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 5th, 2009
12:21 am
You are talking if’s and maybe’s Ken. That is not football, now you are just guessing. As much as you would like to be GM it is not going to happen.
Ken Strickland
April 5th, 2009
2:13 am
WHAT-after all is said and done, isn’t the draft, FA, mock drafts, the combine, deciding which player will be better, or a better fit, just guessing? No matter how much scouting and analyzing data GM’s and HC’s do, it’s still boils down to and informed opinion. You can’t tell me guessing isn’t a major part of football. If a play fails, someone guessed wrong, if it doen’t someone guessed right. That holds true on both sides of the ball. Football is based on IF’S and MAYBE’S. Maybe we should try a rieldgoal, or on side kick, or blitz or try for it on 4th down, or fake a fieldgoal. The QB is taught to read the DEF and IF
Are you telling me you wouldn’t you like to be a GM, or HC or Assistant Coach or a Professional football player or team owner. COME ON, IS THIS THE BEST YOU CAN DO, IS THIS ALL YOU HAVE TO TALK ABOUT?
Big Ray
April 5th, 2009
4:13 am
Ken,
The only thing I disagree with (very mildly, mind you) is the production of Lewis an Davis. It’s not easy to double or triple one’s sack numbers. I’d be thrilled if Davis provided us with 12 sacks next season. Same if Lewis had 6. It’s possible, just not easy. Besides, if things go right, there will be sack threats from more than just the two of them (and Abraham). But you get my drift.
Big Ray
April 5th, 2009
4:14 am
Ken,
Don’t you love bloggers who can’t talk football, they just come to talk about other bloggers? Heh, heh..
PHIL
April 5th, 2009
4:53 am
Any one like the TE from Rice? The thing that scares me most, and I don’t see one good enough dropping that far, is the CB’s. If we don’t get some better ones, the Fearsome Foursome won’t be able to help us.
richbrave
April 5th, 2009
7:52 am
KEN STRICK:
Somebody doggin’ you out for not disclosing ATLANTA’s plans for the draft? Moves in FA etc? If you had that info you’d have your own AJC blog and be the blogmeister. Hell, if you don’t stay nimble, you’re nowhere in this league. Things change from minute to minute. And that’s the only truth.
Bird fan
April 5th, 2009
7:53 am
Big Ray
You seem to miss the point. I read the blog to be enlightened about football (not Pam Grier). If I knew everything there is to know about the game, I would be writing columns, not reading them. That is why I am looking for in depth analysis. Unlike some, I do not voice my opinions when I do not know what I am talking about. Does that simplify the matter enough for you, Big Ray?
richbrave
April 5th, 2009
7:58 am
I would point out once again that USC players are role players in a system and look great when they’re in that system. They don’t always perform well when they are not playing in that system. Be certain that the FALCONS run similar schemes before picking one.
JJ
April 5th, 2009
8:47 am
Since were talking soo much about improving our def. and with all the talk about drafting LB’s, I decided to do a little research.
What is the better defense in todays NFL? 3-4 OR 4-3?
Yes, I know you have to have different type players for each and the falcons have been a 4-3 team forever, but what if we have a surplus of LB? Could we switch to the 3-4? or use both depending on pass/run?
Found a great article by Pat Kirwan of nfl.com. He broke down all the different packages of the 4/3 and 3/4 and their different blitz packages (never Knew their was so many).
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d6974b&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
His conclusion:
“The NFL’S top 2 defenses (Pittsburgh and Baltimore) are 3-4 teams. The top 2 defenses in sacks (Dallas and Pittsburgh) are 3-4 teams. Therefore, it might be time to CONSIDER the 3-4 a better package against modern offenses.”
