Mock Draft 5.0: USC’s Cushing falls to Falcons
Falcons coach Mike Smith took a break from draft preparations to host the media in a golf tournament at Pine Isle Golf Course in Lake Lanier Islands, Ga.
No Pam Grier, Beyonce or Batman for this week’s mock draft.
With a shade over a week to go, the dust is starting to settle around the National Football League. We must get down to some football business.
The last few visits are being taken and teams are finalizing their draft boards. They are reviewing several scenarios that could unfold on Saturday, April 25.
One of very popular scenarios has USC linebacker Brian Cushing, once considered a top 10 pick, dropping to the Falcons at No. 24. It’s likely because the glut of defensive end/outside linebacker types and because of his red flags. If he’s there at 24, he’ll be holding up a red and black jersey around 8 p.m. next Saturday night. Check out some Cushing highlights.
Coach Mike Smith congratulates 790 The Zone's Chris Dimino after he won the closest to the pin contest.
Loading ...Another key position to keep an eye on is wide receiver. A lot of teams are in the market for wide receivers and there could be a first round run at the position. After Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree and Missouri’s Jeremy Macklin teams may start to panic.
Look for a couple of teams to make trades before the draft for Arizona’s Anquan Bolidin and Cleveland’s Braylon “Mr. Dropsies” Edwards.
If you see Jackson, Maybin and Brown go ahead of the Falcons, then Cushing is falling. He may free fall right into their laps.
Cushing is a fit for the Falcons 4-3 defense at either of the outside linebacker spots. He played strongside linebacker as a freshmen, junior and senior for the Trojans. He played defensive end as a sophomore.
Cushing would not come without any baggage. Rumors of steroid use started back when he was in Bergen (N.J.) Catholic High and followed him over his four years at USC. He was also involved in an incident in April of 2006 where he was handcuffed and put in the back sit of a cop car. He was never arrested, but the images where shown nationwide.
Coach Mike Smith shows off nice form in the closest to the pin contest.
“Some scouts worry about Cushing being more of a body builder than a football player with his strict eating regimen and shredded physique, and durability long has been an issue,” wrote Nolan Wawrocki of Pro Football Weekly in their 2009 draft preview.
A couple other things to note, USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, Cushing’s old roommate, has jumped into the top five. Also, Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers (12) and Ohio State wide receiver Brian Robiskie (29) make their debut in the mock draft this week. Oklahoma’s Duke Robinson (28) was in earlier, but had dropped out. He’s back this week.
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, Southern California’s Clay Matthews Jr. and North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks have dropped out of the first round.
LEDBETTER’S 2009 MOCK DRAFT 5.0
- Welcome to the ATL Brian Cushing.
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. Stafford has impressed the Lions. Now they can show him the money!
2. St. Louis Rams: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. First stunner of the day. The Rams need receivers after letting Torry Holt go. (The link is to a nice article from our good buddy Allen Wilson of the Buffalo News.)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs get around to addressing their suspect defense.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. Didn’t play much in college, but can backup Matt Hasselbeck until he’s ready.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas. Should fit nicely in Eric Mangini’s version of the 3-4.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Bengals look for some more protection for QB Carson Palmer.
7. Oakland Raiders: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. He slides a little bit, but the Raiders will snap him up.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. The Jags get an anchor for their defense
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: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. After picking up Terrell Owens, the Bills turn their attention to defense.
12: Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. Welcome to the DOL’s big board.
13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss. The Redskins take a major step towards rebuilding the the offensive line.
14. New Orleans Saints: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB. Sean Payton is looking for someone to run the ball between the tackles.
15. Houston Texans: Jeremy Macklin, WR, Missouri. QB Matt Schaub get someone else to throw to other than super stud Andre Johnson.
16. San Diego Chargers: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. Chargers elect to address their offensive line.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Jets get their Brett Favre replacement.
18. Denver Broncos: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State. The Broncos stick with defense as they try to resurrect the Orange Crush
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: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: It would be a reach to take a tackle here, so they make a value pick and get Brian Westbrook’s heir apparent. They’ll try to replace Tra Thomas later.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Vikes add a play maker to go with Adrian Peterson.
23. New England Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Pats decide that their locker room is strong enough to keep Davis focused.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Brian Cushing, LB, USC. Everything breaks right and the Falcons get their man. He’s could have shot at winning one of the outside linebacker spots.
25. Miami Dolphins: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. Has a big upside.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. A good fit up front for the Ravens.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois: Bill Polian finds another potential Pro Bowler late in the first round.
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina): Duke Robinson, OT, Oklahoma. Eagles elect to get their tackle here, even though he may be better suited to play guard.
29. New York Giants: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State. The precise route runner will be expected to eventually replace Plaxico Burress. Check out the son of the Falcons receivers coach show out against Texas last season.
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 released after this pick.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia. A perfect fit after playing for Al Groh at Virginia.
Western Michigan's Louis Delmas is a ball hawk.
FIRST ROUND FRINGE
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Clay Matthews Jr., LB, USC
Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Alex Mack, C, California
Max Unger, C, Oregon
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Would you like to see the Falcons select Cushing with the 24th pick? Should they pass on Cushing and take Sintim? Should the Falcons trade the pick and move back into the early part of the second round and select Western Michigan defensive back Louis Delmas?
