 3rd, 2009
2:41 pm

If we do draft Mauluga, who is really a MLB, we have to consider the posssibility of us switching to a 3-4 DEF rather than switching Lofton to the outside. It would also explain all of the interest in hybrid LB/DE typess. Just a thought.

Stirg d'Nahsif

April 3rd, 2009
2:45 pm

cutter, what’s wrong, dude? Its okay; calm down.

Moving linebacker around is a natural thing in the NFL; its even more natural to draft linebackers for their versatility. Let’s not forget who was playing middle linebacker before we signed Ed Fartwell…You guessed it, Keith Brooking. Brooking has been playing out of position since graduating G.Tech. I think it was only his last years, in Atlanta, that he started playing his most natural position. Its okay to consider a linebacker for his versatility, so we can have the ability to move Lofton around. If I’m quarterback and I read the defense to assume Lofton, for instance, is out of position at SAM (not really out of position, though), I might be more inclined to throw in his route. I love the considerations this staff is making and I’m equally excited to watch the scheme unfold. We must remember the words that Coach Smith used to describe the linebacking corps in (t)his defensive scheme. He said “…in this defense, our linebackers are INTERCHANGEABLE”.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:46 pm

JG-

Cutter Agrees – FYI.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 3rd, 2009
2:47 pm

DACULA JONES: Vick has no barring on draft prep. Commish is unlikely to do anything until they can meet, face-to-face. That would be May 21st at the earliest, almost a month after the draft. Things could change, but that’s where we are today.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:48 pm

Stirg-

..To the rescue. thanks for the insights. I knew i was not alone on this….It was just a thought to begin with.

I am just not one of those people who think a guy MUST remain in his “natural” postition….i think that limits them….ALOT.

Tyger

April 3rd, 2009
2:49 pm

USC guys should’ve kept their shirts on at Pro Day. Cushing looked like the Terminator and Matthews looks like he just came off the GM assembly line too. Makes you wonder how many other Trojans are juiced? Who cares?

Well, you don’t want to spend a high pick on an artificially inflated player and watch him attrify right before your eyes. Will he perform at the same level, without the juice, under a stringent testing program? Will he miss games due to suspensions? Would he be a #1 pick without the juice? Is his body going to hold up, steroids make your joints/tendons pop.

Moreover, would he bring an unsavory underground culture to the locker room? Does he feel the need to juice to keep up?

Those guys immediately reminded me of Romanowski, who by all accounts, literally was a Beast; a rabid animal that did just as much to hurt, his team and himself. as to help.

Unless, Falcons move up, they wont get 1st rd. value at 24, unless a Michael Johnson or Maualuga falls to them.

I’m not sold that Vick won’t be traded, Falcons talking about Maualuga means they feel they can move up. To move up, you have to have chips. The #5s don’t carry alot of weight, but throw in Vick or Jamaal Anderson and you could put together a pretty attractive package.

Looks like Vick is going to play football afterall. Goodell can string this thing out if he likes. What would be proper contrition or remorse? Would a 30 min. infomercial crying profusely, like Jim Baker, be sufficient? Point is, the requirement is so vague, that it cant help but be arbitrary and capricious.

Some people, like PETA and others, are never going to forgive Vick, some hated him before and now have something to hang that hate on. But it wouldn’t matter what he did or what he does in the future, they hate him and some instances don’t even know why?

But there’s going to another football league this fall, and who looks most likely to cash in?

The USFL was fun. Herchel and the NY Generals, Steve Young and the Tampa Bay Bandits, Jim Kelly, Anthony Carter… could make for some interesting TV.

Falcons need some of Detroit’s picks, they have 5 in the 1st two rounds. The Detroit GM said he has needs, but he also needs to infuse some talent into his roster. And he’s going to use those picks to get players, he’ll fill needs later.

Detroit could keep their #1, get A. Curry, trade #20 for Vick, swap #2s and #5s with Falcons. Walk away with a star QB, and the best player in the draft and still have picks in their pocket for the later role players they need.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
2:51 pm

DLED –

You would be the man if you searched for YOUR hottest Hooters Girl selection…..Post her and let us vote. We love the side discussions of hotties, i mean, who doesnt?

