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
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
3:56 pm
TD should be arrested because he just stole TG from Kansas City!!
Let’s just say if the Falcons trade down to pick up not only a 2nd round in this draft but could also re-coup the 2nd round in 2010 draft as well. This guy is the MAN!!
irvin
April 23rd, 2009
3:58 pm
This trade changes the draft in a good way for us. Word is that Baltimore is also interested in Pettigrew. It could be possible to garner a trade for someone wanting to snag him ahead of them like Buffalo at no. 28! Thoughts.
chc4
April 23rd, 2009
4:01 pm
Reno — I agree but was responding to the person that said we could use the comp picks as ammo to move back into the 2nd round next year.
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
4:04 pm
Right on.
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
4:07 pm
Reno, nice points – I also agree we need to look at the DE position in this draft. I do feel that TD will get exactly what he is looking for in this draft to improve our defense. These are not your daddy’s Falcons; these are the new and improve Falcons that are looking to move toward your elite Franchises.
TheManMike
April 23rd, 2009
4:12 pm
Great pick – Just…Goodness……No time for a real comment – so, enjoy.
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
4:21 pm
We also need to still address the Offensive Line in this draft!! Got to protect Matt Ryan as he throws to Roddy, Jenk & now TD!!
irvin
April 23rd, 2009
4:34 pm
Here is a trade scenario to think about. The Bills need help all along their O line. They also need a pass rush and a TE. We could trade our #24 for their #42 and #75. That would give us a top and bottom third selection in rounds two and three. It would satisfy their needs also giving them three in round one. Maybin, Pettigrew and Alex Mack for them. Plenty for us to play with.
irvin
April 23rd, 2009
4:36 pm
I almost sound like a Bills fan. LOL!
tbhawksfan
April 23rd, 2009
4:42 pm
WOW, oh hel yeah. Great trade. Now I can put even more of my mock into the D. TG is so much better than P’grew would have been and we will be that much stronger on D.
Looks like either Jerry, Cushing or Maybin with #24.
Shamus Thacker
April 23rd, 2009
5:04 pm
This thang is turnin out perdy good I’d say.
We instantly have a perennial Pro Bowler (instead of rookie) at TE. We still have our 24th pick, which can now be used for defense or to trade down.
The greatest pickup in the history of the Atlanta Falcons franchise is our General Manager, TD.
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
5:07 pm
D3, Stirg, Nookah, Seminole, Ken Strickland: what does the braintrust think? Anyone else thinking that the Falcons trade down now? I think Sintim is gettable in the middle of the 2nd, for the people who like him. DE Paul Kruger will be available toward the end of the 2nd, and would be a good addition, assuming Jamaal Anderson doesn’t suddenly turn into Justin Tuck. The Connor Barwin wildcard intrigues me, but is more a fit for a 3-4 team, though I’d love it if the Falcons’ picked him. So many possibilities. Thoughts?
Ken Strickland- do you see the Falcons taking a defensive back in the first two rounds, or standing pat with the secondary as is and loading the front seven?
D3- no egg on your face at all, my man. I didn’t think the TG trade was either feasible or smart, until I heard that it was done (and found out it was for a 2010 second rounder) I thought Pettigrew would likely be the pick. It was only logical that TE was a huge need, and he was likely to be the only legitimate first round talent in a position of need available to the Falcons at 24. So, props to the logic: that the Falcons’ viewed the addition of a legit TE threat as an overall team improvement in red-zone efficiency, time of possession, alleviated pressure on the defense by keeping them off the field, etc. They were just able to get it with their 2010 second rounder, instead of their 2009 first. I likes it.
Ironically, doesn’t it seem like KC immediately lowered the value of their own 2nd round compensation when they gave a red zone threat to a strong running team with a good #1 WR and a solid QB who was, really, only missing a TE red zone threat? The Falcons still have a tough first 11 week schedule, but I can’t help but think the Falcons just picked up a win in those 11 weeks with this trade, and the Chiefs just lowered their own compensation by a few slots in 2010. Anyone else think that TD might have just taken advantage of his former boss?
youngjezzyy
April 23rd, 2009
5:15 pm
with TG BABY IM THINKING
1. BUTLER
2. M. JOHNSON
yeah baby yeah
April 23rd, 2009
5:18 pm
NOW WITH TG
1.BUTLER/ENGLISH
2. M. JOHNSON
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
5:24 pm
My brothers…TD is a mastermind!! What a coup. TG will bring solid leadership into the Falcon locker room. And most importantly, he is HUNGRY!! He wants to help take this team to the next level.
