Updated Mock draft: Virginia LB Sintim to ATL
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).
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)
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.
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.
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 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?
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260 comments Add your comment
WHAT?
April 3rd, 2009
5:21 pm
Don’t need any player who test positive for drugs or who shoots himself with a gun. Come on! Some people need to realize what TD and Smith are trying to do. That’s build a team with men who won’t make the front page of a newspaper in a negitive way.
Tyger
April 3rd, 2009
5:37 pm
Dled, your blogs on fire!!! Falcoon Football and soft porn…you do know internet marketing.
Clint Stintim was on my early list, see Falcoon Easy Button #1, but he fell after the combine. He’s stiff as a board. He’ll make plays, but he’s 2nd-3rd round talent at best. Purely, ILB too, doesn’t have the speed or agility to make plays in the open field at the next level or cover well enough.
Orange Alert: Falcoons to Ground Zero stat:
Better get some troops on the ground and find out how bad this steroid thing is; take one of those boys high – and wham, he’s slapped with a suspension – there goes your investment – or he gets off the juice and Tarzan turns into Jane.
Didn’t Merriman blow his knees out too? My point exactly, that stuff will only get you there, it wont sustain you. And if RB are the most easily replaced, LB have to be second, its the same position on the opposite side of the ball. How effective is your LB after major reconstructive surgery? Not very and not long.
The Dean 21
April 3rd, 2009
5:54 pm
I seriously think TD is putting up a huge smoke screen to confuse other teams of their draft selection. Why else would the Falcons be working out LB’S, their need in this draft will be the selection, not their want. The TD & MS approach will be to address their needs by selecting 1. A defensive tackle 2. A defensive end 3. A defensive back in the first round. Like the true experienced blogger have suggested, the Falcons have a hand full of injured players returning which is like adding free agents and their progress will determine the way this draft goes. You heard it right here from the Dean~
Ken Strickland
April 3rd, 2009
6:13 pm
Before LB MBoley left, I read a report that told why he had an off season after having a breakout season the yr before. It stated although he’s quick, fact and has unlimited range, he couldn’t adjust to playing in a DEF scheme that required him to play within a predetermined area. Boley was said to at his best when allowed to roam from sideline to sideline. That’s why CWire did so well after replacing Boley, even though he isn’t nearly as quick, fast or athletic. That same scheme would allow CLofton to be effective playing OLB.
For us to switch to a 3-4 DEF, all we’d need, besides another big hitter at ILB, is a roadblock NT to play the middle, and a number of those types can be had in the lower rds. One of the main reasons teams go to the 3-4 DEF are increased flexibility and the abundance of quality LB’s, and DE’s that can play LB in a 3-4, as apposed to the limited number of quality DT’s available.
Let’s face it, a lot of SB calibur teams and teams with top rated DEF, like the Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Cowboys and Ravens, play a 3-4 DEF. KBiermann and JAnderson would probably be more productive in a 3-4 DEF. MAN, I’M STARTING TO GET ANTSY WAITING FOR THE DRAFT. UNLIKE MY FEELINGS LAST YR, I’M CONVINCED WE’LL GET THE JOB DONE NO MATTER WHAT POSITIONS OR PLAYERS WE DRAFT.
terry
April 3rd, 2009
6:17 pm
per mike smith, all our LB’s will be interchangable…so it doesnt matter if one is coming out of college as a middle or outside. If the Falcons want Rey Maualuga they’ll take him. Whatever LB they take and in whatever round, everyone should be comfortable with it. Smitty was a LB so i think he knows what he’s looking for, and TD knows how to evaluate talent. We’ll be in the top 12 in defense this year and into the top 1 to 5 within a year or 2
Reno 911
April 3rd, 2009
6:23 pm
Now I’m not sure if anyone would trade to move up from their 2nd round spot to the Falcons’ spot at #24, but consider the logic of moving down.
There MAY be a game-changer at a spot the Falcons need at #24, but likely not. Raji (pot smoking or not) will be gone, Orakpo long, long gone… the USC OLB’s and Larry English may still be there, but their value as first rounders may be arguable, and at #24 a team might be overpaying for them. Pettigrew is an arguable first-round talent and value at a spot the Falcons need, but can the Falcons really go offense with their first pick with so many needs on Defense? Probably not. So, IF some other team would agree to move down, consider the advantages of moving down, trading a 1 and a 5 for a 2 and a 3, for example. I’d argue that a early 2nd rounder and a 3rd would do us just as much good as the late 1st that we already have. Now I know that most trade opportunities like that would only come up on Draft day, if for example, a team like the Falcons last year sees a run on OT’s and moves up to take Sam Baker with a late 1st.
