Mock Draft 4.0: Sintim the Superhero
Ran into the Caped Crusader at Six Flags. While waiting almost two hours to ride the Goliath, I wondered where would Batman go if he was this week's Mock Draft? Is he a tight end or a defensive end?
Gotham City — Not really sure where Batman would go in this week’s Mock Draft.
You see, there is a major problem. Batman doesn’t have any super powers. He has good hands, great agility, strength, but doesn’t have a top shelf 40-yard dash time. He’s what they call a long strider.
Ahmad "Batman" Carroll (4) played for the New York Jets last season after a stint in the Arena Football League. Photo by Jason Getz / AJC
Also, his cape is a clear violation of the NFL’s uniform policy and Commissioner Roger Godell certainly wouldn’t let him play with his utility belt. That’s where he hides all of his really cool gadgets.
You see, the last time Batman was in the draft, he went pretty high. Arkansas’ Ahmad “Batman” Carroll, of Douglass High, went to the Packers with the 25th pick in 2004.
The Falcons have the 24th pick, so Batman isn’t a factor for them if he’s just a 25th pick. So expect the Falcons to stay with Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim with just 15 days before the draft. (Check out some of his Superhero highlights.)
The draft boards around the league are rounding into their final states. This will be the last week of visits for most teams and two major scenarios are taking shape. One with Matt Stafford going to the Lions with the No. 1 pick and the other with Baylor left tackle Jason Smith going to the Lions. (We’ve been in the Smith to Lions camp, in part based on a interview with Lions coach Jim Schwartz at the combine and observations from Stafford’s pro day workout in Georgia.
Another local player is apparently on the Falcons radar screen. Oklahoma guard George “Duke” Robinson, of Washington High, is set to visit the Falcons on Thursday, according to his folks at Impact Sports. Robinson doesn’t figure to be the pick at No. 24, with the Falcons having more pressing needs on defense.
Oklahoma's Duke Robinson, a former star at Washington High, is sent to visit the Falcons.
He’ll likely be gone when the Falcons select in the second round with the 55th pick overall. This visit falls under the due diligence department. Robinson is creeping into a few first rounds in some mocks. Unlike Alabama’s Andre Smith, Robinson took the NFL scouting combine seriously.
He showed up in shape and ready to workout. Robinson measured 6-foot-5 and weighed 329 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.29 seconds.
COMMUNITY CORNER . . .
But before swing into this week’s Mock Draft 4.0 selections, lets take some time out to look at what some of the Falcons are doing in the community.
The team cheerleaders will make several local television and radio appearances to promote their upcoming tryouts and will perform on air. In addition to rooting the team onto victory, the cheerleaders make an average of 500 community appearances each year.
Been thinking about joining the Falcons cheerleader squad? Get the details this week. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
On Sunday, you can catch them on 11 Alive Sports at 11:35 p.m.
On Monday, on Fox’s Good Day Atlanta at 8 a.m.
On Thursday, on Dave FM 92.9 about 3 p.m.
On Friday, on V-103 FM about 3:30 p.m.
Also, Tight ends coach Chris Scelfo will take part in a USA Football coaching school for youth and amateur coaches on Saturday, April 18th at Westlake High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (There is cost of $45, but you get some Under Armour gear!)
Jason Snelling at the National Walk for Epilepsy in Washington, D.C.
Also, running back Jason Snelling recently took part in the National Walk for Epilepsy in Washington, D.C.
Punter Michael Koenen will host the Dream House Golf Classic at the Olde Atlanta Golf Club on April 23. It’s a fundraiser for Medically Fragile Children, Inc.
BACK TO THE MOCK DRAFT . . .
In addition to the Stafford issue, the other major bomb that must explode is what is Denver going to do with the 12th and 18th picks. Will they move up to get Mark Sanchez or will some other team, perhaps Tampa Bay make a move to get into the top ten.
But until those deals are done, we’ll have to work with the draft order that’s out there. I went back and pulled last year’s Mock Draft and graded out how things went. There are two ways to grade. You can count direct hits like Falcons take Matt Ryan with third pick.
When the order changes — like it did with all of the draft day trades — sometimes its hard to pile up the direct hits. Then you count having the correct player in the first round. In last year’s draft, I was proud to get Ryan correct on a direct hit. I’d missed on Jamaal Anderson the previous year. I thought former coach Bobby Petrino would pull for his former player Amobi Okoye.
In the top 10, I had 4 direct hits and 9 of the top 10 players picked correctly. Jacksonville took Florida DE Derrick Harvey with the No. 8 pick. I had Leodis McKelvin in the top 10. He went 11th.
The only other direct hit was San Diego taking Antoine Cason with the 27th pick. Overall, I had 25 of 31 of the first rounders. The biggest whiff was on Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith, who was sitting there in the third round when the 49ers scooped him up with the 75th overall pick.