It’s probably a moot point because I beleive Coach Smith has always been a 4-3 man. But, what if?
richbrave
April 5th, 2009
10:34 am
And here’s a late round nugget for you. Washington D.C. native GREG TOLER 5′11″ 191 CB ST. PAULS, 4.37 personal best, 4.45 consistant 40 time. 24 years old, and raw, but good hip turns left and right, 34″ vertical. Great upside potential and excellent football smarts. Beginning to get noticed since his invite to the UNIVERSITY of RICHMOND combine day.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 5th, 2009
1:18 pm
JJ, I really admire your entry. I also appreciate your research. After reading the article you presented, I have a better understanding of the pros and cons of 3-4 vs. 4-3 defenses. I’m deeply concerned with the flood of suggestions to move from our traditional 4-3 defense to the more unconventional 3-4 defense. I’m fully aware that the top defenses in the NFL, right now, are 3-4 defenses (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Miami, etc.). I perceive that a number of teams in the NFL are looking forward to the switch (from 4-3 to 3-4) and seek similar success as championship teams playing the unorthodox 3-4 defense.
I, personally, have a problem with Atlanta considering “the switch” and here’s why. Thomas Dimitroff was hired because of his unique and quaint abilities. A person cannot be given that description (unique and quaint) unless they are truly different. What makes TD different is the fact that he will “go against the grain”. When everyone goes left, he tends to go right. That is what makes most people successful. I don’t think TD (or Coach Smith) will solely consider switching to 3-4, simply because most teams have chosen to switch against more modern offenses. I really think that Coach Smith’s scheme will work (if players “buy in”) with a non-traditional 4-3 set (I use “non-traditional” for the lack of a better term to describe Coach Smith’s intention to utilize hybrid players).
I, too, did some research after I read your entry and the article that was included. The article seem to demonstrate a preference for 3-4, as opposed to 4-3, because of its ability to conduct a swift and effective pass rush; however, I noted that it did not illustrate a 3-4 defense’s ability to stop the run, which is most important. Out of the top ten NFL defenses against the run, only three of them were 3-4 defenses. Matter of fact, Falcons ranked seventh, in defense, against the run (4-3). My point is this: If a defense can stop an offense from running the ball, it’ll make an offense become one-dimensional, relying on only the pass. Defensively, I’d rather guard against a sole passing offense than an offense that unleashes its weapons by running and passing. Chances are greater to stop the run with a 4-3 defense than it is with a 3-4 defense; and that is why we’ll remain a 4-3 defensive team (period).
Brock D
April 5th, 2009
1:48 pm
“Bring It Back”, did you ride the short bus to school? The Falcons had the number 2 rushing attack in the league. Oh, and Mike Vick threw himself under the bus.
JJ
April 5th, 2009
1:57 pm
Stirg: I agree, stopping the run has to be job 1. I’m just getting bored waiting on some info, any info about our birds. It is a interesting question (3/4 vs. 4/3) and that article does a good job. Did you read any of the comments at the bottom of that article? They said the same as you about the run.
Thank God MASTERS WEEK IS ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PRICELESS: Sunday afternoon, amen corner with hopefully 2 or more in contention….and tiger rolling one in at 18. woo-rah!!!!!!
Mike
April 5th, 2009
2:13 pm
I do agree that Bierman and ANderson are more fit for a 3-4 than a 4-3. I was shocked when Atlanta drafted Anderson in 07, because most thought he would either be an DE in a 3-4 or moved to tackle in a 4-3. I do not believe Abe is a 3-4 DE, and playing LB in a 3-4 he would be a one down lb. I do think that if they draft Mauluga it could suggest that they have intentions of moving to a 3-4. If that is the case I see them taking a DT in the second round. Maybe Moala out of USC. I do not think that they will take a corner in the first two rounds. Jenkins and Davis seem to me the only two corners that have first round talent, and both should be gone by the middle of the first. I think C Jackson will be solid now, with a year under his belt, Houston will be a strong nickle corner. Maybe after the draft Atlanta could pick up S Rolle who I think is still a solid cover guy, and could provide some leadership in the secondary. On offense I do not see a lot of needs other than tight ends, and the pool is deep this year. I do wonder if Robiske is still on the board in the second round and Atlanta is on the clock, do they ignore their defensive needs, and take a receiver?