Still assessing the breaking news as I am working on this forecast. I’ll comment later.
D3/Stirg: I’m telling ya…get on the Ziggy Hood/Peria Jerry train now. This draft is going to be about two key elements: 1) Upgrading the interior run and pass defensive tempo; 2) Speed and coverage skill enhancements in the LB corps.
WR
April 23rd, 2009
5:29 pm
As great as this trade appears, it has given me a great feeling of depression. I feel like a balloon, the trade blew me up, and the wait for the season to start popped me. Now instead of calling each of you fellow bloggers, I have to refer to you as my support group, well at least part of my support group along with Red Stripes. Back to reality, the Grew bus just flipped over and as I was hanging on for some last minute hope the Peria Jerry bus approached so I quickly gave the Cushing bus in the distance a quick finger and jumped on the Jerry Bus with an eye on the Hood bus which was quickly approaching.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 23rd, 2009
5:30 pm
HOW ARE YOU GUYS DEALING WITH THE TRADE?
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
5:30 pm
The compensatory picks issue is critical to understand. TD is a master of strategy. By not being over-aggressive in F/A, with what we lost, we are in position to obtain at least three comp picks next season. They would fall in rounds three thru seven.
That facet alone would put the Birds near double digits for picks next season. TD mastered this craft from Pioli and Belichek as NE is always in position to obtain comp picks. Lots of value and depth can be found with these. So the loss of a 2 next year is immediately offset by the fact that we will pick double in the ensuing rounds.
irvin
April 23rd, 2009
5:32 pm
I think that Pioli was thinking that if they tried to force the issue in keeping TG, that they might end up not getting any value for him due to early retirement in 2010. So just take the value for next year. Besides, they are in a total rebuilding stage right now. Plus TG deserves to get what he wants. The guy is a player’s pro.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
5:32 pm
DO Led, I love it. Brings leadership into the locker room, great value, and immediate offensive production. TG is good for another two years or so because he takes pretty good care of himself.
Am I on the right track with my preliminary F/A and comp pick assessments?
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
5:33 pm
WR…there is room on the Ziggy Hood express. Come on board.
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
5:34 pm
Seminole- I think if I had to pick between the two, I’d take P. Jerry. He’s disruptive, active, and can rush the passer from the inside. Ziggy Hood looks really good putting swim moves on tackling dummies in workouts, but the word from some is that he really didn’t produce in games the way he should have (I wouldn’t know, I haven’t watched tape. Nor do I really know what I’m talking about, for that matter.)
I still look at the Giants’ team from a few years ago and think that the Falcons could be within a year of putting something like that together, if they get the right picks in this draft: a three-headed running back attack, an opportunity passing attack that doesn’t take undue risks with the ball, and a front four that can generate pressure on the QB without blitzing. Jerry might fit that mold, with the quickness to get off inside blocks and into the backfield. (I’d still rather the Falcons trade down, though.)
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
5:37 pm
(the running attack being Turner, Norwood, and T. Brown, I should say.)
irvin
April 23rd, 2009
5:38 pm
Good point on the comp picks Seminole. We can use our regular picks next year to position ourselves for one of the premiere safeties next year such as Taylor Mays out of USC or Eric Berry out of Tennessee.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
5:42 pm
Reno, I’m cool with either. Perry has the edge initially but I have full faith in the Sugar Bear to coach either of them up. And don’t forget the other half of my plan. Pair Jerry/Hood with Lewis and then pair Babs with later round selection Taylor/Hill and we will have one H**l of a set of DTs..