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273 comments Add your comment
SeminoleWarrior
April 18th, 2009
9:51 pm
Big Ray, you nailed it once again. I’ve been a Falcon fan for a long time. And I would step out there and say we have not had chemistry like that since the days of Leeman Bennett with Dan Reeves’ 98 team a close second. K-Strick, you have sold me on Hill so I am going to take him and Taylor both in my mocks. TEAMWORK…the brothers here with the passion for the game; Smitty and the Birds on the field. Bring it on!!
marko
April 18th, 2009
9:53 pm
D3 is shiznit good? Big Ray, I was up for giving KC our two. YOU know I’m on board if we can work the deal for a three. The Patriots and the Browns both have two Two’s. I’d give our one to either of them for there twos. Think what Dimitroff could do with three number twos. That’s too many twos for one paragraph don’t you think?
marko
April 18th, 2009
9:57 pm
According to NFL.com, Gonzalez hasn’t showed up for Mini camp. The Plot thickens.
harry rand
April 18th, 2009
9:59 pm
If the lb your going for is only going to compete for a starting spot you might as well accumulate some second round picks because honestly the ones that you have bandied about for a month aren’t that great any way. If you look at most rosters you find that second and third rounders are the ones making up most rosters.
harry rand
April 18th, 2009
10:01 pm
Enter your comments here
Nookah
April 18th, 2009
10:06 pm
Moving right along folks!!!!
Go Falcons!!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 18th, 2009
10:07 pm
My revised mock is as follows: First, I solidify the LB corps with the selections of Laurinaitis and Freeman. Their interchangability in their positions, their speed, their pass coverage skills, and strong will are just what our LB corps needs. I respect all those who stand firm for the likes of English, Sintim, and Cushing. But I just think that JL at SLB, Lofton at MLB, and Freeman at WLB is an potential lethal trio.
Defensive tackle needs are addressed in the middle with the selection of two M1 Abrams tanks in Sammie Lee Hill and Terrance Taylor. Huge pluggers in the middle that can handle double teams and plug the interior; freeing JL, CL, and MF to attack with attitude.
Strong safety could be addressed later with a ballhawk in Otis Wiley. An excellent cover man, fine on special teams as a pint returner, and can play both safety positions. 6′2″ 210.
OL depth can be addressed with tackle Joel Bell of Furman and guard Andy Kemp of Wisconsin.
SeminoleWarrior
April 18th, 2009
10:15 pm
SLEEPER ALERT: TE Ryan Purvis of Boston College has reportedly worked out with his former BC teammate Matt Ryan back in the greater Boston area? Could there be a post-draft free agent signing in the making?
D-Led, did any of your source hear of this..any truth to this web posting?
Zup
April 18th, 2009
10:28 pm
Hey, Seminole Warrior
I grew up in T’ville, too! THS Class of 1987 and FSU grad. of 1991! Oh, Sh*T.
Falcon Devil
April 18th, 2009
11:13 pm
My Mock Draft. I challenge all including you DOB. A point for every direct hit. Winner is the most GM-Ready Falcons Fan.
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. If they were smart they would go tackle and wait for next draft for the franchise QB, but they are the Lions.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. They can pick up a project Qb later this round or next year, Crabtree will make an immediate impact as a first rounder should.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. Bengals love players who have crappy attitudes and have freakish talent.
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. I would pick Raji but Al Davis is a sucker for the skills positons.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.j. Raji, DT, Boston College. They need a WR but they can get a good one in the second. Raji is too good to pass on.
9. Green Bay Packers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. This is far in most opinions for him to slip but I think the Jags are smoke screening on him. They made Garrard the man and paid him they have to live with it.
11. Buffalo Bills: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. Just traded their LT to Philly.
12: Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Everette Brown, DE, FSU.
13. Washington Redskins: Brian CUshing, LB, USC. Dan Snyder love big names and Cushing has been getting hyped by NFL network and ESPN.
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio State.
15. Houston Texans: Knowshon Moreno, , RB, UGA. Great addition to Steve Slaton.
16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Oher, OT, Missisippi.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
18. Denver Broncos: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Great compliment to Champ.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Johnson, DE, GT. Reportedly had a great workout with them.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State. With the elite tackles gone assuming they dont trade up they will address their pass rush with the best player availible.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. We won’t even have the chance at him which is a relief to me.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC.
23. New England Patriots: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennesee. Looks like the Peppers deal is dead.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Missisippi. Who needs Glen Dorsey?!!! We got Matty ICE.
25. Miami Dolphins: Percy Harvin, WR, Flordia. Versitile, I can see him in the wildcat for sure.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Hackeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina. Clayton is progressing and Mason is gangsta but not getting younger.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Darrius Heward-Bey, WR, Maryland.
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina): Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State.
29. New York Giants: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State. Hopefully he won’t shoot a hole in his leg before pre-season.
30. Tennessee Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri. Do their best to replace Haynesworth.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Conn.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darius Butler, CB Conn. Lost Bryant McFadden in free-agency.
