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.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
346 comments Add your comment
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
8:08 pm
23 or 23 would be worth it if they could get Peppers with it. And Pepper may do a Randy Moss and take less cash in order to get a shot at the ring. Just a thought.
I threw it out there to see how it would fly..
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
8:10 pm
And chc4, TD gave up 2 #2 picks last year to move up to get Sam Baker. So, as I stated, the Patriot way is not as orthodox as one would think.
richbrave
April 23rd, 2009
8:11 pm
We can blog all day and debate who will be the picks the falcons ULTIMATELY SELECT. tHE TRUTH IS HOWEVER, IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHO’S ON THE BOARD WHEN IT’S THEIR TURN AND WHETHER HE’S A GUY THEY HAVE EVALUATED AND WANT.
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
8:14 pm
This trade changes a lot for the birds! It also makes it harder for a brother to mock! Options! Options! Options!
I assume D3 is still taking on mocks which everyone will have to re-do before noon on Sat. I guess it’s on who gets closer to TD’S thought process on his next moves…
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
8:19 pm
Seminole, you might be on to something big! Here is the layout from that move up by the Birds last year:
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Falcons traded two of their second-round picks (No. 34 and No. 48) and a fourth round pick (No. 103) with Washington to move to No. 21 overall and select USC tackle Sam Baker Saturday during the NFL Draft.
The Redskins also sent the Falcons the No. 84 and No. 154 pick, giving the Birds three, third-round selections and two picks in the fifth round.
The Dean 21
April 23rd, 2009
8:22 pm
Seminole. you just might be on to something Big with that move up trade regarding the Pats & Peppers. Here is how the Birds moved up last year:
The Falcons traded two of their second-round picks (No. 34 and No. 48) and a fourth round pick (No. 103) with Washington to move to No. 21 overall and select USC tackle Sam Baker Saturday during the NFL Draft.
The Redskins also sent the Falcons the No. 84 and No. 154 pick, giving the Birds three, third-round selections and two picks in the fifth round.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
8:29 pm
I’m telling you brothers….don’t underestimate the Patriot way.
Marko
April 23rd, 2009
8:29 pm
I was just checking out Walter Football.Com it’s a great place to check out a lot of mocks quick. It seems that a lot of folks will have to do a little last minute scrambling because most of them have the Falcons taking Pettigrew.I’ll spend tomorrow polishing up mine. I’m leaving Brandon where I’ve got him, an Eagle.
yeah baby yeah
April 23rd, 2009
8:35 pm
seminole. i have no idea where you get these awesome ideas of trades and stuff, but 3 picks in the 2nd would be awesome, and maybe we could get 2 2nd and one 3rd from the pat. but either i think would be good. also if we could get alll 3 players you listed then that is def a good draft for the falcons. dude keep up the good blog info, I LOVE IT
CC
April 23rd, 2009
8:37 pm
Seminole — According to the unofficial trade value chart, the #24 pick is worth 740 points. #34 & 37 combined total 1,090. If we get #34, the corresponding pick that would add up to 740 points is #95 which is a late 2nd.
richbrave
April 23rd, 2009
8:39 pm
HEADS UP FALCONS STAFF:
The latest on GREG TOLER from my neck of the woods, ST. PAULS COLLEGE.
“Shawntee Spencer was not invited to the NFL scouting combine in 2004. So the NFL had to play catchup on the Pitt cornerback in the draft process after he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at his campus workout. So 24 teams flew Spencer in for pre-draft visits, and he wound up getting selected in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers.
Gregory Toler of tiny St. Paul’s threatened Spencer’s record in the 2009 draft process. Toler reportedly visited 22 teams in March and April after running in the upper 4.3s at a pro day workout.
Playing at a Division II school in Virginia, Toler dominated his level of competition. He intercepted six passes and also returned a punt for a touchdown last season. Then he was invited to the Cactus Bowl, the Division II all-star game. He intercepted a pass and made four tackles there. Then came his 40 time. Then came all those frequent flyer miles.”
