Kiper has Johnson slipping to third round
Mel Kiper was in mid-flow, still going strong after two hours and two minutes. He’d taken more than 80 questions on a national conference call.
ESPN’s draft analyst asked if there were still any people left on the line. There were still 12 more callers.
ESPN draft analyst is not high on some local products.
He took all of the calls, one of the last ones being about Sam Houston State quarterback Rhett Bomar for a small newspaper guy in Texas. That was very gracious of Kiper and one of the reasons why most traditional print media guys love him.
Folks would ask Kiper about some obscure DB from the WAC and he’d start rattling off their vital stats. Some of the reporters would thank Kiper for dropping some knowledge on them.
This is Kiper’s 31st year in the business of analyzing draft prospects and he’ll be a major part of ESPN’s coverage on Saturday and Sunday.
So to help us get ready for the overall draft, here’s Kiper on a variety of players, topics and all-around general drafnikness (I think I just created a new word!):
ON LIONS DRAFTING STAFFORD: “I would expect (Georgia quarterback Matthew) Stafford to go No. 1. I don’t have any inside information on what Detroit’s thinking in terms of obviously they want to have this guy signed before the draft if they can. To me it would be the obvious pick. That’s what they need.”
He’s wondering why the Lions are dragging their feet with signing Stafford.
“The decision on Stafford should have been made a long time ago, whether they were going to make him the No. 1 pick overall,” Kiper said.
ON TEXAS TECH WIDEOUT MICHAEL CRABTREE: “I don’t think the injury affected him that much because he was projected to go fourth to Seattle prior to that, long before anybody signed any free agents. Now he’s projected to go fifth to Cleveland. So it’s not a huge drop for him.”
ON MARYLAND WIDEOUT DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY: He noted that the speedy Heyward-Bey – who ran under 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash on a few stop watches at the combine — had some games at Maryland where he didn’t catch a pass.
“That shouldn’t happen,” Kiper said. “When you have a kid this skilled, you force the ball to him. If you’re shut out in some college games, what’s going to happen in the NFL? There are definitely some questions
Kiper has Clemson running back James Davis going in the fourth round. Davis is from Atlanta Douglass High.
there.”
Kiper has Heyward-Bey as the third receiver behind Crabtree and Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin. He could go to the New York Jets (17) or Minnesota (22). If he gets past Minnesota then Miami (25) would be a possibility.
“They definitely need a receiver,” Kiper said.
ON FLORIDA RECEIVER PERCY HARVIN: Harvin has slipped in the draft after reports of a failed drug test. Kiper had him going at No. 17, but now it looks like he’ll be a late first rounder.
“He’s not a wide receiver per say, but a jack of all trades,” Kiper said. “He’s a Reggie Bush with the Saints — not Reggie at USC, but Reggie with the Saints. And that’s the kind of player he can be — running back, receiver, return man.”
Durability is an issue for teams drafting Harvin.
“He’s only 195 pounds and he’s going to have to prove that he can stay healthy,” Kiper said. “If you can keep him on the field, he’s going to put up a lot of all-purpose yards for you.”
Kiper has Clemson wide receiver Aaron Kelly going in the fifth round.
ON WEST VIRGINIA QB PAT WHITE: Kiper sees him going in the second or third round.
TOP QB’S NEXT SEASON: Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour and Texas’ Colt McCoy. He projects Florida’s Tim Tebow as a H-back or Wildcat (10 to 15 plays) quarterback.
ON CLEMSON RB JAMES DAVIS: He has the former Douglass High standout going in the fourth round.
ON GEORGIA TECH DE MICHAEL JOHNSON: Once considered a top 10 pick, Kiper said that Johnson could slide all the way in to the third round.
ON CLEMSON WR AARON KELLY: He has the former Walton High standout going in the fifth round.
ON ALABAMA TACKLE ANDRE SMITH: “Nick Saban has helped him maintain a top 10 draft status despite what has gone on during the draft process,” Kiper said.
ON MISSISSIPPI DT PERIA JERRY: “I thought he was the most underrated defensive player in the country all last year,” Kiper said.
ON THE GLUT OF HYBRID DE/OLBs: Kiper noted that Florida State’s Everette Brown, Northern Illinois’ Larry English, Virginia’s Clint Sintim, Southern Cal’s Clay Matthews Jr., Penn State’s Aaron Maybin and Cincinnati’s Connor Barwin could all play either defensive end of outside linebacker.
“There is an incredible number of those combo type of players this year,” Kiper said.
MORENO IS HIS TOP RB: Kiper likes Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, but believes that the New
Kiper said Georgia Tech's Michael Johnson could slip into the third round.
