Updated Mock draft: Virginia LB Sintim to ATL

I wonder if Pam Grier also missed that you have JL the OSU linebacker picked twice (16 & 23).

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I don’t think the Birds are going to go LB with the first pick, but let’s assume they are. Still, I’m not sure you’re on target with Sintim. You may know about some weighty intangibles, but did you watch the Combine? Matthews beat him handily in every category. If we’re talking about an edge LB here, he’s gonna have to go into coverage. Sintim was s-l-o-w (4.82 40-dash), while Matthews did 4.67. Sintim did not do the press. Why? Matthews jumped higher, jumped longer, and was much more impressive in the 3-cone drill. Matthews did exceptionally well in the 20-yard shuttle, which would seem to be a key test for outside LB. Sintim skipped that test, too. Why? On paper, I don’t see picking Sintim ahead of Matthews. You say Matthews is a 1-year wonder. Maybe we should focus on the word “wonder.”

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marko: GSU and the foxy browns? na
D_LED: nice pics(pictures, not pics) but I still say DT-NT!
Lot of talk og K.Orten this morning, the consensus is he’s just an average qb. Well, Chris Houston made him look like a probowler last yr. I’m praying that a beefed up front seven will help our dbs.
Agree with my faithful blogers, too many TE to take Pettigrew at 24, I like Shawn Nelson. However, we cant pass up on Chung if he’s there at 55, highly ublikely.

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Here’s an interesting tidbit. . .it is being reported that both Clay Matthews & Brian Cushing tested positive for steroids at the combine. Not confirmed yet, but neither is the report that Raji & Harvin both tested positive for weed.

I’m not so sure Denver will try to move up to take a first round qb. .they need too much defensive help, don’t you think?

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I don’t see the Falcons picking a 3-4 OLB, unless they plan on moving him to DE. How are his coverage skills as a LB anyway. Also, if Rey M. is there at #24, I say take him and move Lofton to the outside. I’m almost positive he played there in college. Stay away Mike Mamula, I mean Clay Matthews Jr. and Brian Cushing. Like you said, we need thumpers, not run and chase guys playing LB. Rey M. is a first class thumper.

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He might be better than some of the AJC writers, but he still needs a proofreader. He said that Sintim played in a pro style OFFENSE. Put down the bong!!

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I see you like CLINT also. Catch my little comment about your mock draft selection for the REDSKINS at #13. How’s that drug test for CUSHING going? Trade down for SINTIM if possible.

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This mock draft is the worst one I have seen-If Cushing is there no way the falcons pass on him-I dont think he will be there-look for Clay Matthews Jr to be the pick DE OLB 6-5 250 great pass rusher good against the run very fast off the edge and great bloodlines father Clay uncle Bruce played over 35 yrs combined in the NFL.

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Matthews is the pick at 24 unless we move up or down or a gift comes wrapped from someone falling. Solid player and the apple does not fall far from the tree…good bloodline.

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Clint Sintim? What the heck is that? Who has ever heard of Clint Stintim…why not wait until the 2nd round to draft that guy…? We need someone with proven credentials not just big arms and flashy speed.

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Who is playing DT this year??? If we aren’t going to draft one in the first round, don’t they have to sign someone in free agency? I don’t understand how they are going to stop the run with a worse d-line than the one last year, which couldn’t stop the run.

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Not too sure about this one, D.O. I like Sintim; I like him a lot but I think he sill still be there in the second round (not sure if he’d last until 55, though). Again, here we are in a situation where we have disregarded what we already have. We have needs at multiple positions but when you evaluate our current roster, you will note that some of those voids aren’t as sensible to fill before others. When you consider the signing of M. Peterson and the healthy return of Robert James, you will note a lower priority to fill that position as opposed to defensive tackle, tight end or strong safety. Again, I’m not trying to knock Clint Sintim (I continue to put him on my draft boards). I just don’t think he’s a 24, in this draft. He may be a top ten in the next draft or may have been a top ten in a draft that is stingy with linebackers. This draft, however, I’d rather take my chances with a second round linebacker (or later) than pulling the trigger, on uncertainty, in the first round. There are just too many question marks with this class of linebackers: Can he play the 4-3 after playing 3-4 in college? Can he stay healthy? Can he race with the tight end in pass coverage? Can he stop the run? Is he a three down linebacker? There are just too many questions involving this year’s draft of linebackers. It’s too questionable to consider any of them for round one.