He has a 4.27 personal best with consistant 4.39 times, is flexible and smart with the build at 5′11′ 192 to excel in the NFL.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 23rd, 2009
8:41 pm
I’m sitting over here gettin’ tore up. I am so excited about Gonzo coming to the Bird Cage, I can’t even be still. I have preached time and time again about using the two-tight end set to beat this Cover2 defense. To pull it off, you’ll need a combo blocking/catching TE, at least one. I suggested a Pettigrew/Morrah, Pettigrew/Peele, Gonzo/Pelle, Gonzo/Morrah. Look for TD to grab another tight end late in the draft (I’m cerain someone good will drop down) and receive the tutalege of a Hall of Fame tight end. Wow!
On to the defense, gentlemen. I’m not the smartest football fan in the world; but if I can research the statistics for the time it takes for a defensive end to mature, I’m certain NFL Scouts have learned the same thing. They have the confidence and patience in Jamaal Anderson and so do I. That logic, alone, will eliminate drafting a defensive end for “24″.
I’d take a linebacker at “24″ but there are so many to choose from. Trust him, with Coach Smith’s defensive scheme, we’re set with our “interchangeable” linebackers, right now. Still, we do need SAM to combo at defensive end. I agree with the pundits, if Michael Johnson dangles around “55″, grab him! Otherwise, we need a true linebacker. After Clay Matthews, Jr., Clint Sintim and Tyrone McKenzie are the only two that would fit our scheme. Considering two of those three names will be available in the second round, I’d take my chances with waiting until then.
We have a number of cornerbacks, already, that can play zone very well. I would love for the Birds to grab a combo cornerback/safety but who can tackle and cover the defensive backfield at the same time? Can one of you fellows get back with me on that one? Tell me which defensive back can come up to support the run and/or cover a wide receiver, worthy of “24″.
With the process of elimination, we all know (considering Coach Smith’s history) that we’re going defensive tackle. With the Gonzo trade, we’re going to eat up alot of clock, offensively. Which means offensive opponents are going to have to get out the mustard, to catch up (get it? CatchUp? Okay, I’ll keep my day job). To stop an offense, YOU MUST START UP FRONT!!! Every Super Bowl contender had a strong frontline. I am really feeling Seminole Warrior’s tactic with “Jerry/Hood and Trey Lewis or a Babs and Taylor/Hill”. That will make Chevis Jackson and Chris Houston look like Pro Bowlers. That, my friends, is the reason we’ll draft a defensive tackle with “24″. Question is who?
While we’re in a celebratory mode, gentlemen, let’s tip our hats and lift our brews to Thomas Dimitroff and Arthur Blank; but let’s give and exceptional gesture of gratitude to Bill Parcells. We’ll see you in the Super Bowl.
Yes, I said it! Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl XLIV, Miami Gardens, Florida. Get your tickets, now.
richbrave
April 23rd, 2009
8:42 pm
And they never mentioned his three blocked field-goal attempts.
Ed
April 23rd, 2009
8:50 pm
Seminole the two second rd picks you mention for our #24 is way over value for the Patriots to do it. In the pt system (which I know is not the end all when it comes to trades) shows the #24 worth 740 pts & the 34th worth 560 pts with the 37th worth 530 pts. Thats 740 to 1090…it would have to be the Pats 3rd rounder most likely to go with the 34th pick.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
9:01 pm
Ed and CC, I feel you on the point evaluations. Jsut saying that the Patriot was is not always what we think it is. Again, I threw the scenario out there for provocative thoughts. And man, we getting it.
I love this blog and I love my posse brethern within!!
WR
April 23rd, 2009
9:03 pm
Stirg, some of the points you brought up were so good that they actually made me change my opinion of taking Jerry/Hood and maybe looking at Malcolm Jenkins if he falls to 24. He’s about 6′2 physical, more of a zone guy than a man guy which fits what the falcons are trying to do. As much as I hate to admit it, for the first time I think the USC kool-aid is about to come back into play. Jerry or Hood would be great picks, but I don’t think the falcons take one of those guys unless they can trade back in the draft, Jenkins is expected to be off the board by pick 24 which leaves LB, a need position. I believe Clay Matthews Jr. will be the pick at 24, not my choice but if he ends up being anywhere as good as whats being predicted, I definitely would be okay with the pick, so yeah the Matthews bus is now operational.