Is this a huge waste of time? Sure, but indulge me here. Consider, if a team with a pick in the early 2nd (like, for example, Seattle, or Oakland) saw a coveted player sitting there at 24, but knew they wouldn’t have a shot at him, they might be game. Just for argument’s sake, think about the picks we’ve all bandied about at #24: Matthews/Cushing, Jerry, Sintim, Pettigrew, sean Smith, etc.
Now, think about the guys who we think will go until the 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
prospective 2nd rounders:
Connor Barwin, Sam/Will/DE/TE (I’d argue that in any other year, without such a heavy crop of good LB’s, Barwin would be a first-rounder).
Louis Delmas, S
Ron Brace, DT
prospective 3rd rounders:
Fili Moala, DT
Lawrence Sidbury, DE
Rashad Johnson, S
Dorrell Scott, DT
Chip Vaughn, SS
Shawn Nelson, TE
James Casey, TE
So in the imagined scenario, where the Falcons might trade their 1 and one or both 5s for a 2 and a 3 the Falcons would have two #2s and two #3s.
pick four of the names above, each of which would likely be an immediate if not a second-year contributor in a spot of need. In the scenario, three picks who will be legit players become four:
2nd round: Barwin, OLB; Moala or Brace, DT
3rd round: Rashad Johnson, S; Coffman or Casey at TE
Just a thought.
Reno 911
April 3rd, 2009
6:33 pm
Connor Barwin ran a 4.47 at his pro day, by the way (at 250+ pounds), and posted a 40+ inch vertical at the combine. Even though he’s a DE/OLB, he’d be the best TE on the Falcons’ roster. OK, I’ll stop now.
Phillip
April 3rd, 2009
6:47 pm
Daryl,
enjoy the blogs as always – even though I rarely agree……I would be OK with Clint Sintim – I do think you are a little harsh on Ziggy Hood though – I think he is a very nice prospect that will be considered. I don’t really see a starters role for an OLB right now if the Falcons are as high on Stephen Nicholas as I think they are (you tell me mister beatwriter)……..
It still seems like the best move is a trade down from #24 to somewhere in the #30-#40 range if they can pick up a 3rd rounder to boot.
Cameron
April 3rd, 2009
6:56 pm
DL:
I didn’t know that you had a better idea of what teams are actually are going to draft. I didn’t realize that you were making some of these questionable picks to stir up the pot and keep us occupied until the real draft. That makes me feel better. I also LOVE the fact that you do not like Ziggy Hood. Actually, I would LOVE him at 55 and HATE him at 24. Not enough production out of him or the Missouri defense for all the hype. I don’t think Sintim is a first round pick or a 4-3 LB, I think he is a 3-4 ILB although I assume you already new that.
Stirg:
It is correct that Lofton can play all three LB positions if needed. But, I heard Smith on the radio say that we are not looking to move him out of the middle. Plus, if you read the scouting report you posted you will know why. “Lacks top end speed.” How would he cover Vernon Davis or any other top TEs with speed?
smarter than you
April 3rd, 2009
7:01 pm
Lofton came out on passing downs last year. He is not going to play outside in a 4-3
Seminole Warrior
April 3rd, 2009
7:31 pm
The Birds first pick will be one of the following: DT Ziggy Hood or DT Ron Brace. Smitty’s philosophy is that pressure must come from the DL. Run defense is THE pressing thing that needs to be handled first and foremost. So the DT pick is the pick at #24. Additionally, look for Smitty and TD to add another large DT later (Taylor or Miller). Remember the following as a little history for the defensive-minded Smith. The core is the line. Ravens: Webster-Siragusa-Adams & J-ville: Henderson-Stroud.
Seminole Warrior
April 3rd, 2009
7:33 pm
Taking two tackles also allows flexiblity in that Babs could shift to the outside and play DE in a manner similiar to Dwight Freeney.