Orleans Saints will take Ohio State’s Chris Wells first. Connecticut’s Donald Brown is the third best running back in the draft.
Kiper doesn’t believe Wells is soft.
“He ran hard when he was healthy,” Kiper said.
Kiper has Moreno going to Philadelphia at 21 or Arizona at 31.
35th ANNIVERSARY OF BEST DRAFT OF ALL TIME: In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted wide receiver Lynn Swann (1st round), linebacker Jack Lambert (second round), wide receiver John Stallworth (fourth round) and center Mike Webster (fifth round). All have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
ON RHETT BOMAR: Sounds familiar? He was the kid who had to leave Oklahoma and getting paid too much for “working” at his summer job. He should go in the fourth or fifth round.
“Rhett has a chance,” Kiper said. “But he has some mechanical issues.”
Are you a big Kiper fan? Don’t like the hair? Think his has Moreno going too low? He’s been picking Brandon Pettigrew to go to Atlanta for awhile, but seemed to shy away from that pick a little bit on the call.
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346 comments Add your comment
WR
April 22nd, 2009
6:46 pm
Reno911 your last post is an instant classic. Hey fellas the word is officially in Detroit is negotiating with the agents for Matthew Stafford to be the number one pick, gentlemen we are now on the clock.
ABC123
April 22nd, 2009
6:48 pm
OKKKKKK soo why not
1) Darius Butler
2) Michael Johnson
and then maybe 3) dorrell scott
commenton dis picks
The Dean 21
April 22nd, 2009
7:01 pm
From Ken Strickland:
I just don’t understand this obsession with the idea we have to get everything we need in this yrs draft. We’ll have the equivelent of an entire draft returning to the active roster from Injury Reserve, and some of them have starting experience. OT RFoster(starting exp), CB’s VHutchins(starting exp), DIrons & BGrimes(starting exp), SS AHarris, LB RJames and DT TLewis(starting exp).
You can’t realistically ignore or dismiss the talent and impact these players can and will have on this yrs team. There’s no logical reason to believe the players in this yrs draft can or will have a greater impact than these returning players, especially as potential starters
Great Point Ken: I couldn’t have typed or said this better! We have to realize that you can only do so much with 7 draft picks. We will have a better feel of this team after next years draft class becomes a year old.
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
7:04 pm
Offensively, I’m in line with some of the thoughts echoed by Reno. Continued solid line play and we should be at least as consistent as last season. Team will be more focused on stopping the run, therefore more attention will be placed on containing Turner. Given that, I would think that the seem routes will become more important next season and that is where Fin and Douglas, along with improved TE play will be very important. Jenkins and White have the outsides handled; got to get the deal done with RW or we will have big issues next season unless we do the franchise tag.
Improving both run and pass defense is paramount to any success we hope to achieve in ‘09. And that means better interior play at the tackle and LB positions. That said, the picks have got to make us stronger and larger inside and faster/flexible at LB.
Reno 911
April 22nd, 2009
7:06 pm
Right on. Ken Strick knows his stuff.
The Dean 21
April 22nd, 2009
7:06 pm
webhead: If you are a Dallas fan, just in case you didn’t know, this is the Falcons blog. You might want to make sure Dallas improves their defense to hit anybody considering how they looked last year. Making the playoffs should be the goal for your team!
The Dean 21
April 22nd, 2009
7:09 pm
Now Reno911, you sure webhead got all that>? Maybe he will understand the PROCESS..
ABC123
April 22nd, 2009
7:10 pm
YO SO MY PICKS SUCKKK
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
WR, just remember, the Lions are negotiating with the same team on both Smith and Stafford. And now, Curry supposedly has offered to come in at a “Wal-mart” discount. Things definately are heating up though…
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
7:17 pm
Hey Posse…what are the thoughts on our own fellow Bird and NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes’ suggestion in his latest mock that we are seriously looking at Malcolm Jenkins at 24?
Now that puts some pep in the gumbo…
Nookah
April 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
Seminole, I have Freeman going in the 2nd round on my mock. I know he is a very good prospect, just what the Dynamic Duo are looking for.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Nookah
April 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Now Jenkins at 2 would not make me complain. Will he be there? I know some players will slip but will he slip all the way to #24?
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Marko
April 22nd, 2009
8:25 pm
Wow you guy’s are really churning it out tonight. I don’t know if you’re inspired because we’re only hours away, or hitting the red stripes a little heavy. Perhaps a little of both I suspect. Anyway, I’m taking the night off. It looks like you’ve got every thing under control. Keep up the good work.