Ken Strickland
April 5th, 2009
2:43 pm
BIG RAY & RICHBRAVE-I’m far from the only poster on these blogs who likes to research and analyze info, as well as think outside the box. I’ve read too many comments that have actually given me the idea to research some of the stuff I’ve presented. Yet, I seem to be the only one that inspires these clowns, whose football IQ is abviously limited, to come out of the closet and attack.
It’s an old trick used by people with intellectual limitations, especially in areas of interest. It happens when they read or encounter something or someone that really makes sense and is well presented and thought out, but it goes against their beliefs sand/or preconceived notions. Instead of attacking the message, which they’re really not equipped to to, they attack the messenger. The premise is, if you can discredit the messenger, you can ignore the message.
We saw a lot of that in the presidential elections. When they couldn’t deal with Obama’s message or position, they tried to discredit him by painting him as a Muslim or potential terrorist. It didn’t matter to them that both JMcCain and GBush had a long standing personal and business relationship with terrorist Osama Bin Laden that extended all of the way back to the Jimmie Carter era when Russia’s invaded Afganistan. THIS IS THE KIND OF SICK MENTALITY THESE CLOWNS HAVE.
Don’t worry, I’m have too much fun and I’m too excited about the future of the Atlanta Falcons to allow attacks by these imcompetents to desuade me from offering my opinions on these blogs. THOSE OF US WITH ACTUAL IQ’s ARE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO AGREE TO DISAGREE AND OFFER OUR REASONS WHY WE DISAGREE.
jj-I mentioned the 3-4 possibility in an earlier post. The most dominant DEF the Falcons ever had was the 3-4 “GRITS BLITZ” DEF when LBennett was the HC and JGlanville was the DC. We also had a failed attempt at playing the 3-4 DEF when Dan Reeves was HC and Wade Phillips, the Cowboys current HC, was our DC. It failed because he didn’t inherit the right personnel to make it work. After Reeves was fired, the Chargers hired WPhillips as their DC. He got the players he needed to make it work and their DEF was outstanding. Part of the reason Dallas hired him as their HC was their decision to switch to the 3-4 and his expertise and successs with that DEF. CDavis and JAnderson have the size, strength and talent to be successful in a 3-4 DEF. LB’s Peterson, Lofton and maybe Wire would be exdellent ILB in a 3-4. LB’s James and Nicholas would be excellent OLB’s in a 3-4. TLewis would do well as a NT. DE JAbraham would continue being the pass rushing specialist. They’d continue moving him around like they did last yr. Babineauz could also play DE in a 3-4. In fact, we used the 3-4 DEF on occasion last yr.
JJ
April 5th, 2009
2:45 pm
4-3 vs. 3-4
“A problem with this comparison is it talks only about passing situations, how about the run game? (Stirg)
A run up the middle against a 3-4 outside blitz is pretty effective.
There is a good chance of the OL making it to a LB freeing the FB to hit the safety. You are also leaving out the transition to nickle (or dime) for some passing situations.
A lot of 3-4 teams actually transition over to a 4 man front for nickle packages, but dont necessarily have the right PLAYER TYPES to be in a 4 man front.
A 4-3 team can slide into nickle easier. -(interesting…dont see it though, seams other way to me..JJ, I digress)- If a team goes 3 by 2 empty -(what..?)- you most likely won’t have all your linebackers on the field anyways, so the 4 LBs vs. 3 LBs doesn’t cut it as an argument.
There are some 3 man front pass defenses, but you are basically stating no desire to put pressure on the passer. – (but you have 4 LBs behind them ?)-
The comparison also focuses just on line play stunts for 4-3 teams but LB blitzes for 3-4 teams. 4-3 TEAMS BLITZ THEIR LBs TOO.
If you look at the 2 best pressure 4-3 teams (Giants and Eagles), you’ll see you can bring quite a variety of pressure from many different places in the 4-3.”
JJ
April 5th, 2009
2:54 pm
Ken, it was your blog that got me going on this…your excitement over the poss. of 3-4 literally jumped of my screen..so that got me started. After my limited research and knowledge of football, I want to stop the run first. So I guess I agree with 4-3 and Stirg.