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no way the falcons pick pick Sintim over Mathews or Cushing since both fit mold of what falcons look for in linebackers

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Brian Hunt you are 100% correct.

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Mention you know who & you get “waiting moderation”. WHY?

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we are bringing in Rey Maualuga for a visit, who is a better player than either Cushing or Matthews, as well as C. Simtums! So if he falls to 24 & they fill that either him of Lofton can play SAM backer, which they obviously fell bc they are bringing him in for a private work out. Remember that they said that one of the reasons why they took Lofton last year was bc he could play both MLB & SAM backer, you go from having a subpar LB-ing core going into the offseason, to having a stud group & one to grow with for years in Nicolas, Maualuga, & Lofton. With Peterson, Wire, James, & Gilbert as reserves! Now that’s a group!

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James Laurinatis picked 2 times??? wowww! lol
Why did you see Simtin before Cushing???? Cushing is more athletic to me

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What’s up guys? Just a little tid-bit here on my lunch break and I’ll get back on it later. Nothing like a new post about the draft. As my old high school coach used to say “Gotta Love It!”

DOL – I like Sintim’s measurables, but his stock has been dropping a little bit since his average-to-poor showing at the combine and pro day. He is somewhat more of a safer pick than Matthews, due to his experience, but does he have as much upside? Personally, if all the LBs are gone (Maybin,English,Cushing,Matthews), I’d rather go Hood in the first, even though its pretty much a crap shoot picking a DT late in the first. For every Mike Patterson and Luis Castillo, there’s just as many or more Marcus Tubbs, Justin Harrells, and John McCargos.

Also, if Cushing is there, no way we pass on him. He has been a stud on the college level at a big-time program for years. Just as well, Rey Mauluga is a d@mn torpedo missile that you would have to consider taking and adjusting Lofton as needed, or the other way around. Out of the three, Mauluga is a the beast of the bunch. Although, I’d hate to move Lofton to OLB after he had such an awesome rookie year at MLB, knowing he’s only going to get better.

I know Matthews is a risk, but what I love about him the most is his work ethic. Matty Ice, of course, had the skills to become Rookie of the Year, but his work ethic is what led him to come in, start, learn from his mistakes, and play lights out as a Rook.

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Yo D-Led,
I don’t really like the Sintim pick…just doesn’t seem like a good fit. BTW, OSU linebacker must be a beast if he can play for two teams. Also, next time you decide to draft a guy twice try to do some research and spell his name right: LAURENAITIS

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Guys, guys, settle down now. You know what happens when you “clown” the wrong person on this blog, don’t you? I’m not sure why everyone is so up in arms, though I agree that Laurinitas shouldn’t be picked twice. If anyone in this draft deserves to go multiple times, it’s Aaron Curry. I have him going to Kasas City at #3, Cleveland at #5, and then in his third and fourth picks, falling all the way down to New England at #23 and the Falcons at #24. As long as the teams don’t play in the same division, why not play for more than one? Just a quick jersey change and a charter jet to get from one game to the other, right? Think outside of the box, people.

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Cushing and Matthews are on peds. Can you say Cheaters? Once they are clean they will be safetys.

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Oh Lord people – Pam Grier? Come on! Where have you all been the last 5 to 6 years???

Hooters girls are the best there is. Go to their sites and look, stare, admire – at the youth, not the former youth. come on DLED – Pick us some HOT women, not just former hot women…..seriously.

I dont see a LB being our first pick unless its big Rey Mal. Like someone mentioned above, Lofton can play SAM, so there it is. Have you seen the tapes on this dude – hes a mini Troy Polumalu! Exactly what TD said he wanted, am i right or am i right?

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What’s everyone’s reaction to the reports that Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing both tested positive for steroids at the Combine? I can’t find any iron-clad reporting of it on the ‘net, but I must admit that it doesn’t surprise me much. I always thought that Cushing had too much of a misshapen HGH-like jaw/forehead thing going on, and as much as I love the Clay Jr story, going from 160-something pound walk-on safety to 240-something pound first- rounder OLB, it does seem a little improbable that he made that happen on protein shakes and peanut butter sandwiches. Sigh. I really liked both of those guys.