ABC123
April 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
After hearing seminole if these first 3 picks happen i think any falcon fan would love this draft
1) CB Malcom Jenkings
2) DE Michael Johnson
3) S David Brutton
4) DT Dorell Scott
Anybody agree or disagree
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
8:33 pm
It’s a slow night in the world of meteorology, Marko. Rest well bro. Nookah, I’m feeling you on Freeman and I hope we get him. I may have as many people on the Freeman Roll as D3 is getting on the ‘Grew Express.
I’m working on the final edition of both my Falcons and first round mocks. Change is supposed to be good but this year, this draft is one of the most maddening in recent memory. We could go all over the place. Going to very interesting to see who comes out on top.
danny ray
April 22nd, 2009
8:46 pm
Alex Mack in the first. Roy Miller in the second. Both players have
the intensity the Falcons want.
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
8:51 pm
Danny Ray, I like Roy Miller but do not think that he will be taken by anyone in the second round. Falcons could make that move in the fourth or fifth.
crabapplejoe
April 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
Reno 911 wrote: “You tell ‘em, webhead. That’ll show people to mess with KB’s crew.”
Dam#, Reno, you just can’t let the man go. I know you’re still upset that another team picked up KB 36 hours into free agency. Kinda’ makes you KB56 haters look silly….but just let it go dude. I know you’re smarter than the entire Cowboys brain trust i.e. KB is a washed up LB, not worth anything…how could the Cowboys pick him up so fast. ROTFLMAO. Enjoy your Mike Peterson era. LOL
D3
April 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Good Evening Boys! Is it really almost here? Wow, what a ride its been. I’ve gone back and forth on who the Falcons will pick @ #24 like Tony Romo’s little pinky finger. Its that time to start planning a menu for saturday, the remote ready to go, and most importantly………….. what brew to get for the big day. I’m thinking of harkening back to my college days and grabbin’ some Newcastle. Nothin’ like the Brown Nut Ale, baby! The Bird-Cage is rockin’ tonight. Anyway, I digress………
So Detroit looks like they’ve zeroed in on their man Stafford. Still believe they continue to go the Falcons route: grab your franchise QB and get the best available Left Tackle to protect him, ala Matty Ice and Sam Baker. That worked out pretty well for us, eh?
Concerning our Falconi’s – I still think its gonna be ‘Grew @ #24. Got to give credit where its due: Stirg had him the whole way, while I bounced back and forth like a crazy man. I was in Matthews kitchen, but with the help of DOL and Nookah, I finally realized that Sintim is a much better, safer, tougher pick than Matthews. I thought Cushing was a sure thing, boy was I wrong after doing research. He basically equates to the same as Matthews.
Pettigrew is not a burner, but as I’ve mentioned before of the best TE’s (Witten, Gonzo, Gates) who are? Great blocker, big frame, great hands, and a 3rd down conversion machine. Who do the Cowboys go to on 3rd and 7? Many question how much of an immediate impact he makes? With our OFF on the verge of being one of the best, he doesn’t need to become our whole OFF, just complete it by blocking, filling the middle of the field, helping to keep our OFF on the field, and being a huge red-zone target. Remember how many field goals we kicked from inside the 10? If he’s there just go to the podium and make it official and get those Red Scripes/Sierra Nevada’s/Newcastles/St.Pauli Girls or whatever your fancy and put in for your new red & black ‘Grew jersey!
With all that being said, the key pick to watch is San Diego. Philly is enamored with Moreno, justifiably so, and that’s their man. However, if San Diego throws a curve and takes him, then we may very well be waving good-bye to ‘Grew as he heads to the Cheese-steak capital (cheez wiz or no?). Personally, I think San Diego takes Mauluga and pairs him with Merriman (sick or what?). Even so, if they take an RB I’d say Beanie Wells, because I don’t think they’ll be letting Sproles go after letting Michael Turner run to the Pro Bowl in the ATL. We’ll see. Startin’ to see some hate baiters out there. The force is strong with you my Bird-Cage brethren!
2 DAYS, 14 DAYS, & 38 MINS & COUNTING!!!!!!!!!!
JJ
April 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
My falcon brothers’: just got home, hillarious stuff!..
Working on my sheet of integrity with one hand on our “red-stripe” and one eye on our “other” birds – (54-41).
….he who antisipates the 1st rd. trades, will likely win the kash!
RENO 911: Love your 6:16 pm post..give D3 a chance, he’s been leading by particapation, not self-annoytment. spell check? lol
…at least 2 major draft changes in 1st rd. IMHO… who? yea, I have no idea…yet!!!!!!
Nookah
April 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
Man you guys are bringing it tonight. It’s so exciting as the day draws nigh.