D3
April 5th, 2009
4:27 pm
JJ – good argument on 3-4 vs. 4-3 defensive philosophy. It definitely seems that the 3-4 gives much more of a pass rush possibility than a 4-3, but also gives some ground on the run game, unless you got some stud down tackles. It would be intriguing to see if Smitty and BVG would implement at least some 3-4 looks, because even though thats been his base D as a coordinator, he learned under Billick, Lewis, & Co. in Baltimore with the 3-4. The only problem with the switch is that it would take some time to make that switch An example is the Green Bay Packers who are switching to a 3-4, but haven’t seem to make any moves via FA to address it. We’ll
Ken Strick – you’re the man and those of us who actually pay attention to your thoughts recognize it. Don’t even take the bait on the negative guys on here who know very little and always present a dour note. Particularly, those who post under a BS handle name.
Phil – Casey is definitely an interesting prospect, and one that has not been mentioned much. His scouting report from draftcountdown.com:
Strengths:
Super athletic…Has excellent hands…Terrific body control and ball skills…A good leaper who high-points the ball…Above average speed and quickness…Runs good routes and knows how to get open…Will stretch the field…Can do some damage after the catch…Tough and not afraid to work in traffic or over the middle…Smart…Nice instincts and awareness…Hard worker…Mature…Extremely versatile…Big upside
Weaknesses:
Just average height and bulk…Short arms and small hands…Not very strong or powerful…Isn’t much of a blocker, especially in-line…Did not play in a pro style offense…Still awfully raw and doesn’t have a lot of experience…Is older than the average prospect…A bit of a ‘tweener.
I think that playing in a spread type offense has hurt him some for sure, particularly not being able to block well at all. I think we probably could get someone like Nelson, Cook, or Coffman who probably wouldn’t have such a deep learning curve on blocking. But, he does seem to have great ball skills. I mean, regardless of OFF system, scoring 13 TD’s and going over 1,300 yds is d@mn impressive.
richbrave – nice gem alert in Toller. Decent size and gotta love the speed.
Mike – exactly what I’ve been saying as well on top-end of the CB pool. Jenkins is the only one I’d be happy with if he dropped, which ain’t gonna happen, BTW. Vontae Davis doesn’t seem to be a good fit in our leadership, character guy concept. Any player who has serious problems with coaches and is public about it, you have to hesitate. Not saying he won’t be a good player, just not a good fit for us. I too think that Chevis Jackson will turn some heads this year. You don’t start all four years as a CB in the SEC, at LSU, if you’re not up to par. Gotta say that we’re stacked at WR and that is definitely not a need, assuming Robinson comes back up to speed.
19 DAYS & 19 HOURS ‘TIL GAME TIME GENTLEMEN!!!!!
richbrave
April 5th, 2009
4:38 pm
KEN STRICK:
Way too much in presidential and other politics. But none of that from us buddy. I still feel that the FALCONS could have chosen D-line first last year and had FLACCO whom I rated as highly as MATTY ICE. Still do.
Zorro
April 5th, 2009
4:53 pm
Ken,
Jeez man, you off your meds or what? Somebody writes a post you don’t like and that means they are not only intellectually inferior but also support Osama Bin Laden and … the Russians? Now you talk about some people who don’t understand football. You need to slow down fella. You’re headed for a nervous breakdown.
D3
April 5th, 2009
4:54 pm
BTW, new mock draft out by our old buddy Steve Wyche. He has us taking Vontae Davis with our pick and Clay Matthews going to NE right before us. I’m sure he’ll be ok, but anytime you hear about a poor attitude and weak work ethic, it scares me. Honestly, if Maybin/Cushing/Matthews/Jerry are all gone, I say go with Hood or Brace over Davis. Even though, I haven’t seen one mock with Brace going in the first.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80f974f3&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Mike
April 5th, 2009
6:37 pm
Now that I have seen the ignorance coming out, though this was a football blog rather than a place to protect the messiah, and post political nonsense. in the late 70’s and 80’s there was support from the US Govt for the Taliban (which did not include Bin Laden at the time) in their apparent struggle against the Soviets at the time. Those efforts were supported by McCain. And for the record, most people who had a problem with Obama was due to his Socialit Agenda that he is enacting now, and many said those that opposed him were nuts for thinking he could do that. We are seeing the same debacle that those who lived through the 30’s saw, when an 18 month recession that was caused by Hoovers stupidity, was turned into a the Greatest Finacial Disaster of all time by the hands of FDR. Just figured I would try to clear that up now that we are not talking football anymore. No wonder the AJC is about to go belly up.