Also, I had Sam Baker in the second round and didn’t envision the run on left tackles that caused the Falcons trade up and get Baker.
Here’s a look at last season’s Mock Draft.
AJC’s 2008 MOCK DRAFT
Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter projects the first round:
Team …………..Player ………………….Pos. ..College
1. Miami ……….Jake Long………………..OT ….Michigan
2. St. Louis ……Glenn Dorsey …………….DT ….LSU
3. Atlanta ……..Matt Ryan………………..QB ….Boston College
4. Oakland ……..Darren McFadden…………..RB ….Arkansas
5. Kansas City ….Chris Long ………………DE ….Virginia
6. N.Y. Jets ……Vernon Gholston…………..DE/LB..Ohio State
7. New England ….Leodis McKelvin…………..CB ….Troy
8. Baltimore ……Ryan Clady ………………OT ….Boise State
9. Cincinnati……Sedrick Ellis…………….DT ….USC
10. New Orleans….Keith Rivers …………….LB ….Southern Cal
11. Buffalo……..Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie..CB ….Tennessee St.
12. Denver ……..Rashard Mendenhall ……….RB ….Illinois
13. Carolina ……Jeff Otah………………..OT ….Pittsburgh
14. Chicago……..Jonathan Stewart …………RB ….Oregon
15. Detroit……..Chris Williams …………..OT ….Vanderbilt
**16. Arizona……..Phillip Merling…………..DE ….Clemson
17. Kansas City….Branden Albert …………..OL ….Virginia
18. Houston……..Mike Jenkins …………….CB ….South Florida
19. Philadelphia ..Gosder Cherilus…………..OT ….Boston College
20. Tampa Bay……Devin Thomas …………….WR ….Michigan State
21. Washington ….Derrick Harvey …………..DE ….Florida
22. Dallas ……..Aqib Talib ………………CB ….Kansas
23. Pittsburgh ….DeSean Jackson …………..WR ….California
24. Tennessee……Felix Jones………………RB ….Arkansas
25. Seattle……..Kentwan Balmer …………..DT ….North Carolina
**26. Jacksonville ..Quentin Groves …………..OLB….Auburn
27. San Diego……Antoine Cason…………….CB ….Arizona
**28. Dallas ……..Limas Sweed………………WR ….Texas
**29. San Francisco..Malcolm Kelly…………….WR ….Oklahoma
**30. Green Bay……Reggie Smith …………….CB ….Oklahoma
31. New England….pick forfeited
**32. N.Y. Giants….Tyrell Johnson …………..S……Arkansas State
(** Was not selected in the first round last season.)
Loading ...LEDBETTER’S 2009 MOCK DRAFT 4.0
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. The have to protect Matt Cassel’s blindside.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. Can learn the ropes behind Matt Hasselbeck for a year or two.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas. Should fit nicely in Eric Mangini’s version of the 3-4.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Bengals get a receiver as they prepare to say goodbye 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. There could be some trade action with this pick. Sanchez’ stock is climbing.
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. They could go TE, but this would be too high for Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew.
12. Denver Broncos: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. The Broncos add a head-hunter to their unit.
13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss.
14. New Orleans Saints: Brian Cushing, LB, USC. Saints get a backer to hold things down alongside Jonathan Vilma.
15. Houston Texans: Percy Harvin, WR. Florida. Pro Bowler Andre Johnson needs some help.
16. San Diego Chargers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Philip Rivers get his wish, an outside deep threat.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Jets get their Brett Favre replacement.
18. Denver Broncos: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. If Broncos don’t move up to get Sanchez, they could set back and move up to get Freeman.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. Is a good fit for Tampa’s Cover-2. He’s a solid corner, but doesn’t have elite speed to play a lot of man-to-man coverage.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California. He slips, but doesn’t get past the Lions.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. They must find a replacement for Tra Thomas.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. Despite having Pat and Kevin Williams, Vikes thing Jerry is too good to pass up.
23. New England Patriots: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State. Son of former wrestler “The Animal.”
24. Atlanta Falcons: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia. The chants from Falcons fans for “defense, defense” will be heard. Check out some highlights.
25. Miami Dolphins: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. Has a big upside.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews Jr., LB, USC. Ozzie Newsome played with Matthews Sr. and knows what he’s getting.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. There are some whispers about Moreno climbing up some draft boards. His tape is just so good, some teams will overlook those slow 40-yard dash times.
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. They attempt to replace Plax.
30. Tennessee Titans: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. His 40 times are scaring a lot of folks.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut. Edgerrin James will get his wish to be release after this pick.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois. Terrorized the Mid-American Conference when healthy.