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
5:44 pm
Mays or Berry would be awesome, but I think the cost will be too high. I’m not sure anyone would take a late first rounder and a 3rd rounder for a high 1st, unfortunately. Though I’d love either one of those guys (I’d liken Berry to Ed Reed and Mays to Troy Polamalu), I think they’ll both be top 10, and the only way the Falcons will get a shot at them will be to go 5-11.
irvin
April 23rd, 2009
5:51 pm
That may be true Reno. But how about throwing in the 2011 first or second rounder to help bolster the value. Do you think that if we have a contending team with good depth after 2009 that we could relinquish that type of value for either of them?
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
6:02 pm
seminole- you’re right on, brother. The thing about this team, I feel, is that TD can pick the players with the right tools, and the coaches are good enough to actually coach them into being better than they otherwise would be. Look at the O-line situation in 2008, for example. Playing way, way over their heads, I’d bet quite a bit attributable to getting the right mentality players (guys like Dahl and Clabo, who have the nasty attitude, but not all the talent in the world) and giving them the right kind of coaching to build them into a good unit. We know that the staff likes Babs and Trey Lewis. Add another good inside athlete to that mix and they could be good to go.
irvin- yes, I do. I’d do whatever it took (within reason) to get Mays or Berry, frankly. Earlier this year, when Mays announced he was returning to USC for his senior season, I thought the Falcons should trade a potentially terrible team for their 2010 first rounder (like Cincinnati or St. Louis) just for a shot at Mays.
WR
April 23rd, 2009
6:06 pm
Reno, its funny should mention Brown, I wasn’t even thinking about a three-headed rushing attack but there’s something about that guy that tells me teams are going to regret passing over him. Seminole keep the engine running on the Ziggy express, from now until saturday we are in for a bumpy ride and I might just have to bail out at the last minute. Haven’t heard anyone mention it in a while but the Chung bus should be cranking back up soon.
Intramural Team is Aggressive
April 23rd, 2009
6:07 pm
Reno I was wondering how it would make you feel to hear that we traded for TG with a 2010 second-round pick. I know I was ecstatic about it.
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
6:10 pm
Fellas~ I just heard TD on 680 the fan and it’s a strong possiblilty the Falcons could trade the 24th pick for additional picks. I do believe they will go defense when they finally pick, actually I think the first 4-5 picks will be for the defensive side.
Reno 911
April 23rd, 2009
6:12 pm
Heck yeah, man. Santa Claus uses hair gel and a mustache comb.
Nookah
April 23rd, 2009
6:13 pm
D3, no egg my friend. Don’t worry about it. There will be more trades to come even on draft day. Personally I think the first round will have about 2 or possibly more. I know because of the Snyder
threat and his coveting Sanchez may lead to some disruption at the top of the draft. Seattle needs Sanchez to be schooled by Greg Knapp, yes Knapp, in the West Coast offense, especially since Hasselbach is so frail. Oh by the way, ?I don’t think KC is done dealing.
So, it is safe to say it’s going to be defense in round 1. TG is such a great pickup, he converted 28 third downs last year for the Chiefs (NFL Network). What was one of our weaknesses on offense last year? You guessed it, third downs. So that addresses that.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!! …….THE PROCESS CONTINUES……
“Chase dem crazy baldheads outta town”……..Robert Nesta Marley… (that’s what we’ll be doing next year)!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 23rd, 2009
6:13 pm
Here’s our story on the trade:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/04/23/falcons_gonzalez_trade.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
6:14 pm
Reno, again you are right on point….It appears that P Jerry, Sintim, Ziggy Hood, DE Paul Kruger or Connor Barwin could be Falcons!
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
6:56 pm
WR…the Ziggy Express or Jerry Land Rover is ready to roll into ATL. Remember, small, disruptive, pressure the pocket.
WR, funny that you bring nack my original ride, SS Patrick Chung. And like the Dean, I just heard TD’s remarks. I do not think he is done yet. It appears that we may be on our way to two picks in the second round with possible another one or two picks. Curious as to who the trade partner would be? DO Led or posse, any ideas?
WR, funny that you bring nack my original ride, SS Patrick Chung. He may be there in the second (I know Stirg, Big Ray, and D3 told me this weeks back). According to the depth chart, we need depth at FS behind Coleman. DeCoud, Harris, and the others are projected as SS though DeCoud could play either. Question is whether we will consider that a key need in the second or go for LB help.