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
3:01 pm

Stirg- I’m not against moving guys around as long as they can play the position, Brooking moving to MLB did not turn out well at all he was getting killed in the gap. I just don’t think Lofton can move to OLB in the 4-3 and I definitely don’t think Mauluga can move to FS. TD said the OLB’s are interchangeable.
Strickland- That is what I have been thinking especially as more teams move to the 3-4 but there are more pieces to that 3-4 puzzle needed to be affective.

JB

April 3rd, 2009
3:12 pm

Cushing has been rumored to be on roids forever and I am not solid on Mathews either! Without the roids they will just be what they really are 4rd and 4th rounders i home the falcons stay away from them. And why all the talk about Talyor Mays next year he too might be on roids he isn not even the top Safety in College football he is overrated. Do you remember a guy at UT with the name Berry from Ga!!!

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
3:46 pm

I happen to believe Mauluga can play pretty much FS/SS/MLB and even OLB – IN MY OPINION. I have been watching this dude on tape and he is just all over the field. His vision is excellent in traffic and he can break the line. Thumper – should be his nickname. I like him better sitting back and attacking the ball, sit him in deep middle and he can cover the sides….believe that. If anything, he gives that power runner/hitter we dont have, well, Coleman can run and hit – but this dude just looks good to me.

Ok – im done talking about this dude, cause like someone mentioned earlier, He probably wont be on the board when we pick – why? B/C hes a bad arse…..thats why.

Michael Johnson seems to be a fine pass rusher as well. I like a DT for the first pick though, so…there you go.

WE’ll probably end up drafting a name NO ONE has mentioned.

Looking at that schedule next year, we need to be talking about DBs – unless we think our current men can make it happen….VHutchins/CJackson/BGrimes etc…..

Stirg d'Nahsif

April 3rd, 2009
3:50 pm

With all due respect, cutter, maybe you know something that Coach Smith does not. Share, so we can come up! Unlike your suggesting that Lofton cannot play OLB, most scouting reports demonstrate than he can play any linebacker position. The scouting report that I researched, courtesy of WarRoomReport.com, indicated that Lofton’s strengths include “…solid wrap up tackler…(and)…smooth player in coverage”. You mean to tell me this kid can stop the run AND cover well in passing situations? Yet, you don’t believe he’s versatile enough to move to either OLB positions. No offense, cutter, I’m going to roll with the research.

STRETCH

April 3rd, 2009
3:55 pm

The Giants just released Plaxicco Buress. The Falcons sure could use another reciever!

WHAT?

April 3rd, 2009
3:58 pm

The Falcons don’t need another receiver. That’s STRECHING it a bit.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 3rd, 2009
3:59 pm

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/04/03/falcons_usc.html

The USC visit is out there.

ix USC Trojans to work out for Falcons
By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, April 03, 2009
The Falcons are going to Los Angeles to work out six USC Trojans on Saturday.

Team officials will conduct a workout with linebackers Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews Jr., Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava, defensive tackle Fili Moala and cornerback Cary Harris.

“It’s a mass visit with all of the USC [linebackers],” wrote agent Gary Uberstine in an e-mail to the AJC. Uberstine represents Maualuga and Moala.

The Falcons are the process of revamping their defense after five starters left in free agency.

Linebackers Michael Boley (New York Giants) and Keith Brooking (Dallas), defensive tackle Grady Jackson (Detroit), cornerback Domonique Foxworth (Baltimore) and safety Lawyer Milloy (unsigned) will not return next season.

Cushing, Maualuga, and Matthews Jr. are projected first-round picks. The Falcons hold the 24th pick in the first round of the draft, which will be held on April 25-26.

Moala, 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, is considered a second- to third-round pick by Pro Football Weekly. Maiava, 5-11 1/2, 229, is considered a third- or fourth-round pick. Harris, 5-11, 187 pounds, is considered a mid- to late-round pick.

Stirg d'Nahsif

April 3rd, 2009
4:03 pm

What? We may not need another receiver; but, depending on where or if he signs, this will affect the draft, yet again.