FIRST ROUND FRINGE
Robert Ayers, DE/OLB, Tennessee
Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Alex Mack, C, California
Connor Barwin, DE/TE, Cincinnat
Batman a.k.a Bruce Wayne is also known for his intellect. What Batman might be lacking — no super hero powers — he could make up for with brain power. Sintim did go to Virginia and is close friends with Chris Long. Is Sintim the right Superhero for the Falcons? Check out his highlights and let us know what you think? Good move to past on tight end Brandon Pettigrew? Why is Duke Robinson coming in for a visit after guards Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl mauled folks last season?
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138 comments Add your comment
SeminoleWarrior
April 12th, 2009
4:24 pm
D3, I’m with you on the reported trade talk. I can not see TD making that move. Trying to finalize this mock…24 (not the Jack Bauer edition) is killing me. All of you know I have been with Chung but I am truly beginning to think that the USC kool-aid is already on ice at Flowery Branch.
Edward
April 12th, 2009
4:24 pm
D3 – According to Mayock on NFLN, Cushing and Matthews are better suited to the SAM in a 4-3. Now, I don’t know how much faith you have in Mike Mayock, but just going off the posted pro-day stats, I think either one would be a good pick. I just don’t know if they are going to be there at 24. ESPN says that Cushing was invited to NY for the draft. I figure they think he’s going in the top 15. On a different subject, you have Chris Baker listed as a DT. ESPN has him listed as a DE that can move inside. Also apparently he’s had some legal problems in his past, do you think that TD would draft him?
Seminole – I think the Falcons are just doing their due diligence on Duke Robinson. I don’t think they’ll take him in the 2nd round, but if he falls to them in the 3rd, it might be good value pick. On the Tony Gonzalez, (my earlier comment is still awaiting moderation), I don’t think they will do it. He would at best be a temporary solution at the cost of a 2nd round pick. No deal.
SeminoleWarrior
April 12th, 2009
4:35 pm
Edward, I’m with you 100% on both of your last two comments.
D3
April 12th, 2009
5:18 pm
If you’re not busy then switch on the Masters. Tiger Woods is ‘da MAN. He and Mickleson are going toe to toe in a title fight. Both are at -10 with 2 holes to go. WOW. Kenny Perry is still technically in the lead, but me thinks he chokes it once he sees the scores. Man, one of the best in recent memory.
Edward – yep, that seals the deal then. Perfect fits all around. I put a lot on Mike Mayock’s judgement because he usually has good predictions, analysis, and so on. I’m hoping and wishing that at least one of them will be there, but I agree that Cushing will most likely be gone. Yeah, you got me on Chris Baker. I think he has a little more upside than a Roy Miller, Sammie Hill, or Terrance Taylor but you’re right in talking about his legal issues. TD, Smitty, & Co. will probably pass on him b/c of that. Insert Roy Miller or Sammie Hill instead of Chris Baker.
Question to Bird-Cage: Even though this is highly unlikely, If all the following players are gone (Cushing, Matthews, Pettigrew, Jerry, Maybin, English) and we can’t trade out of our spot, who do you take?
SeminoleWarrior
April 12th, 2009
6:00 pm
D3, give me Roy Miller AND Terrance Taylor in the fifth. Both are in the mold of the type of tackles that Smitty would love to have. It would give him the same setup he had when he was DL coach with the Ravens as well the cornerstone of a line to emulate what he had in Jacksonville. Good value picks at five…
SeminoleWarrior
April 12th, 2009
6:03 pm
D3 and Bird Cage: Assuming Cushing, Matthews, Pettigrew, Jerry, Maybin, and English are all off the board, assuming they are the best at their positions, then the position of GREATEST need with the best player still available is SS and my man, Patrick Chung. Fill the need!!
Ken Strickland
April 12th, 2009
6:13 pm
EDWARD & D3-if you read Morrah’s scouting reports, you’ll find he’s basically a smaller, faster version of bPettigrew. If you’ll notice, the criteria that seems to carry the most weight when judging TE’s in this draft is pass catching ability. Under blocking skills, BPettigrew has a #1 rating and CMorrah has a #2. There isn’t another TE with a blocker rating above #3 until you get to the #9 rated TE, Virginia’s John Phillips, and he has below average speed. In fact, all of the other TE’s with at least a #2 blocker rating have average to below average speed. TE CMorrah is the only TE with at least a #2 rating as a blocker and above average speed.