So far I’m sticking to my guns, Clint “Dirty Harry” Sintim, unless someone else falls. English and Ayers are moving up draft boards. What is this I hear about Jamie Dukes and Jenkins at #24?
Doesn’t that make Saturday more interesting? Man, this is unbelievable fun.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!………………………..THE PROCESS CONTINUES!!!
JJ
April 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
D3: You know I’ve presented my biotch St. Pauli girl with out much response. Then I recommended King GROLSCH, once again to no avail. BUT DAMN SON, NEWCASTLE BROWN ALE IS THE BOMB!!!
I know this is a jamaican flav. blog and thats cool, but the CASTLE will be in house sat. Have not had those hops in many years, since I was walking the concrete campus!
Sorry, its a beer thing, continue fal. blog…
D3
April 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
Nookah – thanks for the props, bro’. What’s goin’ on with our other birds? Down by double digits at the half. This is fun, fun stuff. When Football season is over the only other sport I watch is…….Combines, Free Agency, Schedule Release, Draft Prep, Draft Day, Post Draft, OTA’s, Mini-Camps, Training Camps, Pre-season, and…..back to regular season. As NFL Network’s slogan goes, “when all you want is Football!”
The Dean – nice mock money-G. Got it saved for now, but if you want to change just get it in Sat. before noon. Can’t decide between Smith or Monroe. I had Beanie Wells going to the Saints as well, but their OFF wasn’t the problem last year, so I slotted Jenkins.
mars – a little harsh, eh? I definitely wouldn’t want Vontae “mini-meangelo hall” Davis instead of Pettigrew. Understand your DEF position though.
chuck – gotta love Mel for his “Audacity of Hair,” if nothing else. The guys knows his stuff for sure. Give me Kiper over McShay any day of the week.
Seminole – you finally got me over to the Freeman caboose. There at #90, snag him up like Big Grady @ The Varsity.Any way he drops there? Honestly, Dukes gets on my F’n nerves. He’s not so bad on NFL Network, but I can’t get the old 680 The Fan days out of my head. Seriously doubt Jenkins drops to #24 and adds a little Texas Pete to the gumbo. Better Hot Sauce: Texas Pete, Louisiana, or Tabasco? Right on with Roddy deal. Just pay the man his money, he’s earned it.
So, guys do we want to play the Mock Draft Competition for Braggin’ Rights or add a little sauce in the mix? I’m good either way. Is it wednesday? D@–! Thought it was thursday. Oh well, a little Coke Zero, NFL Network, & Seinfeld to bed.
GO HAWKS!
2 DAYS, 14 HOURS, 9 MINS, & COUNTING!!!!!!!!
D3
April 22nd, 2009
9:57 pm
JJ – you got it with Grolsch and St.Pauli, 2 of my favs for sure. Wish it were Thursday so I could pop myself one. You know the CEO of the house frowns on week drinking. You got me fired up for some brew.
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
Hawks are killing me here. Wish I had some weather to forecast so I would not be crying at their play. Maybe they will get hot here in the next 10 or so.
Nothing like the loyalty that is taking shape here in the home stretch. Like some of my brothers here in Blog Central, I’ve been all over the place. Feeling Chung, Hood, JL, Jerry, and I think I even had another in there. I’ll admit that it is looking like ‘Grew may be the man but I’m still thinking defensively. K-Strick keeps reminding me that we should not take a tackle in the first round due to the depth we have already there (3 technique-wise). But I just can’t shake my gut feel that we are inching closer and closer to either Hood or Jerry.
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
10:25 pm
D3, we will have to get my man Freeman NLT the third. His stock is on the rise and he may even crack the latter part of round two. If it was me, I would get him. That speed, versatility, and pass coverage skill set simply can not be lost in my opinion. He will be a good one for a long time.
youngjezzyy
April 22nd, 2009
10:26 pm
abc123 your first four picks would be amazing for the falcons i think. also trading the 24 3rd round and 5th round for tony gon and glen dorsey.. and also D3 YOU ARE BEASt! YOUR COMMENTS ARE AWESOME.. WHAT DO U THINK OF ABC123 FIRST FOUR PICKS
SeminoleWarrior
April 22nd, 2009
10:35 pm
This one is for D3 and Stirg:
http://www.kspr.com/sports/43289652.html
richbrave
April 22nd, 2009
10:55 pm
Again and again I pound the table for LAWRENCE SIDBURY JR. from U of RICHMOND, CORNELIUS LEWIS OG from TENNESSEE STATE, and GREG TOLER CB from St. PAULS COLLEGE. I’ve seen quite a bit of SIDBURY and TOLER. I’m a believer. Evidently so is MEL KIPER who has pushed him into the late second-early third round. SIDBURY ran CONSISTANT 4.64 40’s in the NFL combines. Consistantly the fastest D-LINEMAN participating. 6′3+” 266 with 35+” arms and 11+” hands. This guy’s gonna’ be a monster DE in the NFL. TOLER is blazing fast with a 4.27 best and consistant 4.39 40 times. 5′11″ 192. Flexible and smart. LEWIS is 6′2″ 330 OG. Never seen him personally, but I’ve got a hunch both he and CECIL NEWTON C 6′2″ 302 on the same team will become solid NFL players.
richbrave
April 22nd, 2009
10:57 pm
D3:
Sauce? How about some MAKERS MARK?
