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
Reno 911
April 6th, 2009
7:23 pm
STIRG and his grandma make good points. I’m having trouble arguing with that logic, my friend…unless, of course, some team at the top of the second round was desperate for a player and wanted to trade their 2 and a 3 or 4 for our #1. But still, it’s tough to argue against. If the pick comes up at #24, and no one is offering anything good to get into that position, it may be best to take highest-rated player at a need spot, and Pettigrew might be that guy. I still think one of the TE’s in the 3rd might end up being just as good (Casey, Coffman, Ingram, etc.) It’s tough to take the first at a deep position, which TE is in this draft, when defense has so many needs.
Reno 911
April 6th, 2009
7:27 pm
D3- I, too, hope that TD has a couple of guys in mind that we will be able to get at the Rams’ spots that we wouldn’t otherwise have gotten a shot at. It’s always tough to feel good about a trade when you can’t see who it is you’ve gotten in return. There were high hopes for Robinson, but I guess they felt he wasn’t going to get on the field that much (or he wasn’t recovering like they thought he should have been). Tough to say.
Mike
April 6th, 2009
7:28 pm
I will start by apologizing for my political post; I normally try to refrain from such posts.
Ken, I think I was disappointed that you brought up politics in a football blog, because you normally are focused on the subject, and provide excellent insight. Not saying is was right for me to get off topic.
I do not think we should take Pettigrew in the first. We can get a tight end in the third or the fourth that will probably prove to be more value. One guy I like that a hve heard little or no mention of is Maybin out of PSU. I would love to have more of a pass rush from our linebackers than we do now. The Falcons tried blitzing the linebackers against Arizona. Brooking was to slow, and Boley seemed unable to shed blockers. Nicholas however did have some success. Maybin I think would add a much-needed dimension to our D. I do not think Jerry will still be there at 24, and I am not sure that there is another tackle that is worthy of a first round pick. Brace will possibly be hanging around in the 2nd, and so Marks and Maola should last until the 3rd. They could trade down and get some additional picks. Someone mentioned Michael Johnson, whom I think has the highest ceiling of any player in the draft. He also has the lowest floor. I think he is definitely a boom or bust, and feel the Falcons will go with a much safer pick. I like English at DE, but he has had some health issues. Hood has had issues as well staying healthy.
I do think in the division we are in it is important to have a good pass D…but we can not forget about C Williams and E Graham in Tampa.. D Williams and Stewart in Carolina. New Orleans should be the only team in the South without a balanced attack. I do not think we can put a priority on stopping the run or pass. I love Pitts D, but we do not have a Harrison, Foote, or Polamalu. We may grab one player in the draft who eventually performs at that level. I like Ken hope e bring in guys that contribute like last years class did. Even though it seems we lost a lot this year, we have a lot of young talent that has been developing and has shown a lot of promise. I have not been this excited about a draft since the 05 draft when I felt we were one to two pieces away from a Super Bowl.
I do not think Darius Butler is first round caliber at corner. He is small, and does not have the speed to make up for his size. I do like Davis and Jenkins, but think that they will be gone by time we pick at 24. I thnk D3 pointed out that Davis has some character issue, which would not be good at all for this tema. Especially with so many young guys and not a lot of veteran leaders. Lofton more than likely will assume the leadership role on our D and a second year guy in that position needs as few distractions as possible.
WR
April 6th, 2009
7:34 pm
D3, I agree, I know we are putting our trust in TD, and getting rid of long in the teeth veterans was part of it, but the Robinson trade seems a bit odd. We now have no receiver depth, except Finneran, he has been decent, but Robinson was a great young talent that went through the injury bug last year and I for one was expecting great things from him this year. He’s 6′2 and is speedy with nice playing making ability, beyond that, who do we turn to if Jenkins, Douglas, or White get hurt even if they are out only a couple of games we just don’t have any depth. For some reason I get the feeling that our receivers coach Terry Robiske son is on his way here which will use up one of our third round picks.
falcon21
April 6th, 2009
7:50 pm
Would the Falcons bring in a VET. at this point like T. Holt or has someone already picked him up???