Please mock me and my mock draft as much as you see fit. I’m interested to see what everybody’s thoughts are.
As for the rest of the draft
Pick 55: Sean Smith, CB, Utah. Our secondary should be OK with the return of Von Hutchins, and the hopeful emergence of DeCoud and Chevis Jackson. Smith is raw but has HUGE upside which we can develop over time.
Pick 90: Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio State. Our LB core will be in great shape with this pickup.
Pick 125: Emanuel Cook, SS, South Carlina.
Pick 138: Cameron Morrah, TE, California. Touchdown MACHINE.
Pick 143: A.Q. Shipley, C, Penn State.
Pick 196: Troy Nolan, FS, ASU BABY!! Watch out for him and Robert James. Remember who you heard it from!
D3
April 18th, 2009
11:14 pm
Evening Bird-Cage brethren! So close you can taste it. ESPN, good brew, hot-wings, and DRAFT BABY! Gonna have some brews watchin’ the Falcons take Pettigrew. Wow, that rhymes….and its entirely lame.
Some of you are probably wondering why my sudden change of heart on Matthews & Cushing. Well, after DOL’s latest mock I decided to do some research because I knew about Matthews lack of experience, but I just assumed that Cushing was a pretty dominant player for several years at the big-time program of USC. I was wrong. He pretty much came out to be a one-hit wonder in the same mold of Matthews. Matthews at least seems to have more upside.
If you could combine Matthews and Cushing you’d have a complete player, but Matthews is a nickel corner who will struggle against the run. We already have Stephen Nicholas entering his 3rd year and is ready to take over at WILL and a cover LB. Cushing is a good run OLB, but will struggle against the pass and is a big question mark due to injury and inexperience. DOL going with Sintim twice and Nookah becoming a convert got me looking at him and the guy was a stud that started all 4 years and got better every year. Could slide right in at SAM and we’d have Nicholas/Wire at WILL, Lofton/Gilbert at MLB, & Peterson/Sintim @ SAM would be the shiz.
That of course will be all for nought because we’ll be taking Pettigrew @ #24. Too good of a talent to pass up, great blocking skills, and not a burner, but doesn’t need to be. Blocker, 3rd down conversion machine, & red zone threat. If not Pettigrew, than Sintim, if not Pettigrew or Sintim, then English.
Falcon Devil
April 18th, 2009
11:20 pm
Correction on the Number 4 Seattle pick: A project Qb can be picked up later this draft (not round) or next year.
D3
April 19th, 2009
12:14 am
Seminole – on need for a 3rd running back. I’m curious to see what we’re going to do with Snelling. If you remember there was a battle in training camp between Thomas Brown and Snelling on who would be the 3rd RB. TBrown was well on his way to winning the job when he got horse-collared. Snelling showed some signs through the year, but projects more as a FB than a third RB. Do we carry 2 FB’s? Doubtful, but I have hard time seeing TBrown not making the team because of his great work on spec teams.
marko – what do you think about your question? Serious or mocking? Just trying to get creative with the curse words because you know the blog-eating monster doesn’t like’em.
Falcon Devil – yeah man I’m in. I suggested a similar proposal a couple of days ago, but got no bites. It’ll take me a little while to get my final first round up, but I say we should do a first round and Falcons draft.
Overall, great mock man. Only couple of disagreements: if Houston drafts an RB I think it will be more in the mold of big back like Beanie Wells. Think Houston goes D. Moreno goes to Philly. Peria Jerry to TB. Pettigrew to us. Hood to Colts.
Mock Draft Cinco.2 (’Grew Version)
1)Brandon Pettigrew – TE; Bills take T or DE, Eagles take Moreno
2)William Moore – S; Delmas & Chung gone, next best S
3)Cody Brown – OLB; Barwin, Freeman gone, next best OLB
4)Roy Miller – DT; Sammie Hill, Terrance Taylor also an option
5a)Keenan Lewis – CB; Big, strong, quick CB available
5b)Marko Mitchell – WR; Big, Tall, Fast, good complement to HD
6)Lydon Murtha – T; best OL depth available
And on that note………….
6 DAYS, 11 HOURS, 44 MINS, & COUNTING!!!!!!!
mobetter
April 19th, 2009
1:22 am
Here we go, I hope this will happen. the Gaints in bad need of a wr needs to pick b4 Baltimore and Miami fan give 24th and 5th round, for 29 2nd round and there 7rder. when picking 29 detroit wants this pick to move b4 tenn to get that de they give up 2 2nd ,3rd, and 7th so here are my picks at 33 s Louis Delmas 55te jared cook, 60 olb clint sintin 65dt derrick marks 90 cb macho harris how that?
mobetter
April 19th, 2009
1:35 am
4,5,6,7 get c, olb, dt,cb
Big Ray
April 19th, 2009
2:32 am
MARKO,
Oooooooh, sounds interesting! I wonder if that means anything? Oh, the suspense…
FALCON DEVIL,
Nice mock. I can’t knock anybody that takes the time to do all that.