JJ
April 5th, 2009
7:31 pm
wow…je ne sais pas…wow…eh falcons?
JJ
April 5th, 2009
7:42 pm
R u FRIKEN KIDDING ME? COME ON! Coach ken and mike please battle your political insight anywhere but here..no disrespect..love coach K’s incredible football knowledge and mike..sorry, dont know you. BUT I BET BOTH OF YOU AGREE, THIS IS A FALCONS FOOTBALL BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Side note: I voted for Ms. Foxy Brown! The baddest bitch in the USA! lol
JJ
April 5th, 2009
9:01 pm
good night kids, afraid I’m a early riser and as much as I want to, can’t hang with the cool kids at night! lol, Hoo-rah, go Falcons!
what
April 5th, 2009
9:45 pm
Sorry guys, I didn’t mean to make Ken mad with my late night comment, it was just an opinion. He is still the man. He may go a little bit overboard sometimes but he still knows football.
Ken Strickland
April 6th, 2009
2:29 am
ZORRO-I admit, I did go overboard on that last post. However, you’re not one to talk since you accused me of inferring I accused anyone that disagrees with me of being intellectually inferior, supporters of Bin Laden and the Russians. It appears my post struck a nerve with you. Like I said in my overboard post, it’s all about trying to discredit the messenger while ignoring or distorting the message.
RICHBRAVE-I also wanted them to trade down and draft DT CEllis and then trade up and take Flacco. The Ravens would have jumped at the chance to take Ryan. I actually rated Flacco higher that Ryan because of his stronger arm. What I and a lot of distractors didn’t consider is Smith and TD valued Ryan’s accuracy over Flacco’s arm strength.
MIKE-you were correct in determining DE JAbraham isn’t a 3-4 DE. The fact is he represents almost half our total number of sacks. As injury prone as he’s been thoughout his career, we can’t continue depending on him as our primary pass rusher. As it is now, if he goes down our pass DEF is dead. Also, your trek into the political arena was informative, and you were absolutely correct and very well informed.
BIG RAY-if aging, overweight, shortwinded GJackson got 2 sacks last yr, I don’t think it’s a stetch to expect a younger, quicker, faster, more athletic and energetic TLewis to double that total. DE CDavis doubled starter JAnderson’s 2 sacks last yr as a rotational DE coming off the bench and receiving far fewer opportunities. It’s not unreasonable to expect him to double his total as a starter, expecially with JAbraham herding them in his direction. Having 2 pass rushing DT’s like TLewis and JBabineaux will make it more difficult for QB’s to step up into the pocket to avoid the outside pass rush. We didn’t get that from big Grady, at least not with any degree of consistency.
JJ-I was just using that as an analogy. I wanted to make a point and I used an analogy that everyone should have been able to relate, whether they agreed with it or not.
How many of you can actually say you’ve been this interested and excited about Falcon football this far removed from the seasons end? After the draft, I think interest in the Falcons will still be high. Can you guys just imagine how we can discuss how our draftees will be used, how many will start or play vital rolls? Add that to the normal discussion of who we should have drafted.
Big Ray
April 6th, 2009
9:05 am
I don’t know that Mike Smith would want to go to a 3-4. These guys don’t change their minds overnight, but then….what do I know?
KEN,
I hear you. Doubling, I can see. Tripling is a little harder. I really hope Trey Lewis is everything they say he is, too.