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
7:59 pm
D3. This is the first I’ve heard about Robinson. Maybe staff know something that we don’t. Did he have some outside-of-football issues? Was his injury more serious than revealed? Did the famous well-known-for-scouting TD discover a gem in later rounds, like a Massaquoi? Perhaps this is a signal that we’ll draft tight end at “24″. Now, I’m certain of it.
D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
April 6th, 2009
8:07 pm
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/04/06/falcons_rams_trade.html
ROBINSON TRADE. Falcons move up 22 spots in 5th round and 20 in the Sixth.
D3
April 6th, 2009
8:22 pm
Stirg – does it signal that we’re going TE first or that we’re dropping deep in the draft to get some of the guys we’ve been talking about? Honestly, I have no idea now. The only thing that it signals to me is that they’ve done their homework and they have a few ‘gems’ they want to dig out. I was pretty shocked, to say the least, when I saw this trade come over the wires.
Falcon21 – I wouldn’t see us going after Holt because we have our top flight receivers in White and Jenkins, and I think Holt most likely will sign with Tennessee. Hopefully, DOL will have some more info. for us soon.
Mike – several great points. Jenkins is the only CB I would like for us to take in the first. Maybin would be an excellent choice, IMHO, but I don’t think he’ll be there when we pick, same goes for Jerry as you mentioned. With us trading Robinson, I would say that maybe they are planning to trade out of 1st and pick up additional picks. At least I hope so.
D3
April 6th, 2009
8:23 pm
For Robinson, we got to swap picks in the 5th and 6th? Don’t get it.
D3
April 6th, 2009
8:27 pm
Apologize if this is a repost. The blog has made my post disappear, like Percy Harvin’s draft status.
Stirg – does it signal that we’re going TE first or that we’re dropping deep in the draft to get some of the guys we’ve been talking about? Honestly, I have no idea now. The only thing that it signals to me is that they’ve done their homework and they have a few ‘gems’ they want to dig out. I was pretty shocked, to say the least, when I saw this trade come over the wires.
Falcon21 – I wouldn’t see us going after Holt because we have our top flight receivers in White and Jenkins, and I think Holt most likely will sign with Tennessee. Hopefully, DOL will have some more info. for us soon.
Mike – several great points. Jenkins is the only CB I would like for us to take in the first. Maybin would be an excellent choice, IMHO, but I don’t think he’ll be there when we pick, same goes for Jerry as you mentioned. With us trading Robinson, I would say that maybe they are planning to trade out of 1st and pick up additional picks. At least I hope so.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
8:57 pm
Yes, D3, I think we can pretty much count on it. This trade sort of solidifies my theory. Do y’all remember a couple of posts ago when I acted on Ken’s suggestion about the tight end spot and his recommendation of Cameron Morrah from University of California? I suggested that we can make our offense the most potent in the NFL by drafting Pettigrew in round one and Cameron Morrah in later rounds (most draft boards rank him 4-6 rounds). That way, we can play two tight end sets and leave the defense oblivious to our next move. With Jenkins, White, Turner, Pettigrew and (someone like) Morrah in the offense at the same time, there’s not one team that can defend us. Move the safeties up to stop the run and the receivers will burn you man-to-man. Take the safeties back to double cover, Turner will get ten yards before being touched. Need a hot route? No problem; you got two options at tight end, with very good hands. Oh my goodness, the options are endless. My point is this, though: I think that considering a double tight end set offense, not only supports the run (which we covet), it made L. Robinson expendable. We’re still left with four receivers (2 wide and 2 TEs) and two reserves (Douglas and Finneran). Its like addition by subtracting.
Count on it fellows. Pettigrew (or someone like him) will be drafted at “24″. TD disappointed a regiment of fans at the draft last year, by going offense over defense. Look forward to it, again, this year. Defense can come in later rounds, especially with the additions in rounds five and six.
cutter
April 6th, 2009
9:12 pm
Looks like we just gave away a good talent for little or nothing, I could see maybe a swap in third or fourth. So now we’ve got the 2nd and the 7th pick in the 5th round and the 3rd pick in the 6th. Tough call we obviously did’nt miss him last year and now Douglas is on board, kinda want to think there was an issue with character or something… the kid did look fragile.