D3,
I see the anticipation is killing you, too. My wife is going to banish me to the confines of the den upstairs (which doubles as my lair, and where I want to be for this anyway) just so she won’t have to watch me acting like a drug addict on draft day, LOL!
tbhawksfan
April 19th, 2009
6:03 am
RealGM 8.0 has us taking:
http://football.realgm.com/src_feature_article/102/20090409/2009_nfl_mock_draft_version_80_(post_cutler_trade)/
24. Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss.
He very well could be long gone by this pick, but Jerry fills one of a surprising many dire needs on the Falcons defense. That D won’t come close to 11 wins again, and Tom Dimitroff knows it. Jerry has the ability to control the interior line and has just enough explosion to make some backfield plays, precisely what the doctor ordered for Jon Abraham at DE.
#55: Cook Rated about as high as BP, available in the second.
#90: Mouton CB from Hawaii. I’d rather go for Barnes, bigger, faster and more upside.
We could still find a OLB/S and an OL. D, D and more D. Oh, and a TE.
#90:
marko
April 19th, 2009
7:57 am
T minus six and counting. Morning all, Orlando Might be on to something. He’s a bright guy and a snappy dresser to boot. Were starting to see the final mocks and the linebackers are falling a bit.
Some factors that seem to be in our favor us are that wide receiver is looking like this year’s offensive tackle. Last year a boatload of OT’s went in the first round. This year’s feeding frenzy could be at the wide receiver position. If so, good, we‘re already pretty well stocked at the position.
Quarterback, as many as three could be gone by the time the Falcon’s pick. So what, we already have ours.
Running back, not a popular first round position these day’s, but I find it difficult to believe that Knowshon and Chris Wells are still on the board when the Falcon’s pick. At any rate, lots of teams could use a good running back. Just not us.
Offensive tackle, hey, they haven’t gone out of style. As many as four could be gone by twenty-four. I happen to think that we will select an OT earlier than most suspect. Just not at twenty-four.
The three four affront to God, lots of teams are playing three four defenses these days; most are picking ahead of us. Does that tell us something? Three four teams don’t use traditional outside linebackers. They favor tweeners, too big for linebacker and too little for defensive end. This means that many of the teams that are in the market for a new linebacker, won’t be kicking the tires of any of the guy’s Thomas would consider ideal fits for us
. Let’s not overlook stupidity, Two or more teams will do something bone headedly stupid. It happens every year. Why should this one be any different?
Do the math, please I’m not very good at it, Twenty –four picks into the Draft and we’re looking to select a guy that’s rated in the top two or three at a position of need. Did somebody plan this? This Dimitroff guy is looking better everyday. Hell, I’m even starting to like his haircut.
marko
April 19th, 2009
8:09 am
Pay some attention to Scott Dorrell, DT Clemson, Before the start of last season he was very highly rated. I’ve read that he played most of last season with a sprained knee.I should think that a thing like that might slow a dude down a bit. Also some say he’s a little lacking in the stamina department, and would benefit from playing in a platoon system.Do we know anybody that runs one?
CC
April 19th, 2009
10:07 am
Remember the name Darius Butler, CB/S from UConn. He’s showing up as a late 1st in several recents mock drafts. Assuming Cushing, Matthews and Jerry are all gone at #24, I could see TD moving back to the late 1st/early 2nd round. Guys like Butler, Hood, Sintim, Delmas, Alphonso Smith and Kruger are similar to what we’d get at #24 so may as well move back and add a pick. Hopefully someone like Josh Freeman or Moreno will be available at 24 and someone feels motivaetd to move up to our spot.
Nookah
April 19th, 2009
10:13 am
D3, you’re on man. I’ll prepare my 1st round mock and also a Falcons Mock…Let’s go for it guys, what the heck have we got lo lose?
Calling all…..D3, Stirg, Big Ray, Seminole, Ken (you there?), WR, Irvin, Marko and every one else. D Led you know you straight. Lord knows you’ve been mocking from Day 1.
Falcon Devil, kudos to you Sir. As Big Ray says, I lift my hat to you for taking the time to do a complete mock. You have now influenced me to at least follow D3’s original suggestion. Winner get’s …..Bragging Rights!!!!!
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
11:34 am
Good morning my brothers…Marko, D3, K-Strick, Big Ray, Zup, D-Led, etc. If I forgot you, don’t fret…nothing but love for the posse. On a OJ bing here, someone bought out all the Red Stripe!!!
Falcon Devil, your mock is fine..we are actually in agreement on a few picks. However, if the Birds are looking at DT in the first, the choice will be Ziggy Hood…bank on it!! I can see it happening but my mock is based on what I see as the Falcons’ most pressing need, improved talent and play in the linebacker corps. It was the linebackers that failed more times than naught last season. DL play was not sterling but it was not as bad as the LB corps, especially in the intermediate pass game. We have got to improve that area and my selections do just that. Thoughts and opinions always welcome. So here is my Sunday update:
1) LB James Laurinaitis (SLB); 2) CB Mike Mickens or CB Coy Francies 3) LB Marcus Freeman (WLB), 4) DT Terrance Taylor, 5a) DT Sammie Hill, 5b) TE Brian Mandeville 6)SS Otis Wiley or Courtney Greene.