Since the Falcons are primarily a rushing team, blocking skills should carry as much weight as receiving skills. If we were a passing team like the Colts or Saints, and needed another primary receiving target, then receiving skills would be a definite priority. We need a complete TE like the Cowboys JWitten, not a one dimensional receiving TE like TGonzalez. Also, we’re not looking for a receiving TE as a 1st or 2nd receiving option because we have Probowl WR RWhite and improved WR MJenkins for that. Cameron Morrah is exactly what we’re looking for in a TE, and he’d be an absolute steal in the 3rd rd. If you were hungry, would you spend $2 on a chicken brest, or #1.50 for a thigh and 2 sides, then use the money saved to buy something else, like maybe another piece of chicken?
Michael Johnson might be a project, but as a premier pass rusher, he’s the real deal. And, a premier pass rusher is what we need if we have to replace DE JAbraham and what he brings to the table. It’s a lot easier to teach someone how to defend the run than to become a premier pass rusher. If you doubt it, just see the struggles of DE JAnderson.
WR
April 12th, 2009
6:16 pm
I’m not sold on the USC kool-aid just yet, more so, the need or emphasis of drafting a DE or DE-OLB hybrid seems unlikely early in the draft and here are the reasons. For the most part defense appears to be everyones concern, whether on this blog or through the so called experts opinions but lets break it down. The Falcons aren’t down on our corners or Linebackers as much as we are which leaves them with CB’s,Houston, Grimes, Hutchins, Irons, and Jackson. DE, Abraham, Davis, Biermann, Anderson, for LB, Wire, Peterson, Nicholas, James, Lofton, Gilbert, S, Decoud,Coleman,Harris,Fudge, lastly DT, Babs, TLewis,Moorehead, Jefferson. Moorehead has 6 years of experience and Jefferson has 4 which just about indicates they have reached or are at least close to their maximum potential with limited upside. The other players are either veterans with a couple good years left or young players who are continuing to develop within the system. Point being, DT is the biggest worry on defense, with LB in need of depth and younger players to develop. No I’m not sold on our DB’s but their young and even without a good consistent pass rush they held up okay. Deion Sanders couldn’t cover a receiver all day without some kind of pass rush, and Mike Singletary definitely would not be in the hall of fame if not for DT’s keeping offensive lineman off of him. Which laids to my mock draft
1st–TE Pettigrew-Not as fast as a Jared cook but better blocker and good receiver
2nd–DT Sammie Hill-6′4 329, from small school so being overlooked
3rd–OLB-Marcus Freeman–Not a quick fix, but a quality player to develop
4th–DT Vaughn Martin–freakish defensive tackle (6′3 331 runs 5.0 or better 40) small out of country school, bit of a project but upside unbelievable
5th(a)–CB Kevin Barnes–6′1, raw, but talented
5th(b)–OG Louis Vasquez
6th–OT Andrew Gardner
7th–WR Brooks Foster–6′3, talented developmental project that will add needed depth
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 12th, 2009
6:24 pm
I seriously believe trades, releases and signings will greatly affect, at least our, draft picks. I just read an interesting article that describes Detroit’s QB, Culpepper, as a beast. He was signed and played last year at 290+ pounds; and, to tell you the truth, he wasn’t that bad when you consider his late arrival. This year, he has already reported to off-season workouts around 260lbs. and teammates described him as a “man on a mission”. He will not talk to media and appears to be really focused for the upcoming season. I think examples like Culpepper, will greatly affect how teams draft in the first couple of rounds.
Tight Ends
I have preached it before and now it appears to manifest itself before the draft. Is it just me or has anybody else noticed the run for tight ends. Teams with already high-ranking tight ends, are trading for and recruiting more tight ends for the position. Baltimore already has a pro bowl tight end in Todd Heap. What do they do? Go out and hire an L.J. Smith. Tampa Bay already has a very good tight end in Alex Smith. Why go and grab Kellen Winslow? In addition, there are a number of teams that have two tight ends averageing more than ten yards a catch. Call me crazy but it appears that teams are negating cover two coverages by implementing two tight end sets. If this is true, do you still think my theory of Pettigrew/Morrah or Pettigrew/Peele in two-tight ends sets is inconceivable?
Grab Pettigrew in the first round and draft for defense, thereafter. Matter of fact, it appears we are going to have to draft early for a strong side linebacker. Who, on our current defense, is going to match up with Alex Smith and Kellen Winslow?
Edward
April 12th, 2009
6:48 pm
My good friend Ken, I agree that if Morrah is still there in the 3rd round, he’d be a good pick. I just don’t think he’ll be there at #90. I would also want to fix some of our defensive needs in the first two rounds. I still believe that the first round board for the Falcons might be something like this: Cushing, Matthews, Jerry, Davis, Jenkins, then Pettigrew. I also believe that most if not all of these players will be gone by #24. If they are gone by that time and the Falcons can’t get a satisfactory trade for the pick, I have to agree with Seminole and reach a bit for Smith, Delmas, or Chung.at safety.