D3,
I saw what Wyche wrote. I guess the biggest question is, does Vontae Davis present a serious upgrade among our group of DBs? If he doesn’t I still gotta go with DT or LB.
terrell
April 6th, 2009
9:06 am
we need to draft Peria Jerry DT from Ole Miss with our first pick if he is still on the boards. He will fill the gap left by Grady Jackson and teams will have to focus on him along with John Abraham which will let Jamal Anderson finally show why he was drafted in the first round.
Glenn
April 6th, 2009
10:10 am
It seems to me that with the major passing attack of New Orleans in play, as well as that of Carolina with Steve Smith, and that of the improved Tampa Bay Bucs(now that they’ve added a top notch tight end), Atlanta needs to be focusing on a hybrid DE/LB (kind of like the Steelers have employed recently).
I personally think the Falcons need someone who can come off the edge and rush the passer with gusto, causing havoc, but can also drop back into coverage and provide run support. I can’t help but to think back to the problems Julius Peppers caused when he came out of school and moved all over the field.
I don’t think a Defensive Tackle will provide the over-all solution to the Falcons problem, just as I don’t think a stand-alone Linebacker or Defensive Back would as well. The Falcons can try to fill those slots after the First Round.
I would also suggest that if a second active hybrid LB/Defensive End was in place, that would open things up for John Abraham, which would, in turn, require double teams to either side of the line of scrimmage to protect the QB, opening up the middle for the Defensive Tackles to have a better shot at one-on-one opportunities, which our lighter, more agile players could take advantage of.
BigSherm7
April 6th, 2009
10:10 am
The Birds need to address the fact that John Abraham is an injury waiting to happen, and that Jamal Anderson (who?) Jamal Anderson (remember him) hasn’t sacked anything since he worked at the local Kroger (talk about a draft day bust foisted on the unsuspecting by Bobby I’m outta heah Pettrino)! Birds go 10-6 or 9-7 with a much more difficult schedule . . . GO BILLS!!!
Falcon228
April 6th, 2009
11:56 am
I still like Peria Jerry or Larry English as the choice. I wish we could grab Brandon Pettigrew though. I missed that big TE last year grabbing a pass and plowing through the secondary. Evander “Ziggy” Hood might be a surprise choice. Patrick Chung is my choice for a second round choice. Unless we draft Pettigrew in the first round. If that happens then I’d grab Sidbury out of Richmond.
D3
April 6th, 2009
1:04 pm
Whats up gents? We’re 18 days & 23 hours away from draft day. Gotta feel the excitement. If TD, Smitty, & Co. put in half of the effort we bloggers have on drafting guys, we should be fine (we know they have).
Seen quite a few mocks having us taking a CB, J.Mike Moore has us taking Darius Butler and Wyche has us taking Vontae Davis. I could live, begrudgingly, with a Vontae Davis pick, but would not be happy with Darius Butler. We can add a CB later in the draft (4th or 5th), such as Sherrod Martin, Keenan Lewis, or Jerius Byrd that is bigger, stronger, and close to as fast, JMO.
Terrell – completely agreed on Peria Jerry. If he’s there, I say its a no-brainer, but I don’t think he’ll be there. Every mock draft I’ve seen doesn’t have him slipping past Tampa Bay.
Glenn – I think a hybrid LB/DE would still be a good option as well. Everyone seems to be jumping on the DT train, understandably so, but I’m still hoping we go with a Maybin, Cushing, Matthews, English, or even Barwin. Although, Maybin & Cushing will most likely be gone & Barwin doesn’t necessitate a 1st round pick I think. Assuming Raji & Jerry will be gone, I would be happy with Hood or Brace, especially if we could add Patrick Chung, William Moore, or Chip Vaughn in the second.
BigSherm – I think thats what they were doing when they resigned Chauncey Davis, at least for this year. I believe we have one more year before we need to draft Abraham’s replacement. Davis, Anderson, & Biermann give us a decent rotation for this year, assuming we draft a replacement for next year.
Falcon228 – I would be happy with Jerry, Hood, or English as our #24. I was completely on the Pettigrew train, until I started realizing how deep TE is this year. As has been mentioned many times, Pettigrew is the most complete TE with catching and blocking, but defense needs the most immediate help. Guys like Shawn Nelson, Jared Cook, Chase Coffman, and even James Casey have huge upside if our coaches can get them in order to block better.