Post draft F/A signings: K Graham Gano (FSU), SS Troy Moore (Troy), G CJ Davis (Pitt), C Antoine Caldwell (AL), QB Stephen McGee TX A& M), TE Ryan Purvis (BC), TE Bear Pascoe (Fresno St.)
Speed, pass defense skills, versatility, and leadership are what have drawn me to the pair from Ohio State. Mickens and/or Franccies have the skills that are outstanding in either man/man or zone. Taylor and Hill are beasts with the capacity, under Sugar Bear’s guidance, to dominate in the middle. Mandeville has been under the radar but those with the dish are not surprise. He has been compared time and time again to the Giant’s Barvaro and current TE Kevin Boss. Not bad company I think. Last, I take Wiley and/or Greene. Physical guys with special team potential and a facet for making plays.
I’m ready for the challenges that are sure to come. I’ve heard all the pro and con arguments. The passion of which my brothers have for the team and the game is deep and I love it!! We have waited too d***ned long but TD and Smitty seem to have this thing moving along. I’m so hjungry for that parade down Peachtree and that Lombardi Trophy in ATL for not just one season, but several seasons. So let’s get it on!! GO FALCONS!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
11:41 am
D3, we do not carry an extra FB on our roster and that is a mistake I feel. Snelling is not flashy but he is productive when given the time. Dallas wanted him last year but we wisely protected him. We can not let him move. And if it means listing as a backup FB to Ovie, then TD and Smitty should not hesitate to do so.
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
11:46 am
Nookah and D3, I’m in. I will work on my full mock today. Will attempt to release it by 6pm or so. Have to do that quality time thingy with the First Lady today. This brother is no fan of sleeping on the couch…LOL.
tide1
April 19th, 2009
2:25 pm
,Actually, if we can pick up another 2, 3, or 4 by trading down, I’m all for it. This is one of the deepest drafts in memory for the first 4 rounds, and many talented kids will be available that could help the Birds immediately in rounds 2-4.
tide1
April 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Seminolewarrior: You are a nut. Antoine Caldwell will go in round 3 at the latest and Stephen McGee will go in 3-4..Need to do some research, my man..
WR
April 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
Here’s the rough draft of my mock draft, I shook it up a bit because theres always so much smoke being blown in the early off-season stages of the draft process. I don’t see it as far-fetched so discuss or comment as you may, remember this is the rough draft. Seminole, Nookah, D3, Kstrickland,stirg and all my fellow bloggers have at it:
1.Detroit-Mattthew Stafford-Detroit gets its quarterback of the future and crosses their fingers in hopes he want bust a la “Joey Harrington”
2.St.Louis–Eugene Monroe
3.Kansas City–Micheal Crabtree, K.C, shakes up draft by taking Crabtree earier then expected, Coach Haley hopes to get his Fitzgerald
4.Seattle–Aaron Curry, pro-bowl lb peterson’s replacement falls into seahawks lap.
5.Cleveland–Brian Orakpo, Browns get a DE to help reshape defense
6.Cincinnati–Andre Smith, Coach Lewis believes he can mold talanted Tackle
7.Oakland–Jason Smith, Oakland gets some protection for Jamarcus Russell and realize the protection wasn’t the problem
8.Jacksonville–Jeremy Maclin, jags need DT help, but see value in the second round
9.Green Bay–B.J. Raji, stud NT to anchor new 3-4 defense
10.San Francisco–Everett Brown
11.Buffalo–Aaron Maybin
12.Denver–Mark Sanchez–Josh McDaniels comes out of hiding and hopes Sanchez will help him save face, pause for effect, no he WON’T
13.Washington–Rey Maualuga, Washington gets stud MLB to play behind Haynesworth and company
14.New Orleans–Chris Wells-saints want Mcallister’s replacement, but gets his clone as Wells continues the streak of being on the disabled list
15.Houston–Brian Cushings, Falcon fans rejoice because he’s off the board
16.San Diego–Tyson Jackson
17.Jets–Josh Freeman
18.Denver–Clay Matthews, Denver gets OLB for their new 3/4, Falcon fans breath a sign of relief the USC backers are gone
19.Tampa Bay–Peria Jerry, Bucs hope to find the next Warren Sapp but continue their slide into the days of old
20.Detroit–Micheal Oher–luck begins to turn for lion’s as their tackle of the future fall into their lap
21.Philadelphia–Knowshon Moreno–Eagles get Westbrook’s heir apparent
22.Minnesota–Percy Harvin, in need of OL help, but Harvin to explosive to pass up considering they have Peterson
23.New England–Larry English, Pats flirt with the idea of taking Pettigrew, but in the end take the DE they need
24.Atlanta–Brandon Pettigrew-Giants may want to trade up into this spot in order to get Heyward-Bey or Britt if Edwards trade not made, miami, Baltimore, and Indianapolis are all in need of receivers, if trade made with Giants falcons take Evander Hood
25.Miami–Darius Heyward-Bey, wildcat gets sound teeth on the outside
26.Baltimore–Kenny Britt, can Baltimore finally have a go to receiver
27.Indianapolis–Evander Hood, defense reloads and prepares for another SB run
28.New York Giants–Hakeem Nicks
30.Tennessee–Darius Butler
31.Arizona–Donald Brown
32.Pittsburgh–Max Unger
D3
April 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Good sunday afternoon ‘boys! D@–, where’d the weekend go? Well, on the bright side we’re finally into the homestretch this week. Never felt like this week would get here. Hopefully, it won’t go by at a snails pace if we keep rockin’ out the good thoughts, analysis, and mocks. Got to finish this GD, MF, BS paper today, so some good posts and first round mock will have to wait ’till later.