Old school fan
April 3rd, 2009
7:53 pm
My personal pick at 24…Darius Butler. I love Grimes’ attitude and work ethic. He is a positive for the team. But, his size makes him a liability against todays taller wide recievers. If not Butler, I have a feeling about Ziggy Hood. I don’t know why. I get good vibes about this guy.
Seminole Warrior
April 3rd, 2009
8:05 pm
Old school…I’m with you. My original choice was SS Partick Chung as most of the regulars here will attest to. But I sense that the pick is moving towards Ziggy Hood as well with Ron Brace as the alternate. The choice will be a DT in the first, a cornerback in the second.
cw
April 3rd, 2009
8:20 pm
First no way Detroit takes a tackle before Stafford. Not gonna happen! They need someone to invigorate the fans and a franchise qb does more for that than a franchise lt. The Falcons will follow old New England practice of building the D from inside out and draft the best DT or DE available. They will hunt secondary players and TE after.
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
8:22 pm
Hood is a 3 technique DT.
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
8:28 pm
Looks like drug test allegations are false.
Ed
April 3rd, 2009
8:48 pm
So are you going to pick someone different each week for the Falcons so you can say you got it right? I will say the rest of your draft is finally looking like the real thing for the first time this year.
TheManMike
April 3rd, 2009
9:00 pm
Cutter-
where you seeing that? If its been confirmed they were not using, then Clay Matthews looks more like a monster than he did before…..in my opinion.
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
9:37 pm
Check out rotoworld.com
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
9:43 pm
USC coach Pete Carroll stated emphatically that rumors of positive steroid tests involving linebackers Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing are “absolutely false.”
“If they were found positive, Clay and Cush would have been notified three weeks ago, which they weren’t, and all of the NFL teams would have been notified too, which they weren’t,” said Carroll. Matthews’ agent has advised NFL Draft Bible to “govern themselves accordingly” after he fired off an e-mail to the site. Illinois CB Vontae Davis has also denied the NFL Draft Bible report.
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
9:44 pm
The NFL has released a statement emphasizing that none of the 32 teams or even the league office have been informed of the drug test results from the Combine.
“The independent medical advisors who administer the tests have notified in writing those players and only those players who tested positive at the Combine. Unfortunately, rumors about draft eligible players … begin to circulate every year at this time. Many of these rumors are circulated for self-serving reasons and they are terribly unfair to the players and their families.”
TheManMike
April 3rd, 2009
9:47 pm
Wonderful. The Juice era is etched….
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
9:47 pm
Still unclear
cutter
April 3rd, 2009
10:49 pm
Hood private workout for Falcons monday.
tyger
April 3rd, 2009
11:20 pm
Something stinks….
Is it the “stinky stinky” at the top half of the draftboard or the “juice” at the bottom half?
Besides Troy Paulamaula, Reggie Bush and Carson Palmer how good are these boys really? Starting to resemble Duke; great college players, not so great pros, i.e. system guys.
Which normally wouldnt be a bad thing, but now there’s something fishy…didnt Keith Rivers blow his knees out too? What happened to Mike Williams?
How credible is this http://www.nfldraftbible.com? ESPN had nothing on the USC steroid allegation, but reported the stinky. Hmmmm….interesting, I wonder why? Same source, but different outcome, hmmm…
Michael Johnson is looking better everyday.
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
11:31 pm
I would find it exceedingly difficult to pass on Maualuga if he becomes available. Even with the desire to revamp/bolster the D-line. Maualuga is the real deal.
Kudos to ‘Nique and Stirg for recalling Lofton’s pre-NFL scouting reports. That was the first thing I thought of the very minute Maualuga was mentioned. He may have come out on passing downs last year, but that’s not to suggest that he CAN’T play OLB. That was just the way things were set up last year.
Honestly, I would have a hard time not liking Lofton and Maualuga in there. Scary. I’m talkin’ Rosie O’Donnell with no underwear scary. Well, maybe not THAT scary…
Sintim? At #24? Nah, I’m not buyin’ that D. Led. Of course, I also don’t think that’s on your final mock…
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
11:33 pm
While I don’t condone the act, I have to laugh about the “B.J. Raji tested positive for marijuana” stuff.
Guess what OTHER big time defensive tackle had the SAME issues coming out of school? Warren Sapp. I’m JUST SAYIN’.
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
11:54 pm
I’m not sweating the allegations. That’s media fodder for fools to feed on.