The big question at that point would be: what is their biggest need? Is it safety, DE, DT, TE, OLB, CB? If its DE, then draft Johnson or the next best available DE. If its safety, etc. etc. etc.
I don’t know if I’ve seen a draft like this where a player could be taken anywhere from #20 to #40 and not be considered a reach or a drop. This draft should have incredible value in that area.
marko
April 12th, 2009
7:52 pm
D3, thanks for the kind words, Seminole,I had speculated some time ago about Thomas and Scott getting together on a trade for Tony. The price tag you suggested seems a bit pricey. I’d still consider it though, Junior Seau contributed alot to the patriots over the last few years.Gonzalez is a lot like Seau. Great career but no ring. If Tony wants to come here to find his missing ring, We’d be crazy not to help the old guy out.
marko
April 12th, 2009
8:03 pm
Seminole, I second Roy Miller at five. I’d take a peek at Dan Gronkowski, tight end Terps, Check out this kids combine numbers and explain to me why he has’nt earned a lot more ink than he’s gotton so far.
falcons lost in space
April 12th, 2009
9:51 pm
Matt Ryan is still a bust. Defense is how this team will win. The GM is a bust too. they were real lucky last year watch this year!!
Big Ray
April 12th, 2009
9:53 pm
STIRG,
The only problem I can conceivably see in your tight end theory is that if teams are really that hard after tight ends, we won’t have a chance at Pettigrew. Especially since Philly let L.J. Smith go….
MARKO,
I can only see doing trading down from the first round into the second if we get a HIGH second round pick. Otherwise, it’s not really worth it, to me. I can see a lot of good talent going in the top half of the second round, which is what will cause some teams (ours possibly included) to reach for certain players in the lower part of the 1st round.
Seriously, if you want a guy that you feel is a 2nd rounder, but he is likely to go in the first 5 or maybe even 10 picks of the second round…and your 2nd round pick isn’t until the 20th….well, you have a choice. You can either reach in the 1st round for the guy you really want….or you can get another guy that was your 2nd choice at that position, and do so with your 2nd round pick. IF, that is, your 2nd choice is going to be available. No guarantees.
D3
April 12th, 2009
9:55 pm
How much would you hate to be Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell right now? All Kenny Perry had to do was make ONE par over the last 3 holes and he’d be wearing the green jacket. Pretty entertaining Masters, kind of ended on a crappy note. Two years in a row an American hasn’t won the Green Jacket. Anyway…….
Got some good bloggin’ goin’ tonight in the Bird-Cage:
Ken Strick – hate to sound like a Morrah hater, but Morrah has the following breakdown on negatives from draftcountdown.com:
“Questionable instincts and awareness…Isn’t much of a blocker…Not real tough or physical.” I know that these websites are all over the place in their evalutations, but it at least should put something of a doubt out there that he’s not such a good blocker where he’s shoulders and above guys like Nelson, Cook, and Casey in terms of having a chance to become a good blocker. And the argument that blocking skills should carry as much weight as receiving skills, then why is Hartsock not good enough to carry the TE torch? Not saying that he might not be a bad pick, but to say that he is superior to other guys is a bit of a reach.
On Michael Johnson, I would definitely agree with you only if we were moving J.Anderson inside permanently. That would kill two birds with one stone, having C.Davis & MJ competing for a spot, and Abraham and Biermann on the other side. IMO, we don’t need to use our 24 on DE this year. If we were to move J.Anderson inside that would give us DT depth immediately, and have C.Davis and MJ compete for the spot under the assumption one would take over when J.Abraham leaves, retires, or drops off.
WR – go ahead and get a glass of the Cushing/Matthews kool-aid. It is true that we, in theory, should be set at OLB next year, but besides Raji and maybe Jerry, the DT’s top-end class is overall weak this year. Drafting Pettigrew would be great, but if he’s gone or if we pass on him Cushing or Matthews would be too good to pass up being able to learn under Peterson, who’s on the downside of the career. Like your Pettigrew and Barnes pick, but Sammie Hill in the second is way too high, IMHO. He should be available around 4th or maybe even the 5th. I have seen that Brooks Foster is listed @ 6′1/2. We definitely need depth at DT, but using 2 of our first 4 picks on them is a little unlikely, IMVHO.
Edward – in the doomsday scenario I posed, I agree with you on Chung and Delmas, and would put William Moore in that category as well, but Sean Smith is too much of a project to take @ 24, IMO.
Stirg – good point that this is a volatile draft. I honestly have no idea who will be there when we select @ #24. As we agreed last night, I don’t know if we will draft Pettigrew, but if we do I’ll be a happy camper. If our boy is there @ 24, I can’t see us passing him up. The question is: who do we take if Matthews AND Pettigrew are there?