D.Ellis
April 22nd, 2009
11:02 pm
I don’t see the birds taking a TE with the 24th pick. There are plenty of “good” TE’s that can be picked up in the 2nd or 3rd round. I suspect TD would move up with some of the package he required in the LR deal with the Rams if he thought a TE they “targeted” was going to go earlire than expected. Come on Pett. is the sexy pick. Who wouldn’t want him? I’d take him. But a draft is more about NEEDS than taking the best avail. in my opinion. I may sound boring but football is about basic fundamentals, and the basic fundamental make up of this team at this moment…..going into this draft is DEFENSE FIRST…offense second.
-I don’t have to go down the list of key spots we are thin at, but DL,LB,S in my opinion far out shine the need of taking a TE with our first pick. The DEFENSE needs serious help first, while a good TE in the form of Ingram or Cook can be picked up at a later round.
I would love for Jerry from Ole Miss to drop to us but the wway i see it LB is a need first. Alot of Talent at the LB spot awaits The Falcons at #24….and more than likely 2 will be on the board.
A TE will happen no doubt, but in my opinion our offense was DANG good last year and evryone returns, The defense was “DECENT” and we lost 4/5 starters from the ‘DECENT” defense.
Big Ray
April 22nd, 2009
11:57 pm
MARKO,
Nice link bro’. That is thought-provoking indeed. Sure got me to thinking…
KEN STRICKLAND,
I feel you on the defensive tackle thing. I agree about Grady Jackson. However, the part about Trey Lewis, I have mixed emotions on. You’re right that there is nothing to say that any DT we could draft in the 1st round would be better than Lewis. But since we haven’t seen what Lewis can do yet either, there is nothing to suggest that a guy we could pick up in the draft ISN’T better.
And what if Lewis gets hurt again? All I’m saying is that if the right guy is available, and we don’t have worse needs, then picking up a DT in round one is not a bad idea. Better to have options, and good ones. I think we have Babineaux penciled in as a starter. Lewis is guaranteed one thing: a shot at the prime position on the depth chart. After those two guys, who do we have that is starting material? Moorehead? MAYBE Jamal Anderson?
Not saying we have to draft a DT in the first round. Just saying I wouldn’t kick the idea out altogether.
STIRG,
Nice shout-out to the Big Tuna. He certainly did us a favor.
D. LEDBETTER makes a good point. There were times we played three front guys last year, with a guy like Stephen Nicholas as the outside man and 4th guy. If this was an idea that took root with a guy like Nicholas, imagine having an English or Sintim in the same position….I’m just sayin’….
Big B CH 99
April 23rd, 2009
1:48 am
I don’t want to see the Falcons take Pettigrew b/c:
1. He’s another blocking TE, we have Peele that can block. I prefer Pass Catching TE’s
2. Never was a big time receiver at Ok. St. (2 catches/game, <30 yds, 0.2 TD’s)
3. Ran SLOW at the combine, doesn’t have the speed to stretch the field, we need a TE w/ speed to stretch the field.
If we’re gonna draft a TE, I like Cook out of S. Carolina, he’s a great athlete. And that pains me to say, b/c I’m a Collins Hill H.S. alum & I HATE Cook’s North Gwinnett H.S.
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
6:26 am
Morning all, just a Little news on the Gonzalez front, the Eagles are said to have offered their third round pick for Gonzo. Like I said it doesn’t look good from our perspective. We couldn’t just match the offer as their third rounder is five picks ahead of ours. So Far KC is standing firm in their demand for second round compensation for Tony. I would think that it might still get done if we gave the Chiefs our second and switched places in the third round. It would mean that the gap between our first and second round picks wouldn’t be as long. With just a bit of luck, we might still wind up with a player we had targeted at number two.
Another intriguing possibility would be a blockbuster deal involving both Dorsey and Gonzalez. KC is moving into a three four scheme and Dorsey doesn’t seem a very good fit. The folks in KC have soured on the kid. It’s sad they should have read Strig’s piece on defensive linemen taking a little time to mature. I never expected Dorsey to be a world beater right out of the gate. I still consider him a better player than any we’re likely to see at Twenty-four. I haven’t seen any rumors about any trade of this nature, but if Thomas were to pull it off, he wouldn’t get any arguments out of me.