But the question now is, if either or both of them DID test positive for ‘roids at the combine, what happens to their respective draft positions? How much faith do you have in either of their physical abilities, assuming that if they did test positive, both have probably been juicing for a while (at least when I went through it, NCAA substance testing was a joke, especially compared to the NFL’s program). Knowing that any player testing positive once will be under the microscope thereafter, do you trust that Matthews or Cushing won’t drop 20 pounds and get slower if his all-natural (like Tony Mandarich did back in the 90’s)? Do both of them all of the sudden become second-rounders? Luis Castillo, DT out of Northwestern, tested hot for ‘roids a few years back, was still drafted by the Chargers, and has gone on to play pretty well for them. If I recall, Castillo sent out a mea culpa letter to all of the teams in the league after his positive result, saying that he was desperate in trying to recover from an injury, and made a mistake. But would Cushing and Matthews have the same claim? Neither had been recovering from anything, unless it was recovering from a lack of “first-round” natural ability. All highly speculative, of course, and I hope that neither one of those guys did test positive…it’s just interesting to think about the ramifications on the draft if the reports are true. Thoughts?

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

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

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That*

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

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

Thoughts?

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

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RENO911 –

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

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

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

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Cutter -

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

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

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

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Cutter and TheManMike

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

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JG- I agree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Stirg-

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Falcons!

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

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

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

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

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*comment on it – meant to say trash it

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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.

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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~

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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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Looks like drug test allegations are false.

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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.

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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.

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Wonderful. The Juice era is etched….

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Hood private workout for Falcons monday.

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I would look at CORNELIUS LEWIS, TENNESSEE STATE OG in the 5th. 6′4″ 330.

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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.

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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.

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?

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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,,,)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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).

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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!!!!!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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wow…je ne sais pas…wow…eh falcons?

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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Correction: Jimmy Williams was an early second round pick, but McKay did trade up for him.

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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

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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!!!!

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[...] AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter Mock Drafts LB Clint Sintim [...]

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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).

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Would the Falcons bring in a VET. at this point like T. Holt or has someone already picked him up???

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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.

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For Robinson, we got to swap picks in the 5th and 6th? Don’t get it.

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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.

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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.

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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

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did we move up in the fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth?

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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.

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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?

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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 ???

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Why isn’t everyone making a huge deal out of my (quiet) contract holdout right now? Shouldn’t this be a major news story?

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STIRG:

Evidently I can’t. My detailed post has been removed. I rate him late 6th or 7th.

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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.

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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.

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All that unless Pettigrew is available at 24!!

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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?

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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.

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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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STIRG- you were tearin it up last night, man. Like I said before, I can’t argue with your logic. Time of possession is a killer, and having big TE’s with good hands that can make tough catches in traffic are all too valuable. That said, though, I still can’t see the Falcons putting more than two picks on offense, and I feel like one of those needs to be an OT. Maybe I’m too conventional, but looking at the schedule next year, I feel like a solid front 7 with some heavies up front has got to be the priority…and while I am hopeful about the much hyped (perhaps overhyped?) return of Trey Lewis, I am skeptical about the front-7’s ability to withstand the pounding that will come at the hands of the schedule that lays ahead: Giants, Dolphins, Cowboys, Patriots, Panthers x2. If we don’t have some beef up front, those teams will dominate the LOS, I fear. Shoot, maybe there will be just the players we need at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th picks (DT, OLB, maybe DE), but I’m not sure if the Falcons can run that risk. When’s the draft, again? Good times, man.

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I think you set yourself up for to much scrutiny down the road if you have the 6th rank offense and the 24th rank defense and you use the 1st pick on offense, we need and want a TE obviously but if this defense is ranked anywhere close to 24th next year with Pettigrew on board and we lose the season on defense like last year, that would be UGLY.

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STIRG, I have a new found respect for you mi breddren!!! Red Stripe inna di nite? Ah cudda wha suh!!!! Best beer, yuh dunn kno’!!! (Just a little local lingo for the yardies – nuff respect!!). I trust you were only have the “liquid export” and not mixing it with the “agricultural export”. (just saying)

I hear your argument about 2 TE’s but as someone mentioned before, I think Pettigrew and Morrah may be just as effective as Pettigrew/Peele, and furthermore Peele knows the system. I like Morrah but I’m not sure we’ll spend 2 picks on offense unless for some unknown reason a marquee offensive player falls to us. One thing’s for sure you may have convinced me about TE at #24.