Bird-Cage Mock Draft Competition
Rules
1)simply post your first round mock and Falcons entire mock before noon on sat. Any changes that need to be made, just write it in and I’ll replace any mocks or make any changes as needed.
2)I’ll copy and paste everybody’s to a document and re-post a couple hours before the Draft @ 4pm.
3)Most direct hits wins.
Any changes needed or thoughts on the competition? Excited as H— bros.
Falcon Devil & WR, I got yours, but if you need to change it, I’ll repplace the old one with your new one.
Get it going gents. Good stuff later. And on that note……………
5 DAYS, 21 HOURS, 11 MINS, & COUNTING!!!!!!!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
4:09 pm
What’s up brothers. D3, I’m ready to post thought my man Tide 1 thinks I’m ready to be committed. It’s all good..I like a lively debate. T1, I’m awaiting your post brother. Beat the Warrior and the rounds are on me Saturday, okay? Nookah, Strig, K-Strick, D-Led, Big Ray, and all the posse, check me and keep me real as we have all done throughout this time leading up to the big day.
My own personal mock will differ from what I am posting as the entire first round. My preferences will not shield me from what I think most teams, including my beloved Birds, will do come their respective times on the clock. That said, Detroit will model themselves after us last season with two offensive and one defensive picks in the first 50. JAX and DEN will trade and Sanchez will go to the Broncos. Cleveland needs to run the ball and Wells can do that. Al Davis will be Al, shaking it up with MJ. JAX gets the DB help they needs big time. SD looks to get ready for life post LT with Moreno. TB has the making of one h**l of a pair of ends with Adams last year and Jackson this season. Ziggy and Sugar Bear will calm all the anger by mid-season in ATL. That all now said, here is my entire FIRST ROUND mock draft followed by my PERSONAL selections.
1) DET: QB Matthew Stafford.
DEN: (Via trade with JAX): QB Mark Sanchez
2) STL: OT Jason Smith
3) KC: LB Aaron Curry
4) SEA: WR Michael Crabtree
5) CLE: RB Chris Wells
6) CIN: DE Brian Orakpo
7) OAK: DE Michael Johnson
9) GB: DT BJ Raji
10) SF: OT Eugene Monroe
11) BUF: OT Michael Oher
12) JAX: (Via trade with DEN): CB Malcom Jenkins
13) WAS: LB Brian Cushing
14) NO: CB Darius Butler
15) HOU: LB Clay Matthews
16) SD: RB Knowshon Moreno
17) NYJ: QB Josh Freeman
18) DEN: LB Ray Maualuga
19) TB: DE Tyson Jackson
20) DET: DE Aaron Maybin
21) PHI: TE Brandon Pettigrew
22) MIN: C Alex Mack
23) NE: OLB Everrette Brown
24) ATL: DT Evander “Ziggy” Hood
25) MIA: DE/OLB Larry English
26) BAL: CB Alphonso Smith
27) IND: DT Peria Jerry
28) BUF: WR Hakeem Nicks
29) NYG: LB James Laurinaitis
30) TEN: DE Robert Ayers
31) AZ: RB LeShon McCoy
32) PIT: OT William Beatty
PERSONAL ATL MOCK DRAFT:
1) LB James Laurinaitis (SLB); 2) CB Mike Mickens or CB Coy Francies 3) LB Marcus Freeman (WLB), 4) DT Terrance Taylor, 5a) DT Sammie Hill, 5b) TE Brian Mandeville 6)SS Otis Wiley or Courtney Greene.
Post draft F/A signings: K Graham Gano (FSU), SS Troy Moore (Troy), G CJ Davis (Pitt), C Antoine Caldwell (AL), QB Stephen McGee TX A& M), TE Ryan Purvis (BC), TE Bear Pascoe (Fresno St.)
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
WR, I share the thoughts on the toughness of this draft. And you have one d**ned good set of picks there. We could have easily had a lot of the same choices. Falcon Devil already got props from the Teepee. Good luck brothers. D3, hope you got my “mock constitution”…sorry I was so long-winded.
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
4:23 pm
WR, check your last five selections bro. You forgot Buffalo. They have pick 28 followed by the G-men.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
Doing some crash course research on Aaron Maybin. He could be the hybrid DE/OLB that unexpectedly slips to the Falcons. Cushing, Maybin and E. Brown are in that group. English is still in the mix, too.