SeminoleWarrior
April 23rd, 2009
7:07 am
Morning brothers….
I say we should move on and not worry about either Gonzo or Dorsey. We can fill the needs and grow our own. KC seems to be asking a tad too much it appears for him. If we do not get Stirg and D3’s man “Grew or Nelson in the draft (oops, forgot K-Strick’s Moorah), then we will just make do with what we have. The number six offense in the NFL last year was not a bad ranking to have…25 other teams would have loved it.
youngjezzyy
April 23rd, 2009
7:27 am
wait do u guys know if jared cook would last till the 2nd or maybe even if were lucky 3rd
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
8:23 am
Seminole, you might be right, but it was Thomas that’s quoted saying he couldn’t imagine a team in the league that wouldn’t want to run out of the tunnel with Tony Gonzalez. I’m not calling the Gonzo deal dead till its dead. New England was built with Home grown talent and ageing stars plucked from other teams. Randy Moss and Jr. Seau come to mind. While you, Strig, JJ, D3, Ken and others I apologize to for not mentioning, have earned my respect, I’m not always in total agreement with you guys. Pettigrew in particular is a guy I’m not totally sold on. No one doubts his skills as a blocker, but we already have tight ends that can block. I think that you’re asking me to make a leap of faith with regard to his skills as a receiver. I’d feel much better about him if he was a bit faster. The Last time Thomas was involved in selecting a tight end in the first round, it was Georgia’s own Ben Watson. Watson’s a great blocker and he also runs 4.5 forties. Thomas might have also been impressed with the fact that he scored a mind boggling 42 on his wonderlic. If Ben Watson was coming out this year, Id suggest that we draft him. At this point I see Pettigrew as a good choice, but I’m not sold on him as our best choice. Our biggest short comings last year were on defense. If we can land an impact player on that side of the line, I think that’s the way we out to go Disagree if you will , but keep in mind the fact that my opinions and Five bucks will score you a cup of mocha latte at Starbucks.
WR
April 23rd, 2009
8:38 am
Marko, kind of interesting scenario you have going on, here’s another one for you. Falcons trade their 1st,2nd, and 3rd to K.C, for K.C’s 1st, Dorsey, and Gonzo. With the third pick in the draft the Falcons take Aaron Curry out of Wake Forest. So essentially the Falcons first round pick would be Aaron Curry, 2nd-Dorsey, third-Gonzo, probably would never happen but what do you think?
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
8:55 am
WR,in theory I’d do it, But Dorsey,Gonzo and Curry would eat up a lot of cap space. We gave Matt enough to support a third world natiion,and it’s looking more and more like we’re going to have to eat Michael’s contract. I’m not sure that it’s doable from that angle. Gotta go, I’ll check in later.
WR
April 23rd, 2009
8:56 am
I wonder how a front seven of Andersen,Dorsey,Babs,Abraham as your line with Nicholas,Lofton,Curry as your backers, would look. Talk about speed, a group like this could blossum into the front seven that Tampa used to be.
D3
April 23rd, 2009
9:59 am
Great Thursday A.M. Gents! Under the 2 day mark and man does it feel good. It’s been a pleasure and a joy bloggin’ with you fellas and this has made this upcoming draft the most exciting yet. It’s almost here! Get those recipes ready, your favorite brew on ice, and your final mocks in b/c IT’S FINALLY HERE!!!!!! Let’s jump in head first…….
‘Grew Defense #1
On the surface due to the overwhelming picks for the Falcons taking Pettigrew, a ton of people have been bringing up the smoke-screen possibility. It does seem that it may be a possibility, given that so many people are mocking ‘Grew for the Falcons (Mark Bradley’s article below: 8 pick ‘Grew, 2 Hood, 2 English, 1 Butler, 1 Jerry). Sometimes it may be a smokescreen, but sometimes its not. I think most ‘experts’ are picking Pettigrew b/c that’s a fairly logical range for him to be taken in and it addresses a need. For many fans who say its not a need, how many 3rd and longs & 4th and shorts did we fail to convert, and how many 11 – 18 yard field goals did were we forced to kick? I’m not saying ‘Grew will come in and be dominant, but he doesn’t HAVE TO. We will not depend on him to be our primary target, more like a 4th, 5th, or even 6th target. He will be asked to COMPLETE our OFF, not carry it. Hartsock was a great blocker, but not a receiver and Peele a good receiver, but that his presence tipped our hand to the DEF on our intentions.