Truth is, the people who need to know? They’ll find out. And that ain’t us, now is it?
WILLSTER
April 4th, 2009
6:33 am
DO YOU REALLY THINK WE WANT A PLAYER,FROM VIRGINIA,PLEASE,IF THE FALCONS DONT GET 2 MEN THAT THAT CAN COVER EACH CORNER,WELL LET ME TELL YOU ALL NOW WITH THERE 2009 SCHEDULE,IT WONT MATTER WHO THEY DRAFT.IFORSEE A 6-10 SEASO, IVE ALREADY WENT AND BET THE SEASON UNDER FOR THE FALCONS,BECAUSE I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT TURNER WONT HAVE THE YEAR HE HAD LAST YEAR,SO RYAN WILL MAKE MORE MISTAKES,IUSED TO GET SO PISSED AT HOW THE FALCONS PLAY,NOW I JUST BET AGAINST THEM,SO THIS SEASON I SHOULD BE VERY HAPPY,AND THE FALCONS NEVER WILL GET RAY, HE WILL BE LONG GONE,BY THE TIME 24 COMES SORRY FALCON FANS, PETTIGREW WILL BE A SAFE HAVEN FOR RYAN.
marko
April 4th, 2009
6:37 am
Orlando, I’m giving away my age a bit but I remember Rosie Greer quite well He was a total monster on the on the field. Off the field he liked crocheting. He was standing only a couple of feet from Robert Kennedy when Bobby was assassinated. Watching a friend senselessly murdered before your very eyes is pretty serious stuff. Mock drafts on the other hand, are harmless fun. Just something do till the old toe meets leather next fall. If some of these folks hate yours that badly, maybe you ought to consider giving them their money back. Pete Carol has come out and stated that the steroid rumors concerning Cushing and Matthews were false. It seems that league is supposed to notify the kids and the teams when somebody fails a drug test. Evidently they really dropped the ball on this one. They only told the guys at draftbible.com. This should lend equal credibility to everything else you read on their site.
WILLSTER
April 4th, 2009
6:38 am
I write in caps because the falcons have had me in a rage since 1966.one of the worst franchies of all time,THANK GOD,IGREW UP A DALLAS FAN ALSO,ledbetter,youre mock draft is way off base.
Bird fan
April 4th, 2009
6:57 am
DOL
Skip the sophomoric Pam Grier crap and try to write a decent football column. You might get into some details on why we should pick a particular player rather than just stating the obvious fact that we need defensive players. Your two and three line evaluations of the Falcon’s needs are very shallow and lack any sort of in depth analysis.
David
April 4th, 2009
7:29 am
They aren’t drafting LB first round.
JJ
April 4th, 2009
7:52 am
WILLSTER: Try to grasp this concept: If we upgrade our front seven and pressure the qb more, our db’s will instantly be better. I am no fan of Houston but the coaches say he’s improving and I think this will be his 3rd year.
I hope you bet BIG against the falcons to calm your 43 yr. rage!!!
richbrave
April 4th, 2009
8:26 am
USC linebackers, no. Get behind the glitz and glitter FALCONS fans. That safety looks good for #1. Otherwise go up front and take a DT. Marcus FREEMAN in the 3rd at ILB.
Ken Strickland
April 4th, 2009
9:33 am
Think about this. If the Falcons didn’t have a 1st rd pick, we could still get everything we needed in this draft. This draft is loaded with talented 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th rd LB/DE hybrids, SS’s, CB’s, TE’s and DT’s. Who and what we draft with our #24 pick isn’t nearly as important as who and what we draft after the 1at rd. There are actually players projected to be 2nd and 3rd rds picks that are better values and better fits for us than some projected 1st rounders. TE and LB immediately come to mind.
When you look at our positions of need, there isn’t a significant talent difference between the projected 1st rounders and some 2nd and early 3rd rounders. This draft may not have as many marque players as last yrs draft had, but it certainly appears to be as deep, if not deeper, in overall talent, especially at our positions of need.