Wonder if Buffalo got the 28th pick so that they can get Pettigrew.
tbhawksfan
April 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
Thanks to Edward 04/18 5:32am for the SI link.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2009/draft/breakdowns/by_position/TE.html
I used this mock to base my draft:
http://www.thefootballexpert.com/mockdraft6.html
#24: Cushing 6’3” 243 4.69/40 OLB 4.09 (SI rating)
#55: Moore 5’10” 192 4.53/40 CB 4.01
#90: Vaughn 6’2” 221 4.41/40 SS 3.76
#125:Taylor 6’0” 306 5.26/40 DT 3.58
#138:Maiva 6’0” 230 4.75/40 OLB 3.63
#143:Shaughnessy 6’5” 266 4.85/40 DE 3.62
#176:Quinn 6’4 264 4.82/40 TE 3.52
I love this draft. The D is very much improved and ready to explode in the next year or so. LB could become one of the leagues best within a year. The Dline is no longer an issue and we make very good additions to the secondary. TE and OL still need work, but can’t do it all in this draft. An O lineman backup is not too difficult to find on the FA market and we will have five TE’s to work with.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
WR: Nice job with your mock.
DOMINIC HUGHES: McClure’s agent said the report was “untrue” and an “over-dramatization.” Otherwise, not worth of fulling up with a report.
BIG RAY: You have a few very good posts.
Time to start “tailgating” on the deck of the Hawks playoff opener. Stirg I don’t have and red stripes, but I like to jump over the Blue Moon.
D3
April 19th, 2009
5:02 pm
Got it Seminole. Mad props for going against the norm. I tried that with my NCAA bracket and chose FSU to go the Final 4; not such a good idea for me. Mine coming in a ‘bit. I won’t be the happiest camper if we take Hood. DT is too deep with run-stuffers and we already have a Down Tackle in Babineaux. Nice picks all around. Gotta get this GD paper done and I’ll be immersed in it later tonight.
D3
April 19th, 2009
5:05 pm
To date I have WR’s, Falcon Devil, & Seminole’s first round mocks saved on a document for the Bird-Cage Mock Draft Competition. Be nice if some brew were involved, eh?
dacha
April 19th, 2009
5:34 pm
Excellent idea, D3, I am in.
PROJECTED ROUND ONE
1. Detroit– QB Matthew Stafford
2. St. Louis– WR Michael Crabtree
3. Kansas City– OL Jason Smith
4. Seattle– QB Mark Sanchez
5. Cleveland– LB Aaron Curry
6. Cincinnati– OL Eugene Monroe
7. Oakland– WR Jeremy Maclin
8. Jacksonville– DT B.J. Raji
9. Green Bay– DE Brian Orakpo
10. San Francisco– DE Aaron Maybin
11. Buffalo– OT Andre Smith
12. Denver– DE Tyson Jackson
13. Washington– DE Robert Ayers
14. New England (trade with NO)– CB Malcom Jenkins
15. Houston– LB Brian Cushing
16. San Diego- LB Rey Maualuga
17. New York Jets– WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
18. Denver (from Chicago)– LB Clay Matthews, Jr.
19. Tampa Bay– DE Everette Brown
20. Detroit (from Dallas)– OT Michael Oher
21. Philadelphia– TE Brandon Pettigrew
22. Minnesota– QB Josh Freeman
23. New Orleans– DT Peria Jerry
24. Atlanta– LB James Laurinaitis
25. Miami– DE Michael Johnson
26. Baltimore– CB Vontae Davis
27. Indianapolis–DE Larry English
28. Buffalo (from Philadelphia)– LB Clint Sintim
29. New York Giants–WR Percy Harvin
30. Tennessee– WR Hakeem Nicks
31. Arizona– RB Knowshon Moreno
32. Pittsburgh– CB Darius Butler
FALCONS SELECTIONS
1) LB James Laurinaitis
2) CB Alphonso Smith
3) LB Marcus Freeman
4) TE Cameron Morrah
5) QB Graham Harrell
5) DT Myron Pryor
6) OG Andy Kemp
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
5:38 pm
D3, I feel ya on going against the norms. I was too shocked to take the ‘Noles any further than the sweet sixteen. Can’t be a homer all the time. As far as the mock, I’m torn but going to trust the gut over the heart. Good luck with the paper bro….I certainly do not miss those days at all. HAWKS by 6 tonight!!!
D3
April 19th, 2009
5:49 pm
Dacha – got it bro’. Good mock. Everybody seems to think that the GD Eagles are going to take my boy Pettigrew. D— it!
Seminole – yeah, I thought your boys were hittin’ the hot streak at the right time. Boy, was I wrong. GO HAWKS! Gotta get the first one. How many BS calls will D-Wade get tonight?
One more page to go, and back to blog for some good mocks, analysis, and thoughts……….
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
5:54 pm
Dacha is feeling what I’m saying about the LB corps and rolling with the Warrior!!. Mad props to him for having more guts that the Chief of the Teepee to actually select JL at 24.
As the posse knows, I’m on that ride in my personal ATL mock, but I think TD and Smitty will roll with Ziggy. Got to earn the point so that I can get the grand prize as well as the Red Stripe (LOL) that goes with the win.
dacha
April 19th, 2009
6:36 pm
D3: Yeah man, I know it…I would love to see Pettigrew in the ATL. Is Philadelphia good for anything?
SW: Hey bro, just got a gut feeling about the kid, even if he did play for OSU. He seems to fit the “Matrix” criteria that we have come to love.