Boxcarar
April 6th, 2009
9:21 pm
Could TD be enhancing later round picks to package for trade purposes? I have really enjoyed these draft blogs and appreciate all of you guys great insight.
The Dean 21
April 6th, 2009
9:22 pm
I don’t think trading L.Robinson is an issue because: 1.) He has yet to complete a full season. 2.) H.Douglas improvement came quicker than expected. 3.) TD has decided to get another type receiver to compliment Roddy & Jenk. I for one like the move, this gives us more options in trading out of the first round to gain more picks. The biggest question that everyone seems to have is will TD go offensive or defensive with their first pick? Stay tuned for more. DOL: Any wide receiver visits scheduled for the Falcons?
south ga boy
April 6th, 2009
9:28 pm
guys, c’mon. i like robinson but he was not gonna play. 2 solid starters(roddy & jenk), douglas in the slot, & brian as the 3rd down possession rec. where is robinson gonna play. douglas would be the starter if roddy or jenk went down, & you can always pick up an older rec during the year that has been cut, if a starter went out for the yr. due to an injury. what did we pick up, r u kidding me. we moved up 20 spots in the 4th and 5th rd, not the 5th & 6th, so its like an end of the 3rd & 4th. that player could add depth on the o-line, lb, or dt. tranlation be able to make a contribution. we have been to heavy(numbers wise) at the skill pos., gotta add depth and potential starters on the off & def line
Freddy
April 6th, 2009
9:56 pm
I do like this trade, We just moved up 22 spots in the 5th, practically making it a 4th round pick and the 6th round moved up 20 spots, practicaly making it a 5th round. TD, know’s what he is doing. I do think if Pettigrew is available you can count on him being a falcon at 24, he Is top talent and it is a need of ours, but I think he is building our trade value with that second 5th round pick to maybe move up in the second or third. Laurent wasn’t gonna see any playing time, he was frequently injured, and Harry will fill in as the third option with the New Tight end being a big part of the Offense, and then Finneran will be our 5th receiving option. Not a bad option. Then with our second and third round picks you can count on a DT, and Linebacker. With our Fourth round pick a DB. With our TWO fith round picks which one is Almost a fourth round, I wouldn’t expect to hold onto both, I bet we package these to move gain a extra 3 round pick for a Safety..
If someone grabs Pettigrew earlier, I would expect to see a USC linebacker, and Tight end picked in the 3rd round.
But as every expert has said, If Pettigrew is there at 24, You can’t pass him up, it will make the Atlanta Falcons offense, one of the most potent in the league! TD will find the talent in the other rounds. Don’t forget we have our two corners, Houston and Chevis Jackson will win the spot, remember he had as many or more interceptions than Houston and he only played in the Dime or nickel packages.. Don’t plan on any corners in early rounds..
Go Falcons! Everyone don’t be upset with Pettigrew, I bet you will screaming for him as he is going into the end Zone every Sunday!
cutter
April 6th, 2009
10:30 pm
did we move up in the fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth?
Nookah
April 6th, 2009
11:01 pm
Man, it sure is nice to read the comments from all of our fellow Falcon fans. I am just salivating, and endorsing what Ken said in an earlier post (paraphrasing)…can you imagine what these blogs are going to be like during and after the draft? D LED I hope the AJC can take it. In a couple of weeks you are about to have a _LOG JAM!!!!
MIKE, interesting comments and I think you are bang on. However, I think the ‘aints may be looking at Beenie Wells. Remember they released Deuce and they need that bruising back to survive in this division even though we know Sean Payton never saw a pass play he could pass on (pardon my pun). Payton also knows that to win in this league you have to have balance.
The NFC South has some strong, fast and physical receivers who we will meet 2x per year. We will need some speed in the secondary, although I understand the concept of more pressure on the QB resulting in less pressure on the secondary. So the idea of selecting Vontae Davis might not be a bad one assuming his attitude is right. I leave that assessment to the Dynamic Duo.
WR, as I saw the trade I too had the same thoughts about Robiskie. However, this is also telling me that the Dynamic Duo have spotted something lower down that they think they cannot pass on. After looking at this Robinson trade, I think our duo have decided that they need a real deep threat to spread the defense.