The Truth Hurts
April 23rd, 2009
7:00 pm
The compansetory picks can be used in lieu of regular picks if you choose to use the regular picks to move back up. That was my point. chc4. Or whomever.
I wonder how many bloggers have actually seen Hood, Jerry, Butler, Cushing, Sintim, Brace or whomever else they’re clamoring for….play. Not just once. But over and over. Youtube highlight packages don’t count.
I’m guessing….not many.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
7:30 pm
Truth, I have seen Brace and Sintim in person (I’m a ACC guy). Sintim is a beast and I could be there for us in the second as it seems his stock has slid. On my dish, I followed Jerry and Hood; impact players who minor issues could easily be addressed by the Sugar Bear. Brace is questionable with me; Raji made that line and I’m wondering about Brace and his health issues (back).
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 23rd, 2009
7:35 pm
Y’all, I am sitting over here, gettin’ tore up. I am so excited about this trade, I don’t know what to do. I have preached time and time again about the possibility of using the two-tight end set to beat this new Tampa 2 defense. It’ll only work, however, with a combo blocking/catching tight end, at least one. I, still, look for TD to take another TE in later rounds, someone like Morrah (I think Reno 911 suggested this earlier). That way, the rookie would receive the tutelage of an all-pro, who’ll be retiring soon. Wow! TD thinks just like this blog. I swear that I’ve suggested this tactic before.
While we’re in a celebratory mode, gentlemen, lets tip our hats and lift our brews to TD, Arthur Blank and Bill Parcells.
I’m going to go ahead and put it out there…Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl 44!
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
7:37 pm
Posse, here is one for you to ponder. TD says he is still open to trading down. Connections are everything right? Check this:
Atlanta trades pick #24 to the New England Patriots for the rights to picks 34 and 37 in the second round. New England uses the 24th pick to trade to Carolina, along with a third round pick, for Julius Peppers.
Atlanta uses three #2 picks on Hood, Sintim, and Laurinaitis/Freeman. Sintim starts at SLB and Laurinaitis/Freeman projects at WLB.
Thoughts…..
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
7:39 pm
Stirg, I’m at work so I will toast with a Coke Zero. But when I get to the Teepee, it’s own with a shot of Crown.
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
7:40 pm
Well it looks like I’ve found the usual suspects hanging out with Orlando. What do you think guys? Did anybody really think the D-man could land Gonzo for a whole year rent free? The Falcons used to be like congress, totally lacking in adult supervision. Well look at them now. The new and improved Dirty Birds have got be favorites to win the division. The no back to back winning seasons crap stops here. Falcon’s for Ever!
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
7:48 pm
Strig, you know how much I respect your judgment, but give Gonzo a couple of winning seasons and you have to beat him senseless with his cane and drag him off the field to get him to retire. The evil doers will fear our Gonzo for years to come.
Bill in Dallas
April 23rd, 2009
7:49 pm
I’m very happy about the trade. Now I won’t have to throw things.
Nookah
April 23rd, 2009
7:49 pm
Seminole, I’ll have to start calling you “EZ (End Zone – you are the perfect TD complement). I love that trade and I’d do it in a heartbeat. I know I’d put some pressure on all QB’s and not miss a beat!!!
Love it man!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!…….the process continues!!!
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
7:54 pm
Thanks Nookah. It seems the Patriot way is working in ATL and KC so why help out the mother ship if it helps us too.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
7:55 pm
Worse case, it gets rid of us dealing with Peppers twice a year…LOL.
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
8:03 pm
Seminole, sounds good to me. If we can’t have Peppers, we’ll at least get him out of our division. We get stronger and the godless heathens up north get weaker. what’s not to like.The problem as i see it , is that New England wants Julius, they just can’t afford him. You know typical cap crap.
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
8:04 pm
Seminole – I agree. My question is what homerun will TD pick this year?? The man has a crystal ball in his pocket, office, etc. I’m interested to see if we indeed use the 1st pick or trade it. Considering that we do need starters, TD may trade it to get extra picks or it may comes down to whomever has slipped to us and we had them on the board to begin with.
chc4
April 23rd, 2009
8:04 pm
Seminole — No way the #24 is worth #34 AND #37. To go from 34 to 24 the Pats would probably have to give up a 3rd.