‘Grew Defense #2
The chants have been long and fast. “We Need Defense! We Need Defense!” And we do need defense, no mistaking, but as Ken Strick and others have pointed out many times, we have guys ready to step up and step in. Nicholas, Wire, Peterson, C.Davis, C.Jackson, DeCoud, A.Harris, Hutchins, Trey Lewis,Biermann, R.James(in some capacity). Not saying all will turn out to be great play-makers, but I bet at least half will. There are rounds than just the first. Certain picks I will be happy with if pass on ‘Grew, such as Clint Sintim, Larry English, Aaron Maybin, or even Connor Barwin, but why would we go with someone like Jerry or Hood when that would be a terrible complement to Babs? H—, even give me Ron Brace in the first over Hood or Jerry. If this class was stock-piled with DT top-end depth, I’m all for it. But that is not the case this year. There is a ton of middle-round depth for run-stuffing DT’s. If they’re so concerned about it, than take two of them: Roy Miller and Sammie Hill for instance. Or Terrance Taylor and Dorell Scott. TD, Smitty, and Co. know what they’re doing, and I’ll concede if they think Hood or Jerry is the best fit than I’m all for it.
“Well, Pettigrew’s not even that fast and can’t stretch the field!” Does he need to in our offense? Or does he just need to occupy the middle. Does Witten stretch the field, per se? Or is he one of the best in the business go-to guys on 3rd down and red-zone?
“The selection of first round TE’s is really mixed over the last 8 years.” Aren’t all positions? 2007 – Jamarcus Russell; 2008 – Matt Ryan for instance. I heard a caller talk about the failures of TE’s taken in the first. Well, you have to look at all variables, especially who was throwing them the ball?
2008-Dustin Keller (pure RCV TE, jury still out); Brett Favre
2007-Greg Olsen(much better w/Orton);1st Grossman, need I say more?
2006-Vernon Davis; Alex Smith, need I say more?
2006-Marcedes Lewis(better w/Garrard); 1st Leftwich, need I say more?
2005-Heath Miller (stud); Roethlisberger throwing the ball.
2004-Kellen Winslow(stud); Despite terrible QB’s
2004-Ben Watson(stud); No explanation necessary
2003-Dallas Clark(stud);Ditto from above
Again, I am not against us picking DEF first, just the right player. Hood and Jerry are not those players, IMVHO.
Can taste the cold brew on a gorgeous Draft Saturday?
SeminoleWarrior
April 23rd, 2009
10:05 am
Nothing but love in the Teepee for ya, Marko. We are actually on the same page when it comes to the ‘Grew. Speaking of him, D# and Stirg be sure to make room on the Express for Mark Bradley. He is on board with the ‘Grew action now as well.
I was not feeling the Gonzo/Dorsey deals until WR put some serious peep in the gumbo. I mean my man opened up the heat. Gonzo, Dorsey, and then Curry at the OLB. Now, that is an intriguing setup. If TD hears WR, it would leave us with four picks on the second day. Could we fill the needs remaining with those picks? It would be interesting to see if there is enough faith in the roster to go this route.
It will be interesting to see what the rest of the posse feels about this one. On paper, it has the look of one h**l of a defense though, WR.
What a way to start the day….the man brought it strong early!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 23rd, 2009
10:19 am
Are those fire department furloughs still in effect in ATL? Send a few units over to D3’s place. The brother is on fire this morning.
Seriously though, D3, your points are well noted. As you know, I am one of those that has been a strong advocate of the defensive upgrades. I like some of the talent we have (DeCoud, Nicholas, Hutchins) and agree it is time to see what they can do. I’m even warming up to the chance of the pick being the ‘Grew. Honestly, he reminds me of a young Alge. And I would wage to say that Alge was the best TE shy of Junior Miller that I can recall in a Falcon uniform.
I agree that big DT depth will be addressed in the later rounds. But I think that Smitty and TD (along with the invisible one, BVG) want to have speed and penetration on the defensive line. As I have stated on several occassions, I think there is something to what Coach Hamilton said about smaller, faster, penetrating tackles.
If it is true that TD was that close to pulling the trigger on Dorsey last year, Dorsey is that type of tackle. For KC, he listed at 6′1″, 305. Sounds like Hood and Jerry.
I still think the pick will be Hood or Jerry with a later selection of Taylor, Hill, or Miller. That would allow us to have two pair of tackles, a safe and effective rotation. Pair Jerry (305) with Lewis (320) and/or Babs (285) with Taylor/Hill (320). That would be of the same pattern that Smitty used in both Baltimore and Jacksonville.
Thoughts??