Meet Mike Wallace, 6-1, 199; 4.28 – 40; vertical – 40″. The skinny – has big time speed and return ability. He is an absolute burner, one of the fastest players in the draft.
Weaknesses – Not polished as a receiver. Is a bit of a project.
Isn’t it fun to watch the fluidity of ideas as new information comes out. This is so much fun.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
11:23 pm
I think we all can agree that our defense needs help. I don’t think that the need is as critical as most people have suggested (Houston and Jackson are great corners for our system and DeCoud possess what the staff is looking for) but we can definetly use a DT and OLB. In saying that, I believe that our needs, defensively, can be achieved in later rounds.
I think I have discovered a solution to answer our defensive shortcomings, if our needs are not successfully filled in the draft. We should just, simply, keep the defense off the field. I’ve asked these questions before: How do you keep your defense off the field? Dominate the clock. How can we dominate the clock? Draft Pettigrew and Morrah.
Last season (2008), Atlanta was ranked #13, in the league, in Time of Possession, averaging a time of 30:49. That leaves opponents just over 29 minutes of offensive football. If we can add, maybe, five minutes to our time of possession, that means our defense only has to work 24 minutes every Sunday. Still not convinced? Consider this: Baltimore ranked number one in the league with Time of Possession, at 33:10. Their number one tight end is two-time Pro Bowler Todd Heap. He’s their franchise leader in receptions and he holds the record for most receiving two-point conversions in a single season. With sure-handed Heap at the helm, guess who the Ravens go out and get through free agency this year? L.J. Smith. Now, after being the number one team in the NFL with Time of Possesion and with a two-time pro bowler at tight end, why go and get the pass catching tight end, that even we coveted? That’s because they plan to increase their time on the clock with double tight end sets. Imagine defending this firepower: Willis McGahee (RB), Mark Clayton & Derrick Mason (WR) and Todd Heap & L.J. Smith (TE). With Flaco as the passer, who can guess what that offense will do next? No one can. I can almost guarantee that Baltimore will be one of the league’s leader in Time of Possession, again, next year. That will leave their defense, with needs, on the bench most of the game.
Atlanta will follow suit and draft, not only one, two tight ends in this years draft. Pettigrew will go at “24″. We’ll play with DT, LB or may even trade our, now, many picks to move up. Good tight ends, particularly Morrah, will be available deep into the draft. With that line-up (Jenkins, White, Turner, Pettigrew and a Morrah), no one can stop us and we’ll probably lead the league in possession.
I rest my case.
Ken Strickland
April 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
There are several reasons for trading WR LRobinson.
(1)If he had remained and made the team, it might have cost WR BFinnerin his job.
(2)With Probowl WR RWhite, 3rd dn and special teams ace BFinneran, the emergence of MJenkins and HDouglas and the return of RB TBrown, LRobinson became expendable. The return of RB TBrown frees both JNorwood and HDouglas of their special team responsibilities.
(3)It appears TD and Smith have targeted certain players they want in the 5th and 6th rds, and this trade allows us to move up in both rds with just one move.
(4)It’s highly likely his injury problems played a major factor in their decision to trade him.
(5)Both HDouglas and BFinneran were more versatile than LRobinson, especially as special team performers.
We have only one position of need that can’t be effectively filled by someone on our current roster, and that positon is TE. MPeterson, SNicholas, CWire and RJames have OLB covered. EColeman, JFudge, TDeCloud, EBrock and AHarris have the safety positions covered and CHouston, BGrimes, VHutchins, DIrons and CJackson have DB covered. The return of DT TLewis gives us an upgrade at DT. The rating our staff gives to these players will play a major role in deciding what position we select with our #24 pick. It’s time for the 06, 07 and 08 draftees to step up and take over the vacated positions. Basically, we’re looking for 09 draftees that can come in and challenge the incumbents, but most will ultimately provide depth as backups.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
11:30 pm
I forgot to mention something. The teams that ranked worst in Time of Possession last year were Seattle, Detroit, Cleveland and Kansas City. Need I say more?