TD might not draft the particular player some of us would prefer, but he’ll certainly be able to draft a talented player at every position of need. We have talent at every position on our current roster that can step in and replace the FA’s we’ve lost, except for TE, which is the position that will get the biggest upgrade through the draft. Last yr, we started crawling. This yr, we’ll try to walk, but 2010 is the yr we’ll shed our diaper, start talking and running around the house wreaking havoc. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jack
April 4th, 2009
9:51 am
BJ Raji and Percy Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the combine.Clay Matthews tested positive for banned substance…as did others.I think you need to adjust your board accordingly, because they WILL drop like a rock as a result.Hey AJC, do you need someone who DOES THEIR HOMEWORK??
richbrave
April 4th, 2009
10:01 am
I would look at CORNELIUS LEWIS, TENNESSEE STATE OG in the 5th. 6′4″ 330.
Doug Boy
April 4th, 2009
10:53 am
Great article D…loved the Fearsome Foursome…love Pam Grier more tho…
D3
April 4th, 2009
1:05 pm
Good Saturday Afternoon fellas. Picking at #24 has a ton of options, but I think that those options have seemed to have boiled down to OLB and DT. For all the talk of getting Mauluga, which would be awesome, it will be a moot point because he’ll be long gone, IMO.
I know there’s a ton of negative vibes about Cushing and Matthews on here, but I would be happy with either one at #24. They MAY be juicing, but until its proven as FACT, they are innocent until proven guilty, officially. Any of the following would be a solid pick, IMHO: Jerry, Hood, Cushing, Maybin, Matthews, and maybe Brace.
Personally, I think any safety or CB will be a reach in the first round, unless Malcom Jenkins drops to us, which is highly, highly unlikely. I definitely don’t get the Sintim pick. Sure, he’s more experienced than say a Matthews, but he seems that he may be maxed out and a little slow. Sintim seems like a big reach, particularly with Cushing sitting there.
Marcus
April 4th, 2009
6:37 pm
Sekou, my man, no hate. Pam Grier is vintage, and as you read my top-of-the-head short list, I gave Beverly Johnson madd props.
Looks like our draft prospects might become USC East like we were a southeast extension of VA Tech during the Mora era.
Dont mind as long as we go D heavy and pick up a versitle TE.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
7:56 pm
It’s amazing the number of people who get all mad about a mock draft that comes out WEEKS before the draft. News flash: nobody does a FINAL mock that early, and ALL of the experts will change theirs more than once before the draft actually GETS here. Calm down.
WILLSTER,
Hope you didn’t bet too much money. You might end up as bankrupt as somebody who used to play football around here. By the way, are you related to VS2?
BIRD FAN,
You could provide your own indepth analysis, you know. Like several others here, who are doing it daily. You DO have some, don’t you?
JJ
April 4th, 2009
8:34 pm
WHAT UP BIG RAY? The draft must be closer with all of our new bloggers. Yes, D-Led’s mock is weak this week, but I bet hes just covering ALL possibilities until D-DAY.
JJ
April 4th, 2009
8:47 pm
You know mine (brace,chung,nelson), who’s your fansy this week and do you beleive houston is going to get better? I’m already tired of this Kyle Orten highlight reel which off course shows #23 jock in hand!!!
They (falcon brain train) say he’s going to be the real deal this year. Memo to chris: stay out of highlight reels for our visitors!!!
Coach Ken: How do you survey / grade our db’s? Are they “youts” in training? Love grimes heart, wish we could fold it into houston head. Beleive houston was a 3rd pick from mckay? Scouting report my trusty f.f.bloggers (d3, stirg, marko, seminole, d-led, ren0, etc,,,)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2009
8:58 pm
At Final Four party. Michigan State represented for the BIG TEN/ELEVEN!!!
SEKOU: Thanks for stopping by.
TYGER: I’ve got to keep honing by internet marketing skills.
PHILLIP: Thanks for dropping by. You don’t have to agree.
SMARTER THAN YOU: Good point.
WILLSTER: Pettigrew is in Sunday and Monday to visit Falcons, according to his camp.
BIRDFAN: Thanks for your commentary.
TRYING TO GET INFO OUT OF USC workout today. Maualuga met and interviewed with the Falcons. He let his Pro Day workout stand, according to his camp.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
9:12 pm
D3,
Agreed. Just about any DB is a reach at #24….unless there are NO good DT or LB prospects at all by then, which I don’t believe will be the case. And Sintim is a reach as well.