D3
April 6th, 2009
1:05 pm
What is the deal with this blog eating posts? Just totally disappears, like Josh McDaniels good will as new head coach.
Lamar Huffstetler
April 6th, 2009
1:20 pm
I’m not totally convinced that Jason Smith will go #1. I was at the Alabama Coaching Clinic a few weekends ago and heard Ozzie Newsome speak. He stated that there was an offensive tackle in the draft that would probably go in the top ten who never played with his hand on the ground. He said the only time he evaluated film of him with his hand on the ground, they were inside the 10 yard line and he got knocked 4 yards off the ball. I think Schwartz is going to implement a run first offense that complements the defense he will try to build. Would he select a tackle with the #1 pick MIGHT be an effective run blocker? He may, I’m just not sold on that one.
D3
April 6th, 2009
2:27 pm
Some tidbits from NFL.com, they got a couple of stories on the Falcons today:
Steve Wyche on Matty Ice’s rookie season and his outstanding work ethic:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80f8cd49&template=without- video-with-comments&confirm=true
Pat Kirwan on NFC South draft needs, including Atlanta(pretty spot on):
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80f809ab&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Kirwan is pretty much right in line with most of what has been discussed on here including:
-DT being a big need and having a big body like Jerry, Hood, or Brace.
-Interestingly, he didn’t even mention Trey Lewis
-Seems to think that DeCoud, Fudge, & Harris have a legitimate shot @ SS
-Seems to think we look for a safety in middle rounds
-Also says that Peterson might be more geared for a backup role(what?)
-Doesn’t even mention Stephen Nicholas
-Says that Smitty & Co. are down on C.Houston(never heard that one)
BTW, if there was any argument on Rich McCay’s tenure as GM, 4 out of 5 first round draft picks might close the book:
1)Deangelo Hall (no longer with team)
2)Roddy White (pro-bowl)
3)Jimmy Williams (traded up to get; no longer with team)
4)Jamaal Anderson (jury’s still out, but not great so far)
A 25% success rate is pretty awful, especially since 2 of them aren’t even with the team anymore. Is Jimmy Williams even in the league?
D3
April 6th, 2009
2:29 pm
Correction: Jimmy Williams was an early second round pick, but McKay did trade up for him.
D3
April 6th, 2009
2:32 pm
Correction #2: Kirwan’s analysis was ’somewhat’ in line, not right in line, especially since he didn’t even mention Trey Lewis or Stephen Nicholas.
I MUS.WRITE
April 6th, 2009
3:06 pm
Jeezuz- I tired of all the guessing,,,,,,,, Can sumone sneak in and get a look at TD’s Matrix/ Draft Board.
I am not to sure about P.Jerry, the man is to light to eat up space in the middle like Big Grady, I dont think he’s the pick at 24. Dorsey was an animal 2 years ago in the best conference in college football and I didnt hear a peep out of him this past season. I dont think P.Jerry dominated like Dorsey did so…………
WE really need to get 3 of these 4 players…….. Roy Miller, Zach Follett, Lawrence Sidbury, P.Chung
I MUS.WRITE
April 6th, 2009
3:09 pm
Post eating blog strikes again…………
D3
April 6th, 2009
3:24 pm
It’s amazing that so many experts still have us taking Pettigrew, Billick and Mayock now included. I wouldn’t be outright upset with this pick, but TD & Co. better be able to pull huge gems out for D in later rounds.
Mayock, BTW, had us taking James Laurinitus…..Blech!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 6th, 2009
4:02 pm
It’s really not important what position we draft with our 1st pick because we’re more than just one player away from satisfying our needs, especially on DEF, and going to the next level. I’m jacked up by the fact it doesn’t matter who or waht position we draft first, this draft can give us quality at our positions of need. But, it’s up to the individual player to stepup and be productive his 1st yr. We can’t go to the next level if too many of our draftees take as long to develop as DE JAbraham. We need more immediate contributions like we got from last yrs draftees(CB CJackson, MLB CLofton, WR HDouglas, LT SBaker, DE KBiermann and QB MRyan).