Ken Strickland
April 6th, 2009
11:33 pm
Oh, I forgot the add reason #6. With the drafting of a pass receiving TE, there will be less need for an additional WR.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
11:48 pm
My final mock draft, considering no more pre-draft transactions:
round 1 Pettigrew
round 2 Ron Brace (or best DT available)
round 3 Clint Sintim or Tyrone McKenzie
round 4 Cameron Morrah
round 5 Nic Harris
round 5 Sammie Lee Hill
round 6 ???
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 6th, 2009
11:54 pm
Maybe I should flip Morrah and Harris (I don’t think Nic Harris will last to round five):
round 1 Pettigrew
round 2 Ron Brace (or best DT available)
round 3 Clint Sintim or Tyrone McKenzie
round 4 Nic Harris
round 5 Cameron Morrah
round 5 Sammie Lee Hill
round 6 ???
I cannot believe I have learned these names by heart. I didn’t even have to google these names. That means I have been spending too much time studying and researching for this draft. I’ll be glad when this is over.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 7th, 2009
12:20 am
Just discovered something new. New Orleans was the number one team in the NFL with Total Offense, last year. Isn’t it ironic that their tight ends, Billy Miller and Jeremy Shockey, both ranked in the top fifteen of tight ends with the most receiving yards (579 and 483 yards, respectively)? Denver and Miami also ranked high with Total Offense and Time of Possession. The irony with those two teams is that they both possess two tight ends, each, that averaged over 13 yards per catch and ranked high with most receiving yards. It seems to me that the teams that carried two pass-catching tight ends (that can also block), dominate most of the clock. Those same teams (Saints, Broncos and Dolphins) also had holes in their respective defenses.
Pettigrew and Morrah (Yes, I’m back on that again; and considering I just finished my fourth Red Stripe, I’m going to be on it for the rest of the night). Intermission.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 7th, 2009
12:34 am
…back. I just thought about the offensive powerhouse, that I mentioned earlier, in Baltimore (I’m trying to get y’all to feel me).
Willis McGahee (and he’s their second RB), Mark Clayton & Derrick Mason (WR) and Todd Heap & L.J. Smith (TE). Can anyone tell me what team is going to be able to stop Baltimore with that offense?
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 7th, 2009
12:52 am
For you UGA guys, does anyone know the rap on Dannell Ellerbe? Does he fit the “hybrid” OLB that TD and Coach are looking for? His he round 3 draft material? I’m thinking about replacing Clint Sintim with Dannell Ellerbe in my mock draft.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 7th, 2009
1:40 am
one more thing, fellows, and I’m going to give up my two-tight end campaign. Last year, Atlanta ranked in the top ten of Total Offense, in the NFL. That, my friends, was accomplished with no tight end contribution. Can y’all imagine if we were playing with Pettigrew, Morrah, White, Jenkins and Turner (backed up by Finneran, Douglas, Norwood and Peele)? On top of that, your only worry next season is to re-sign Roddy White. Its no surprise that a tight end holds the record for most receiving two-point conversions in a single season, with four (Todd Heap, 2003, Baltimore) and that is where Falcons suffer the most. It broke my heart to marchh down into the red zone and come up with three or no points. Pettigrew “24″, Morrah, Jenkins, White and Turner; what a lethal offense.
tyger
April 7th, 2009
3:09 am
Falcons on the move…
Last week, Ray Maualuga, this week L. Robinson; Falcons are acquiring the chips they need to move up. Today’s transaction potentially gives them the flexibility to move into the 14-19 range and grab a starter.
Falcons demonstrated last year that they are not afraid to go after a player they want. Remember, they moved up to get Sam Baker, a player they could’ve gotten later, but instead zeroed in and pulled the trigger. Why would it be any different this year?
Falcons could either move up with their enhanced positioning or they could frugally move down to the top of the second round or third, where I believe this draft will be made. Also, consider the Falcoons had 6 picks in the 1st 3 rds. grabbing Ryan, Baker, Lofton, Douglass, DeCoud, Jackson. Three starters and three on the cusp. They believe in building through the draft and the players are at the top, not the bottom.