WR
April 19th, 2009
6:54 pm
Seminole, thanks for the eye on my 28 to many red stripes or rather too many Margaritas with the misses last night (LOL). At 28 I have Buffalo taking Sintim, I will revise my draft later to reflect this error in judgement or extreme case of hangover, apparently, I can’t hang like I used to back in my Buckhead days. Man I’m not even old and looking at buckhead now and saying things like back in my buckhead days, I feel an odd sense of father time sneaking behind me.
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
7:03 pm
WR, it’s all good. The posse always takes care of its own.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 19th, 2009
7:18 pm
First part of the five-part Falcons draft series is up online. Will be in Monday’s papers. We start off by looking at the linebacker position.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/04/19/falcons_draft_preview_linebacker.html
Also, here’s the video link for the NFL.Com mock draft that I did. This was done last week, when I still had Sintim coming to the Falcons.
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80fcd013
D3
April 19th, 2009
7:43 pm
DOL – doing a great job, man. You finally moved me over to Sintim. You get all the props for bringing him out of the woods first. If its not Pettigrew, I’ll be somewhat disappointed if its not Sintim. And yes, even over my ‘former boys’ Matthews & Cushing. Any word on the Falcons Fan Blog? Out of all the people I emailed (like 7), you’re the only one that responded. Appreciate that.
SeminoleWarrior
April 19th, 2009
7:52 pm
DOL..I’m with D3. You are doing fine work my man. I truly want the Birds to place a premium on the LB corps in this draft. Though I am onboard with Laurinaitis and Freeman, I can learn to quickly live with Sintim. Keep it rolling my brother…you are the man!!
Ken Strickland
April 19th, 2009
8:49 pm
For me, working up a mock draft for the Falcons based on who we might draft if almost impossible. So, I looked at one of the latest mocks and then looked at who they had us taking with each pick. Then I looked at the players available that we could have picked in that rd. so, here goes.
THERE PICK–MY PICK
1st rd-OLB BCushing–DT PJerry. They had us bypassing OLB CMathews, CB VDavis, DT PJerry and TE BPettigrew. The Falcons have only drafted one DT(TLewis) since taking JBabineaux.
2nd rd-DT FMoala–OLB CSintim. We haven’t had a playmaking OLB since MBoley had his breakout yr. He can play OLB and rush the passer from a 3pt stance.
3rd rd-TE SNelson. I’ll stick with that.
4th rd-SS MHamlin. I’ll stick with that.
5th rd- DE MShaughnessy same
5th rd-OG TGreen, we don’t have a true backup OG on our roster.
6th rd-OLB SHodge
Laurenitis...really?
April 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
Why is there such a call for the Falcons to draft Laurenitis? Has he ever performed in a big game? Can you recall any big play made by him that was in the hole or backfield? In both championship games, he didn’t make any game changing plays. Against LSU he was exposed as a LB with no coverage skills and #71 for LSU was consistently pushing him into the defensive backfield. And against USC he was exposed again. He is a product of the WEAK Big10. I would take a reserve SEC or ACC LB before looking anywhere close to Laurenitis. He may be a serviceable NFL LB but he is definitely not worth a 1st round pick.
And last but not least, with his dad being a former WWF wrestler, I’m sure that steroids are in his past so there will be a considerable drop-off of performance in the NFL. If the Falcons use a 1st round pick on him, they are screwed.
JJ
April 19th, 2009
10:10 pm
My brothers….damn, burning up the blogs. I’ve gone from stirg/de petti to USC cool-ade. Now I’m off the USC cool-ade, to OSU: but no red stripe tonight (sorry nookay, all respect), tonight its GROLSCH!
You guys are slammin like the hawks tonight. I still think NT(brace) first, still love chung at 55, and would love TE NELSON IN 3RD (HE’LL BE GONE).
My humble, slightly grolsch’d opinion: TD will decide the T>Gonzo trade minutes before our #24 on sat. My final/only mock draft coming sat. -
am… winning draft king: red stripe, st. pauli, grolsch, ga. home brew..etc…north of 285: (dunwoody/alpharetta) I’ll buy first round!!! Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dacha
April 19th, 2009
10:16 pm
L…really,
You make a good case, bro, and although I definitely agree with you on the weakness of the Big Ten when compared to the SEC, I obviously disagree with on Laurinaitis not being worthy of a first round draft pick. If he had elected to come out early last year, he would have been an absolute lock for a top ten selection. However, he felt obligated to his teammates and coach to return for his senior year. I respect that immensely. Laurinaitis was also a three time All-American and his production was always better than the previous year. All in all, I can see the hesitation concerning him. He is absolutely not as flashy as Matthews or as explosive as Cushing, but I think that overall he is by far more of a football player at heart. And to make a small note of his tendency to “disapperar” in the big games, I go back to point of the weakness of the Big Ten. Even the best LB is only as good as the d-line in front of him allows. But who am I to say that Laurinaitis is what we need? He could be a bust for all I know, I’m just glad that I don’t have to make the decision!
Check this article out with more info that I felt intriguing:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9472206/7-Points:-Don‘t-overlook-OSU’s-Laurinaitis-?MSNHPHMA