It was truely amazing how so many of last yrs draftees developed considering the circumstances. They didn’t have the benefit of a lot of veteran help since, like them, the vets were trying to learn the new system, terminology and coaching staff as well. And in some cases, they were engrossed in trying to make the team themselves. This yrs draftees should have it a lot easier since most of the vets will be extablished and everyone else will be familiar with everything.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter Mock Drafts LB Clint Sintim
April 6th, 2009
4:38 pm
[...] AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter Mock Drafts LB Clint Sintim [...]
TT44
April 6th, 2009
4:48 pm
please dont take another player from the Acc….my goodness, especially the Va. area (vick, and the wonderful CB dont even want to say his name, but his nickname should have been ME…lol…………Get into the SEC for your tougher players. Matt Ryann is an exeption to the Acc… GOOOOO FALCONS!!!!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
5:01 pm
There are so many suggestions to trade down. The draft is deep with players to fill our needs. Most have suggested that, because there is no quality defenseman worthy of “24″, we should trade our first rounder for later rounds. Even Ken just suggested “this draft can give us quality at our positions of need.” If that is true and we cannot agree on a quality defenseman, then why don’t we use the first round pick to fill our need on offense. I know, I know, it seems like I’m pimping Pettigrew again (sorry D.O.; trying to get my point across) but if we all agree that our defensive needs will be satisfied by later rounds then why not pull the trigger on the one player that can change the dynamics of our A-game. Furthermore, if our defense is so crippled, then why not keep them off the field; and how do we keep them off the field? By controlling the clock with the most potent offense in the NFL. Believe me, there will be a quality tackle, safety and linebacker at second and later rounds, just like most have already suggested.
My GrandMa, bless her soul, told me a long time ago, “when you get to a point in your life and you don’t know what to do, be still.” Why pull the trigger on a player and we don’t even know who to shoot? We’ve been debating for months, at least I have, on which defenseman to take at “24″; and we still haven’t developed a consensus. I know this entry seems like a contradiction to my suggesting a tackle for “24″. I still think tackle is a good idea to draft early but I, like TD, think outside the box. After all, didn’t TD draft offense first last year, when everybody else wanted a defensive tackle (Dorsey)? Hmmm.
(Uh-oh), I just realized why this draft excites us and why we blog so much about it. We’re so indecisive about “24″…and beyond. Since blogging with you guys, I done went from safety, to linebacker, to tight end, to tackle, back to tight end. My decision on who to draft is working like John McCain (sure hope I don’t end up with a Sarah Palin).
falcon21
April 6th, 2009
6:16 pm
Thanks D3, good stories on the Falcons.
falcon21
April 6th, 2009
6:24 pm
TT44, Vick was a good pick at the time. No one new he would refuse to grow up.As for ME, you are 100% right.
falcon21
April 6th, 2009
6:37 pm
I did’nt mean for my last comment to sound offense in anyway.If I offended anyone, I apologize.
D3
April 6th, 2009
6:59 pm
Guys, what the Hell? We traded WR Laurent Robinson to swap spots with the Rams for the 5th and 6th rounds? Fellow Bird-Cager’s help me out with this one because I don’t get trading a great, young potential that could have solidified our WR corps. as one of the best in the league.
I’m sure there’s a method to the madness, but I don’t get trading Robinson after such a great rookie year and one injury-plagued year. We didn’t even get an extra draft pick, so we can add WR to our needs now, unless there’s someone out there they would like to pick up as a 4th or 5th option. I mean, thats one injury away from being short at WR. Normally, I’d say awesome b/c that could clear the way for my Bulldog Massaquoi, but he’ll be gone by the 4th. D@mn, WTF?
D3
April 6th, 2009
7:12 pm
Stirg – great point my brother. If its such a toss-up on D, then why not just punch the ticket and make our OFF in line to dominate, just can’t get my head around the Robinson trade, though. The only thing I can think of is that they must have their eyes on some guys in the middle rounds.