This draft is loaded in rds. 2/3 and the Falcons would be wise to move back, but not too far. Last year, the 5th produced but the 7th pick didnt make the cut. So, don’t count on the back end producing too many keepers.
I also think the Falcons are getting bites on M. Vick, who still threw 20 TDs vs. 13 ints. for 2,500 yards and ran for another 1,000 without M.Turner or the current Roddy White-M. Jenkins of today. Not to digress, but Emmitt Thomas was 2-1 as Head Coach and Chris Redman put up 40 points once they had a week to practice, so don’t give me that boy wonder crap, the Falcons were never that bad in the first place. (see Petrino, Hall, Harrington, Vick)
Vick’s settlement with the Falcons, Dept. of Labor, IRS and just about anyone else who accepted his checks makes amends, it also means he’s willing to play ball. At the end of the day, football people will make football decisions and gentlemen there’s a Pro Bowl QB on the board.
If you are a SF, Det, Tampa, Denver, Jax etc. and still sizzling from being burned by taking that QB #1 before, right now, you owe it to your fans to at least inquire into the possibility of immediately taking your franchise to the next level.
Let the football people make football decisions and the PR folks handle the PR. At the end of the day, if you aint winning, you losing.
Also note, at every Redskins game there are organized Native American protesters and guess what? Nobody gives a flying f….., you would never know they were there until you walk by them at the gate. It’ll be the same for Vick too, initially PETA will get their 15 min.; but as time passes and wins accumulate and momentum builds; the winning will overtake the hate and it too will pass.
richbrave
April 7th, 2009
8:07 am
TT44:
I would point out that VA. TECH is NOT VA. intoto. AL GROH has turned out some pretty dammed good ball-players, and at least one RICHMOND player is on an NFL roster every year. DARREN SHARPER from WILLIAM & MARY, HEATH MILLER, D. FERGUSON, TIM HIGHTOWER come immediately to mind. VA. TECH runs a system, and the players FRANK BEAMER picks are often great in that system, but not necessarily in the NFL. That’s why I say, IN GENERAL, stay away from USC players. Same with PETE CARROLL. There are exceptions of course.
richbrave
April 7th, 2009
8:12 am
STIRG:
I would remind you once again about GREG TOLER from ST. PAULS COLLEGE, CB 5′11″ 191, 4.27 personal best in the 40. Consistant 4.40 times. A great pick for #6.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 7th, 2009
8:18 am
richbrave, what is the skinny on this guy, Toler, and what round do you mock him?
JJ
April 7th, 2009
9:41 am
Stirg: I see you’ve come full circle, again! You even have coach ken on board. Good premise with solid facts to back it up, good job! Those jamaican hop’s are working.
I will be happy with pettigrew or nelson for TE. Still would love Brace and Chung, but I trust the “brain train” has plenty of DT, LB, AND S/DB in the later rounds. That’s why “after the draft”, we’ll love these picks for Robinson. Keep up the great work guys! “Jonesen” for some Red Stripe after work now! lol
richbrave
April 7th, 2009
10:52 am
STIRG:
Well, the FALCONS just moved way up in the 6th with the ROBINSON trade. Did they give up their own 5th and 6th? If so I would say 7th. If not them their own 6th pick, but if you wait and hope he’s not in the draft, I think you’re a GM whistling in the dark. I put him 6th or 7th based upon the interest since he was in the U of R combine day here last month. At least three teams have had him in for personal workouts including the REDSKINS who first turned him up, the JETS, and the RAVENS. He’s raw and older, but has the aptitude to have a good career in the NFL with some longevity certainly as a nickel or dime back. With the NFL offensive spreads coming into vogue, a 5th or 6th D-back who brings it is golden today. I have been watching him for some time (three years). His coach WILLIARD BAILEY was a student of mine once and I’ve followed ST. PAULS and BAILEY’s coaching career since his days at UNION, the first time (he had a brief reprise before going to LAWRENCEVILLE). I think TOLER’s the real deal, and his third year in he’ll be a fixture in the five back sets.
Roddy White
April 7th, 2009
11:15 am
Why isn’t everyone making a huge deal out of my (quiet) contract holdout right now? Shouldn’t this be a major news story?