D3
April 23rd, 2009
10:34 am
richbrave – nice work on gems in the rough. If given the choice in the 2nd or 3rd: Michael Johnson or Sidbury? Toller is shooting up the charts as well. Maker’s Mark hot sauce? Now that sounds d@– good!
dellis – completely understand your POV. And as long as its the right DEF pick, I don’t have a problem, but I’m not sold at all on Hood or Jerry. I’d take Ron Brace anyday over those guys, IMO. If we didn’t already have Babs, than I’d say pull the trigger. About our OFF and DEF, see my earlier post about the missed opportunities we had on OFF, especially the red zone. Of the 5 guys we lost, Foxworth is the only one we may not have an improvement over, JMHO.
Seminole – you da’ man, but you already knew that. Thanks for that snippet. It may not be ‘Grew, and thats fine as long as its the “right” DEF pick.
Big Ray – right on with Sintim or English. After ‘Grew, Sintim next, and English after him on “my” preference board. You gettin’ your mock in? You know you’ll rock it out.
Big B – I feel your concern on Pettigrew. His slow 40 time does concern me, but he’s the best complete TE that would make the most immediate impact on our OFF. I’m all for Pettigrew @ #24, but if we go DEF first, I’m right in line with you on Cook. If we go DEF first, we need to spend a 2nd pick on Cook or Nelson. Those two are heads and above the rest.
Marko – yeah, I heard that thrown around the other day on NFL Sirius Radio. They actually talked about it for like 10 minutes. I just don’t see TD giving up picks, because that’s what he’s best at is mining talent in “his” mind. If anything I see us trading down to get more picks. Hey, I feel you on not being sold with Pettigrew, because those 40 times are slow and thats a pretty big red flag. I guess I’ve just wrapped myself around the fact of getting a huge upgrade at TE and watching Matty Ice with all those weapons. Hey, if its Sintim, English, or Maybin I won’t be upset in the slightest.
WR – now that’s some serious scenarios right there brother. If that happens and you called it, you need to get a ticket to Vegas ASAP!
For the Draft Day menu: I think I’m gonna do a little hodge-podge of appetizers (you know small stuff, leave room for more brew!). Maybe a little pork stuffed potato skins, hot wings, & stuffed poblano peppers. And pair it with some Newcastle. Mmm, mmm, good!
D3
April 23rd, 2009
10:40 am
Seminole – my tomahawkin’ brotha’, great points as usual. If they go Jerry or Hood, than they got my vote because I trust TD & Co. Honestly, I would much rather have Jerry than Hood. I can’t pin-point it, but there’s just something I don’t care for. I dunno. But using your theory, that would rock the house. Getting the best of both worlds by drafting 2 DT’s. I’m all for that. If we do that one position will have to wait until next year, most likely S.
SeminoleWarrior
April 23rd, 2009
10:49 am
K Strick has been stating that the safety needs is not as great as it appears. I think DeCoud is going to handle his business. He was a beast on special teams and I think he is up to the challenge. Speaking of beasts, James will replace him as the head hunter on special teams. I saw some video of him while at AZ and the man is ridiculous!! Put 20 pounds on him (give him a Varsity discount) and let’s see if that can tranlate to SLB potential in a year or so. More depth and flexibility.
D3
April 23rd, 2009
11:07 am
Wow, is my boy ‘Grew getting killed or what over on Mark Bradley’s blog. Gotta love those, “this is the worst idea ever,” “I’m so done with this crap,” “would be a waste of a pick,” “idiotic pick.”
Substitute Matt Ryan for Brandon Pettigrew in a time travel machine to exactly one year ago. Sound familiar?
D3
April 23rd, 2009
11:20 am
Sorry guys, I’ll shut up now. please return to the Bird-Cage.It’s testing week at school, so I have a little extra time on my hands.
SeminoleWarrior
April 23rd, 2009
11:44 am
Yeah D3, that are waging war on him over there. Better send over the Express and bail the young brother out. Feeling you on the testing. A quiet night ahead in the weather world…maybe a thunderstorm or two.
WR
April 23rd, 2009
11:46 am
Seminole the trade most likely wouldn’t happen but if it did, with the remaining picks on day 2, birds take Hill or Taylor(DT), scoop up Sherrod Martin(CB),Purvis (TE)), Troy Nolan or Pegues(S), Vasquez(OG). Your defensive front seven would be DL,Andersen,Dorsey,Babs,Abraham, LB,Nicholas,Lofton,Curry, with a reserve DL of Biermann,Lewis,(Taylor or Hill),Davis, reserve LB Wire,Peterson,James, now thats a nice two deep unit, the second string actually could start for some teams.