I am also wary (in a good way) of the Dynamic Duo. I am not sure they are done dealing. These moves are indicating to me that they are using this draft to concentrate on quality and not quantity personnel and improving the depth on this roster. As Ken keeps reminding us, any of the players that are drafted will certainly improve our team considerably. Even if they are not immediate starters they will have an impact on the depth of our team. If we are using the NE model, you know it’s a “process” for the long haul. Each decision is not only for filling a position of need today, but it is a decision that will impact the future and contribute to a winning product for a number of years.

D3, thanks for the comment. I also looked at your guy Louis Murphy. Also has excellent speed and size. He may have been overshadowed by Percy Harvin. Could he be the diamond in the rough? Sometimes these guys can be sleepers especially when there is another guy in the program who gets more attention. Massaquoi is an intersting prospect. Not a burner but runs excellent routes. 6-2, 210, runs a 4.5-4.6 40 dash; 36 1/2 vertical. He is very durable and has a terrific character. However, I think we can get better value elsewhere but interesting. Just my opinion.

Keep the banter going Falcon fans. This is so intriguing. Go Falcons!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!!

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Ken, you are correct; it is refreshing to talk Falcons football and not the negative blogging in the past. We all should thank DOL for that. It looks like TD and smitty have created a master plan that has confused us all and possibly other coaches & GM’s. One could guess on a 1st round tight end, but could also argue on a first round DE. It appears one thing for sure; the Falcons will either trade the 24th pick or select the best player available for their needs.

I surely can’t argue with this young football genius who has made him self look real good in selecting draft picks. I suggest that we continue our opinions and see who comes close to TD on draft day! Good Luck Falcon Fans! BTW, on the schedule next year, I think the Falcons can and will complete another winning season! GO FALCONS!!

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Reno 911, I was tearin’ it up lastnight, yeah, but them Red Stripes were somethin’ serious. I agree with you; I hope the Falcons spend, at least, one pick on the offensive line. You’re right, we’ll need it in the long run.

Cameron, we did take a pass catching receiver off the field; we got rid of Robinson. Remember? A two-tight end set does not mean you have to play with a fullback and does not mean you have to play with one wide receiver. We played with a lone backfield for years. Remember William Andrews and Gerald Riggs? I remember when Dan Reeves even used our tight end as a fullback, for the entire season (Koslowski, I believe). There may even be a time when an empty backfield is necessary. The point is, the options are endless with a two-tight end set. I’m not talking about running a two-tight end set all the time. Its just nice to have options. We needed options, last year, down in the red zone. Why were we passing on third and goal at the one yard line? Having tight ends bunched in will allow your big back to pound it in the end zone; but, imagine the options to pass if we cannot run it in.

Booyaka! Booyaka! Nookah, much respect! All di while mi drink Red Stripe, a true. All fruits ripe, yeah. Bredda. “agricultural export”? lol, funny. I can tell, you’re a bowl of fun. I admit, it was kind of a far fetch to sound off about two tight ends in the draft (hell, one is even a stretch) but I’m glad to know that my explantation was convincing enough to change your mind.

I’m telling you, bretheren, Pettigrew is the real deal. Reno 911 implied that this draft is deep with tight ends (he compared a 9-catches-for-92-yards tight end vs. a 4-catches-for-40-yards tight end). The point is, Reno 911, Pettigrew offers much more than just catching the pass. He prides himself with blocking.

I discovered this mock draft, dated January 16, 2009. The scouting report, conducted by Craig Jacobin (I have no idea who that is), suggests that Pettigrew is the perfect fit for the Falcons, despite our needs on defense. Read the report:
The Falcons will continue to build around their budding young QB by giving him another toy to play with at the TE position. Of the two first round TE’s, Pettigrew’s the guy who can serve as an extra power blocker, while making the occasional catch underneath when nobody’s open downfield. Pettigrew is a great blocker and has solid hands–it’s his speed that is the issue. But ATL doesn’t really need a speed guy—they need a mauler who can help clear holes for RB Michael Turner.

I was reading an article lastnight were Oklahoma State’s Defensive Coach recalled when Pettigrew came over to him during a game and said “Coach, lets run to my side…I got a good block.” The Coach remembered thinking to himself, “here’s a guy that is not even concerned about his personal stats in receiving and yardage. Instead, he just wants to win.”

I rest my case, again!

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