Roddy White
April 7th, 2009
11:17 am
Why isn’t everyone making a huge deal of my (quiet) contract holdout? Shouldn’t this be a major news story?
richbrave
April 7th, 2009
11:25 am
STIRG:
Evidently I can’t. My detailed post has been removed. I rate him late 6th or 7th.
richbrave
April 7th, 2009
11:28 am
WTF. Now my 10:52 shows up. My computor must be messed up.
richbrave
April 7th, 2009
11:39 am
Like D. ORLANDO, I picked SINTIM, but to the REDSKINS rather than the FALCONS. That would require a trade down however, and who knows whether that will happen until the #13 pick on day one. I like the looks of LEWIS, OG from TENNESSEE TECH too, but really only know what I’ve read. SINTIM I’ve seen a few times over his UVA career. He didn’t really excite me much until this year. Seems to have stepped it up, but the defense might have been geared to flow the offense to him who knows. Not inside AL GROH’s program.
D3
April 7th, 2009
12:00 pm
Good Early P.M. gents. What’s with this d@mn weather for chrissakes? I guess the more I look at the trade the more it makes sense, but its just tough giving up a relatively promising WR for no tangible players as of yet. This definitely tells me that TD, Smitty, & Co. have done their homework and are looking to stack the roster with tons of draft picks. Man, am I stoked to this draft here already. The draft is always one of my favorite events of the year, but this year is going to be the best to date. I usually know most of the first and second round candidates, but discussing the draft with you Falcon Faithful has enlightened me to no end. I mean looking at 5th and 6th round candidates? Rock.
Stirg – nice Pettigrew argument. I may have come back around to it as well. He’s still the most popular pick for most mock drafts. And to those that think he won’t be there @ #24, I will have to disagree. I’ve even seen some mocks having him drop out of the first round. I don’t know about the Cameron Morrah argument though. I can see that it has merit, but couldn’t they use those sets with Hartsock or Peele? I don’t think most teams carry more than 3 TE’s on their active roster. Just playing a little devils advocate.
DOL – ’bout time for a new blog post, eh? Maybe something on the Robinson trade and what later round candidates we like, say that our 5th and 6th swaps might merit? Just food for thought. BTW, Red Stripe is the S—! Did you happen to know they make a Red Stripe Light? But only saw it in Jamaica on our honeymoon. Crazy weird, right?
Cutter – don’t know about character with Robinson, but it seems like there may have been a small issue with him being demoted or something after he got hurt. Nothing substantial, though.
The Dean & South GA – good points on the trade. Assuming B.Finn can stay injury-free we’ll be fine. But I suspect we will add at least one more WR in the draft.
Freddy – I definitely won’t be upset with Pettigrew, in fact I’ll be ecstatic. There’s no such thing as a lock that deep into the draft, but I think Pettigrew would lock our OFF into overdrive. I, too, want us to get Cushing or Matthews if he’s gone. Jerry will be gone, and I’m just not sold on Ziggy Hood as a first rounder. Rather have someone like Ron Brace, Chris Baker, or Sammie Hill(big boys).
Coach Ken – good points on B.Finn & HD being extremely versatile on Spec-Teams. Can’t wait for the return of TBrown. The guy was an absolute stud @ UGA. And a great character, leader guy at that.
Nookah – nice pick in Wallace. Gotta love that speed and I remember him playing @ Ole Miss. He tore up Florida in their only loss if I do recall. Here’s another one to take a look at: Louis Murphy from Florida, 6′2, 203, 4.43. Might be gone too early for us, though.
Another shameless plug for one my Bulldogs: the trade of Robinson clears the way for WR Mohammed Massaquoi, baby! And we could grab him in the 5th or so I think, maybe 4th which we probably wouldn’t want to spend, but hey everybody can dream a little, right? His 40 time is a little slow, but he would be a great compliment to our current receivers. I assume we’ll carry at least 5 WR’s.