With the trading of Laurent Robinson, I expect we’ll spend a late pick on a WR. Louis Murphy is my guy with second 5th round pick, but if he’s not there check out this fella: Marko Mitchell, Nevada, 6′3″5/8, 218, 4.47. Would be a nice complement to HD in the slot.
12 DAYS, 14 HOURS, & COUNTING!!!!!!!!!!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 12th, 2009
9:58 pm
Marko, I agree. Miller and Gronkowski will reward someone. Miller was double teamed a lot and still put up fien numbers; freed up Orakpo to do his thing. Imagine what he could do for Big John and Chauncey. Do not sleep on Terrance Taylor either. He was adjusting to the new scheme at Michigan but look back over the career and you will see he was dominate in the middle of that defense.
D3
April 12th, 2009
10:33 pm
Some tidbits from the ‘net:
Yet another reason to trade out of the #24 pick, from NFL.com:
“No spots in a draft are more dubious than Nos. 24 and 25. Perhaps the owners of those selections in this year’s draft — the Falcons and Dolphins, respectively — should seriously consider trading out of those picks. With the exception of a couple of stars selected in recent years, the No. 24 pick is a veritable black hole for talent.” Ed Reed and Steven Jackson are the obvious exceptions.
From our old buddy Steve Wyche, NFL.com on MJ:
“Analysis: Johnson is a rare athletic specimen whose stock briefly surged after the combine and some private workouts. Then teams looked at the film again and saw a player who has yet to live up to his potential. Johnson will likely be a situational pass rusher who may occasionally drop into coverage, but he is viewed as a hand-on-the-ground defensive end. Projected Round: 2 or 3.”
I’d be all for grabbing him in the second, just not the first.
OK, so this takes me off the ‘Just Say No to Hood’ hate train, but still would prefer Ron Brace:
“His relentlessness and willingness to do what’s asked of him are strengths that have been complemented by positive feedback after character interviews. Hood can play in a variety of fronts, but he may be best suited in a 4-3 scheme because of his ability to break through double teams and get into the backfield.”
On Shawn Nelson being a blocker: “Moreover, he shows the potential to excel as a blocker at the pro level, and is clearly one of the top tight end prospects available in this year’s draft. Projected round: 2-3″
Good Analysis on Top 5 prospects at each position from NFL.com:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80fac9a7&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Edward
April 12th, 2009
10:39 pm
D3: I agree on Sean Smith, they were the top safeties and Smith projects as either CB or S. Quick question: What are your thoughts on Connor Barwin? I watched him during the Senior Bowl practices and he really impressed me both at the TE and DE positions. ESPN projects him as a 3-4 OLB, but I think he could be a quality DE in the 4-3 or even as a TE. A lot of online mock draft sites have Barwin going as high as the top of 2nd round, but NFLN (Mayock and Casserly) see him as a 3rd-4th rounder.
Seminole: nice idea with Terrance Taylor. I was looking at him too for a NT position, but I don’t know where he would fall in the draft. 6th or 7th round?
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 12th, 2009
10:40 pm
I was reading Sean Smith’s Draft Diary (2) and he revealed some interesting points (seems like a good and focused kid). He’s been visiting team facilities and, unlike the combine, teams are more detailed with their needs. In reference to a player’s speed, Smith offered this comment: “What people don’t realize is that the 40-yard dash is all about how you start and how you transition into the finish. Most people who are fast don’t come out of a three-point stance right. I started practicing proper form and mechanics in my training, and if you do that, you can definitely take 1/100th of a second off your time.”
So, for you pundits that believe Pettigrew is too slow for the tight end position consider Smith’s quote. In football, you’re either chasing or being chased. Seems to me that our concern for speed should be designated for defensive players (the chasers). Roddy White and Michael Turner are not the fastest at their respective positions but they, both, made it to the pro bowl. Pettigrew’s elite abilities as a combination blocking/catching tight end is below par (albatross, actually). Not only is he the most elite in his class of tight ends, he’s better than any tight end going into next year’s draft. Enough lobbying for Pettigrew.
Tight ends are going to play a significant role in this season’s offense. The Tampa Two defense has been dominant for the past two decades and more teams are learning how to beat it (”nothing good lasts forever”). The most effective way to penetrate cover-two defenses is a two tight end set. While safeties are covering zones on the outside, tight ends can run all day down the middle. Ask Keith Brooking.
Now, I know our Offensive Coach does not create plays for tight ends but he is high on the running game. I have not read one tight end’s comments that prides himself in blocking for the running game, except Pettigrew. I’m telling you, drafting Pettigrew will be the answer to a lot of our questions, offensively and defensively.