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
4:13 pm

Stirg-

I agree with you on Lofton. With all the LB’s we are projecting, we have plenty of room to play all our big hitters and cover guys. Lofton can play all over the field……

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUADXr7_32c&feature=related

TheManMike

April 3rd, 2009
4:15 pm

I wouldnt mind another receiver to backup any injuries or even start…..if we can upgrade, then by al means, up grade…….Could we even afford Plaxo?

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 3rd, 2009
4:24 pm

No way, on Plax. Birds are set a receiver, especially if Robinson can contribute. Do you really want a guy on your team who shoots himself? Didn’t think so.

THEMANMIKE: Sounds like a good research project for us all. I think it’s a stretch to say Maualuga can play either safety spots. He was 249 at the combine and has been as high as 270. He’s just too big and doesn’t fit the hybrid free safety description that TD has. But he’s one fierce hitter.

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
4:25 pm

As I stated earlier I watch alot of film on prospects to develop my beliefs, I watched the kid play alot and to me he’s a MLB. Any website that you go to is going to have its opinion, you found one that actually eludes to my point he struggles in man coverage and lacks ideal height and speed, if you can’t play man coverage as an OLB in the 4-3 you are not a three down OLB your resource also said that he was not a pass rusher so I guess I will retract my earlier statement that he could not play OLB and instead say that he could not play OLB very well… maybe certain situations but not only is he limited physically for the OLB position, he is still learning the MLB position. In my opinion he’s a good football player but I think his mark will be made at MLB. Unfortunately everybody can’t play 2 or 3 positions no matter how close in proximity it is to there own. There are some reports that say Mauluga may not be a three down MLB because of his speed that’s why I watch film so I can see for myself instead of trusting any scouting report available.

Sekou K. Smith

April 3rd, 2009
4:26 pm

Don’t hate Marcus. Any blog with Pam Grier on it is worth my time. Older the berry the sweeter the juice … good lookin’ D. Led!

And if the Falcons get Rey, put me down for season tickets. Dude is a monster!

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
4:27 pm

D.O.L.-cutter agrees FYI

Supes

April 3rd, 2009
4:47 pm

Chances are, any players from that vaunted USC defense were using “something”, but guess what, as long as they use it responsibly, don’t get caught, and continue to perform…I’d love it if they were on MY team…The Falcons. Anyone who thinks that USC players like Matthews Jr, or Cushing etc are the exception not the rule…open your eyes. At least 50-60% of all NFL players are on “something”. There is no test for HGH! Plus, even if you get caught using a mild steroid like Nandrolone, you get defensive player of the year…Shawn Merriman anyone? Yeah, that guy. The best, middle LB, fierce hitter from the chargers, and guess what, he took his suspension, learned from it…and won’t get caught again;)

So please, stop the self righteous dialogue about “steroids” and the USC players. Like I said, I’d love it if anyone of those guys were on my team!

Go Falcons!

tony

April 3rd, 2009
5:00 pm

I hope we draft Clint Sintim. That kid is a BEAST!

angry banker

April 3rd, 2009
5:01 pm

devil dawg – always amazed by ppl who read an entire blog, then comment on it. if you do like it, go read whatever ohio state draft board has beanie wells going 1st over all and JL going 2nd… Big ten homers…

Also – we only lost 1 (thats right O-N-E) starter from the linebacking core from last year. Boley didn’t start the 2nd half of the season. We replaced Brooking with Peterson (an upgrade I might add) lets move on…

We NEED DT (you want moorehead starting in the middle?) and we need a Safety (probably looking more 2nd or 3rd round).

Looks like we’re going to try and let the CDs mature a little bit – so many young short fast mediocre talents at the CB position, with the exception of Chevis (who I think could be a stud this year).

angry banker

April 3rd, 2009
5:02 pm

on sheer measurables we should get Micheal Johnson from Ga tech

angry banker

April 3rd, 2009
5:03 pm

*comment on it – meant to say trash it

cutter

April 3rd, 2009
5:18 pm

Too many colorado’s in the room