Another quick food for thought: TBrown could play a little 5th receiver slot, because he was great out of the backfield @ UGA.
newkid
April 7th, 2009
12:22 pm
If Knowshown Moreno’s falling stock renders him available at #24, the Browns might be interested in a swap of Falcons #24 and the 6th round pick for their picks at #36 & #50. Browns badly need a fresh young running back, but their #4 is far too high for Moreno. With #36, #50, and #55, a TE upgrade (e.g., Shawn Nelson) and two ‘immediate help’ defensive pieces could be had. Not sure how much real difference there is between Pettigrew and Nelson.
griffdawg1
April 7th, 2009
12:33 pm
can you say, “AJC sportswriters are morons”!!! DT or hardhitting Safty is what the falcons will be looking at.People get wrapped up in 1st rounders and forget how many really good linebackers are there.Orlando, if you want Sintim, he’ll be there in the third or fourth round you can bet on it!!!I,d rather see the falcons take Patrick Chung although he may be there in the second round. Might be best to take 1.) DT 2.)Safety 3.)linebacker.
griffdawg1
April 7th, 2009
12:35 pm
All that unless Pettigrew is available at 24!!
cutter
April 7th, 2009
12:44 pm
Thats two players from the 07 draft, Martrez Milner TE and Robinson(3rd and 4th round picks). I think Finn is a stop gap at best. 169 yds rec, 5 yds on KR and 2 yds on PR and a costly fumble ain’t quite the SP ace we need. He’s 32 and this is the last year of his contract he has been inactive since 05 with injuries and if he played anywhere else he would have been cut a long time ago. There was something about Robinson Smith or TD did not care for. IMO
Falcon Devil
April 7th, 2009
12:47 pm
If we don’t resign Roddy this Robinson trade will be a HUGE mistake. Didn’t we draft him in the second round? With a few years under his belt and assuming he is healthy I question this trade. While we are stocked at WR moving up in the 5th and 6th isn’t worth it to me. IF we resign Roddy I’ll shutup but if next year Mich Jenkins is our No. 1 I will flip out. Robinson has a Larry Fitz body with alot of potential. I am not on board with this one. How many years does Finneran have left in him assuming his knee doesn’t blowout in pre-season?
cutter
April 7th, 2009
12:51 pm
Conclusion – I doubt they traded Robinson to keep a roster spot for Finneran. Getting rid of Weems would have taken care of that. How do you target a guy as late as the 5th or 6th round? Is he a secret? We don’t know what’s gonna happen in the 1st round so how can you target a guy 100 plus picks later. Everybody is looking for the gem in the later rounds I do believe.
Ken Strickland
April 7th, 2009
1:11 pm
RICHBRAVE-we didn’t gain or lose any draft picks in the trade, we just swapped positions. We didn’t trade WR LRobinson just to get rid of him. He was traded because TD and Smitty wanted to position themselves to draft specific/targeted players in the 5th and 6th rds. Our ability to draft these targeted 5th and 6th rd players will likely influence who we target in rds 1 through 4.
it’s so good to see so many Falcon fans as over the top as I am about the team. I can really appreciate and embrace the current attitude and atmosphere that’s taken over the current Falcon blogs, especially after all of the negative and racially motivated crap that frequented these blogs over the previous 2 yrs. THANKS ORLANDO LEDBETTER FOR YOUR EFFORTS IN THE CLEANUP.
cutter
April 7th, 2009
1:14 pm
I think this trade will be used later to move us up in the second or third round or maybe even to get an additional pick in the third.
darrell starks
April 7th, 2009
1:15 pm
Are you kidding me TD what in the H are you doing you traded a promising WR who is probably your second best WR on your team to move up a couple of spots in the 5th round come on TD the ICE MAN need all his weapons this is and awful trade. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 7th, 2009
1:23 pm
D3, I can go with that. A Peele and Pettigrew tandem would be as effective as Pettigrew and another rookie (I just think that Pettigrew is so NFL-ready). I threw (someone like) Morrah in the mix because the one thing better than a pass-catching threat at tight end, is TWO pass-catching threats at tight end. Justin Peele might be a better option than a rookie tight end because he’s already familiar with the offense and he can groom the new man on the block. You made a valid point about teams not carrying three tight ends. I don’t think Mularkey’s scheme has a big need for it. Therefore, getting two tight ends in the draft is a stretch; but you can surely count on Pettigrew at “24″.