Big Ray, I agree. Pettigrew may be gone by “24″; then, we go for the next man (Nelson, Coffman, Cook). The point is, we need a combo blocking/catching tight end and we must not wait until later rounds to draft him.
D3, Who do we draft if Matthews or Pettigrew aren’t there? R. Brace, P. Chung or the best defensive back that fits our system/scheme. Neither one are first round gradeable but neither one will last until “55″. I may take Brace before I take Chung because big tackles are going to be harder to come by. Although the draft is deep with linebackers, the three linebackers that would fit our needs most (and start immediately) are Matthews, Clint Sintim and Tyrone McKenzie. We could live with our current corners because there’s not a corner “draft worthy” at “24″, after Jenkins, Davis and Smith. Therefore, to answer your question, I’d go with Brace.
D3
April 12th, 2009
11:51 pm
Funny note to end the night on………
“Bucs sign Byron Leftwich.” Sweet, if he’s the starting QB for the Bucs, you can mark down two in the win column for us, regardless of Head Case Winslow.
Boys, its been a great night of blogging with you guys. It might be Pettigrew after all, 2 out of 4 ‘experts’ on mock draft have us taking Pettigrew and 3 out of 4 have NE taking Clay Matthews, thus making our pick that much easier. Man, I hope one of the two are available.
See you on the flip-side………..
NikkiFree
April 13th, 2009
7:47 am
Wow! You really think Pettigrew will still be around when the falcons pick at 24. He’s the best TE on the boards. If he’s there I see the falcons taking him but he won’t be there. That means a defensive player will probably be taken by the falcons. I truly don’t have a preference at this point. Just want more defense. also, I don’t see the seahawks taking Stafford. Maybe the Bucs do jump up and take one. Jax just sign their QB to a big deal. Why would they draft another QB?
marko
April 13th, 2009
8:13 am
Strig, hats off to you. You’re one of hardest working dudes in all blogdom. That said I’m not sure that you’re reading the Falcons correctly in their search for a tight end. I very much doubt that they had any illusions of turning LJ into a world class blocking machine. I’ve also seen more than one report that suggests that Dimmitroff is quite taken with Chase Coffman. If that’s the case they may only be in the market for a receiving specialist for part time duty. If I’m right, were in luck the draft is full of them. It would be great if we could find a guy that blocked like Orlando Pace, and caught passes like Jerry Rice, but so far God hasn’t seen fit to create him. I have a theory that quality tight ends are more common than we think. The problem is that they’ve been corrupted by the wrong game. The power forward in basket ball has all the attributes you look for in a tight end minus the desire to put up with rain, sleet, snow, mud and homicidal maniacs trying to kill you for three hours a game. If I had my way we’d sign a couple and send them over to Europe for a year or two to pick up the finer points of pain and abuse. Just tell them that you’re sorry that the NBA didn’t see fit to make them multimillionaires. But, if you do your part we’ll pay you pretty good for playing a little boys game. Would you rather sell insurance? Chris Redman might have a word or two to say about that.
marko
April 13th, 2009
9:12 am
Big Ray, Do the Baker deal in reverse, and you’ll see that we gave up a two that could have been border line one. Shows how highly the leauge thinks of left tackles. We paid a lot for our T-rex, but if he stays healthy he’ll warrant the price tag.
ES
April 13th, 2009
11:52 am
Orlando,
Any truth to Mike Lombardi’s rumors that the Falcons might deal a 2nd rounder for Tony Gonzalez?
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/04/falcons-interested-in-trading-for-gonzalez/
shannyeight
April 13th, 2009
12:25 pm
strickland- i like the idea of capt munnerlyn on the list, considering he is in the whole department of “shut-down” corners.
i will still say coffman. i just dont think pettigrew is worth a 1st round pick or any TE, for that matter.
Ken Strickland
April 13th, 2009
1:10 pm
If all of us could be totally and completely objective and openminded, we’d realize this draft is so deep in simular quality talent, it wouldn’t matter which pick we used to draft what player, we’d still get what we need. What I’m saying is this. We don’t have to draft a DT, LB, CB, TE, DE or SS with our #24 pick to end up with a quality player at every position of need.
Even though I think we should draft a DE at #24, we can still get the DE we need if we don’t. The same holds true for all of our other positions of need. So, there’s no logical reason to criticize anyone else for their choice at #24 because nothing will be sacrificed regardless of who we draft 1st.
This is the kind of talent ladened draft that allows talented GM’s and HC’s like TD and Smith to excel. All any of us have had at our disposal are scattered, incomplete scouting reports and we’ve still been able to mine some quality gems from this draft. Imagine how much more effective they will be with their detailed indepth 1st hand scouting reports, interviews, unlimited gm film and recomendations to draw from. Add to that the knowledge, experience and instincts of a very talented GM and coaching staff, and we can be assured of getting what we need in this yrs draft regardless of who we pick at #24.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 13th, 2009
1:41 pm
Thanks, marko; and you made a very good observation, I might add. Couple months ago, D.O.’better reported that TD was glossy-eyed when Chase Coffman made his appearence. D.O.’better gave us the impression that TD may be interested in the young lad.