JJ,
What’s up, man? I can only hope that Houston gets better (I assume you mean Chris Houston). I think we could use a draft pick to help out there, but I couldn’t tell you who that should be. All the guys that I figure can help out immediately seem to fit three categories: gone by the time we pick, not good enough for the #24 pick, and gone by the time we get to our 2nd round pick. But that’s just my thinking.
Your ideas of Brace, Chung, and Nelson are cool with me, but something tells me we get derailed from that by the time we get to the 2nd round. Then again, you never know.
To be honest, I don’t know what to think at this point. I keep hearing how good Peria Jerry is supposed to be, but I just don’t know. I have no hesitation with Maualuga, but who’s to say we even get a sniff of him? I don’t think we do. I’m not completely convinced of Cushing or Matthews, although they damn sure look good on tape. I like Hood, and I’m cool with picking Brace.
The talk of tight ends seems to have died down, although Pettigrew is still our pick on a few mocks.
I don’t know, man. I do hope we get a good safety in the draft though.
DeadManWalking
April 4th, 2009
10:48 pm
Thanks for the updates Ledbetter.
Saw this on ESPN website.Don’t know if it means much.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Team needs: Defensive line, outside linebacker, safety
Todd Kirkland/Icon
The Falcons could use some pass-rush help in the form of Georgia Tech’s Michael Johnson.
Dream scenario: The Falcons already had the ultimate dream scenario last year when they hit big at quarterback (Matt Ryan), left tackle (Sam Baker) and middle linebacker (Curtis Lofton). Still, their defense wasn’t that good last year and Atlanta is looking to get younger in several areas. The best way to improve a defense overall is to start with the pass rush. In that area, the Falcons, who have the 24th pick in the first round, have nothing but John Abraham. They could get him some help and score some major points with the hometown fans if they can land Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson.
Plan B: Drafting so late in the first round means the Falcons can’t lock in on any one position. If Johnson or another quality pass-rusher isn’t available, it will be easy for Atlanta to move in another direction. The Falcons let outside linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley go through free agency. Although they brought in free agent Mike Peterson, they need another starting outside linebacker. USC’s Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews could fit nicely.
Scouts Inc.’s take: “It’s a defensive pick, obviously. When you’re picking that late, it’s the best available defensive player. Thomas Dimitroff is a Scott Pioli guy, so there’s always the chance they could trade and go back a few picks if the defensive player they want is there. The one thing that kind of intrigues me is Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas. Would the Falcons take a chance on him? It’s a potential-type pick, but he has the athletic ability and size to be a top-flight NFL safety. But how quick is a guy from Western Michigan going to be able to step in?” — Jeremy Green of Scouts Inc.
Who has final say: Coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff are one of the most harmonious duos in the league. They almost always come to a mutual conclusion because they’re usually on the same page. But Dimitroff does have the final say if a dispute ever arises.
Ken Strickland
April 4th, 2009
10:58 pm
JJ-before we can evaluate any CB in this draft, we must first determine what type of DEF we intend to use them in. There are CB’s with zone skills, cover 2 skills and man cover skills. The CB’s on our roster are better in man coverage than zone. Because of our poor pass rush, and our former SS’s poor coverage skills, we played a lot of zone.
Smith was disappointed with CB CHouston’s physical play at the line of scrimmage. When playing zone, you want your CB’s to be physical and jam the WR hard at the line to prevent the WR’s from getting on top of your LB’s and safeties before they can drop back into their zone coverage areas. That’s not a problem when playing man DEF, but you must have a solid pass rush for man coverage to be effective. In fact, you need a solid pass rush for any pass DEF to be effective.
DE CDavis had 4 sacks to 2 for JAnderson with fewer opportunities, and should double or triple that amount with increased starter time. DT GJackson had 2 sacks, and TLewis, who’s younger, quicker, faster and more athletic, should double or triple that amount. DT JBabineaux should benefit tremendously from the increased pressure from the L side and the reduction of double teams. The increased sacks will also be accompanied by increased QB pressures. If we add another athletic DT like Hood or Moala, our pass rush will really be upgraded.
danny ray
April 4th, 2009
11:41 pm
a defensive lineman and a tight end are what the falcons need with the first two pick. give Ryan the weapons he needs and the Falcons go from a good offense to a great offense that will score early and often. the opposing teams will have to change their game plan early which usually means more passing, this allows the defensive line to go after the quaterback. under pressure there are more inteptions. the offense is so very close to being great. go for it!