I beg to differ with your suggesting that they may be looking for ONLY a receiving tight end. That will contradict the purpose of having a combo tight end in the first place. The objective is to support the run and, at the same time, scare defenses with a receiving threat at the position. If we market a pass-catching-only tight end, it makes him one-dimensional; and if that’s the case, we might as well stick with the tight ends we have and coach them into receiving. If we draft a situational tight end, to come in on passing downs, you’re revealing the play to the defense. The idea is to fool them. If our tight end can block (on runs and passes), then he won’t have to come out on running downs and vice versa.
Still, I do believe we can help our offense and, ultimately, defense by drafting Pettigrew and maybe, just maybe, another tight end in later rounds (e.g., Morrah). That would be an awesome receiving corps: White and Jenkins, Morrah and Pettigrew; at the same time, support the run offense of Turner, Norwood and Snelling. Even the Steelers’ defense will have trouble with that “Hot Gritz Attack”. I get excited just to conceive the possibility. It’ll keep our offense on the field, managing the clock, and keep our defense off the field. I cannot explain this theory any clearer. Would somebody please contact TD for me so I can shine this light on him?
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 13th, 2009
2:07 pm
ES, I’m not sure how valid the interest is in Gonzo but it is a very interesting scenario. Imagine this: we trade our number two pick for Gonzo and draft Clay Jr. at “24″. It’ll still prove my position/theory with two-tight end sets and, with Gonzo, it’ll keep defenses honest. (I think I just realized why defenses are considering more hybrid defensive backs; I think this explains the Jermaine Phillips move to OLB.)
We won’t have to waste our “24″ on Pettigrew and can pick up a first round defenseman, at the same time.
1st-Clay Matthews, Jr.
2nd-Tony Gonzalez
3rd-Chip Vaughn or Sean Smith (Why does Sean Smith’s rank keep falling?)
4th-Sammie Lee Hill
5th-Offensive Tackle
5th-???
6th-???
Wow! Trading for Gonzalez helps us so much that we can draft for all our needs in five rounds…and done. I don’t think our cornerback position is hurt as some would suggest. Houston and Jackson will start, leaving veterans (Grimes and Hutchins) to compete for the nickel- and dime- positions.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 13th, 2009
3:19 pm
I just noted something. Justin Peele accounted for 15 catches and 159 (2 touchdowns) in 2008. That is an average of over 10 yards per catch. Which means, if 100 passes are tossed to Peele, he’d be a 1000 yard tight end. Its obvious that our offense, currently, is not tight-end-happy. I’m sure that’ll change, as Matt Ryan matures; but, I’m thinking, we may not be as tight end-needy as we have suggested. This Gonzalez rumer is really intriguing.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 13th, 2009
3:20 pm
rumor
Ken Strickland
April 13th, 2009
9:27 pm
The Gonzalez rumor doesn’t make sense. Remember, we’re primarily a rushing OFF and all we’re looking for in a TE is the ability to block and effectively attack the cover 2 DEF, not increase our passing OFF. So why would we waste a 2nd rd pick drafting or trading for a one dimensional TE when we’ve already rejected one in FA?
If all we’re going to do is stick a one dimensional receiving TE in the starting lineup, we might as well go with the 3 WR set. Spliting a 3rd WR outside would effectively remove his defender well outside the box. That would be much more effective than trying to block him on running plays, especially running plays inside the DE’s. It would also force the DEF to replace either a LB or the SS in order to matchup to the 3rd WR. That wouldn’t hurt of rushing OFF either.
Last yr we managed to lead the NFL in rushing OFF with just one starting TE. All we’re looking for is a more versatile TE that (1) won’t hurt us with his blocking(2) can help our no huddle OFF (3) can help increase our 3rd down efficiency (4) can help us attack the cover 2 zone DEF, and all without mandating TE substitutions.
Our OFF carried us last yr and it’s expected to do the same this yr. A quality well rounded TE would help improve our 3rd down and redzone efficiency, our effectiveness against the cover 2 zone, and the effectiveness or our no huddle OFF. It would also improve our ability to pass more effectively on 1st and 2nd downs, since we won’t have to substitute a receiving TE for a blocking TE whenever we want to change OFF stategies.
A dynamic well rounded TE would give us a dynamic well balanced OFF, and a dominating DEF won’t be a requirement. We’ll just need a DEF the won’t break and won’t have to bend as much as last yrs DEF.
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