D3
April 23rd, 2009
9:04 pm
GDWTF, Gentleman! H— YEAH!!!! It’s great to be an Atlanta Falcon. So just as this trade is coming upon us, my computer cord (yes, a cord) died out on me so I don’t have Wi-Fi access to my work computer. But man, what a difference a couple of hours make. I was just running through some scenarios as the story broke today and broke quick. I was actually on the comp. around that time and it just started poppin’ up everywhere on the ‘net. Couldn’t have asked for anything better. TG AND we keep this years #2 in such a great year to keep him. So much to analyze and, of course, no easy computer access. I rode the ‘Grew Wagon until the Big TG Express rolled into town as, quite possibly, the greatest TE to ever play the game(at least one of). Just some quick tidbits and gotta get back to the house CEO. Wow, and just when I thought this draft couldn’t get any more exciting.
Ziggified – Gotta do some more research on Hood, b/c my boys on here are pushing me towards the Ziggy Cadillac. Question#1: Do we take him at #24 regardless or only if we trade back? If we take Ziggy, I still say we grab us a run-stuffer because this is THE year to do it. Can you imagine the rotation of Babs, Lewis, Hood, & Sammie Hill? Yowsa.
If I could be like MJ – I definitely want to trade back for sure, even if that means giving up on Hood, because I think he doesn’t get past Indy. But could imagine if we did trade back and picked up: Sintim, Moala, & MJ? Man, would that be sick or what? Question #2: Would you rather have Ziggy and Sintim, or Sintim, MJ, & Moala? Personally, I’ll take option number 2.
Buffalo, NE, Cleveland, and Detroit are all potential trading partners. And don’t rule out Chicago either. They have 8 picks and would LOVE to jump up and grab a Nicks, Britt, Robiskie, or Harvin.
More later, hopefully, but could you imagine something like this:
2a)Clint Sintim – OLB
2b)Michael Johnson – DE
2c)Sen’Derrick Marks – DT
3)Chip Vaughn – S
4)Roy Miller – DT
5a)Keenan Lewis – CB
5b)Aaron Kelly – WR
6)Lydon Murtha – T
Gimme a Red Scripe/St.Pauli/Newcastle and even a D@– Bud!!!!! Strike upt the band…….”ITS GREAT TO BE AN ATL FALCON!” said “ITS GREAT TO BE AN ATL FALCON!”
Obviously some of us will need to re-do our mocks.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
9:05 pm
Excellent breakdown Stirg…the defensive tackle position will be the choice at 24. Bank on it..
D3
April 23rd, 2009
9:09 pm
Too many second rounders, more like:
2a)Sintim
2b)MJ
3a)Marks
3b)Vaughn
4)Sammie Hill
5a)Keenan Lewis
5b)Aaron Kelly
6)Lydon Murtha
Ed
April 23rd, 2009
9:22 pm
There’s a CB from Troy whose name I cannot immediately recall that the Falcons are supposedly interested in as a 2nd round pick. Also, Delmas from Western Michigan would be a likely pick if we trade down from #24 & he’s a huge hitter in the Colts’ Sanders mold.
yeah baby yeah
April 23rd, 2009
9:51 pm
Okay guys, here is my first attempt at a mock draft comment on it if u like this is staright up with no trades
01- DET- QB Mathew Stafford
02- STL- OT Eugene Monroe
03- KC – LB Aaron Curry
04- SEA- WR Michael Crabtree
05- CLE- DE Brian Orakpo
06- CIN- OT Jason Smith
07- OAK- WR Jeremy Maclin
08- JAC- QB Mark Sanchez
09- GB- NT B.J. Raji
10- SF- DE Tyson Jackson
11- BUF- OT Andre Smith
12- DEN- DE Tyson Jackson
13- WAS- DE Aaron Maybin
14- NO- DB Malcolm Jenkins
15- HOU- LB Clay Mathews
16- SD- LB Rey Maualuga
17- NYJ- QB Josh Freeman
18- DEN- DE Everette Brown
19- TB- DE Robert Ayers
20- DET- OT William Beatty
21- PHI- RB Knowshon Moreno
22- MIN- CB Darius Butler
23- NE- LB Brian Cushing
24- ATL- LB Clint Sintim
25- MIA- WR Hakeem Nicks
26- BAL- WR Darius Heyward Bey
27- IND- DT Peria Jerry
28- BUF- LB Larry English
29- NYG- WR Percy Harvey
30- TEN- DB Vontae Davis
31- ARI- RB Chris Wells
32- PIT- C Alex Mack
ATL
1- LB Clint Sintim
2- DE Michael Johnson
3- S David Brutton
4- DT Dorell Scott
5- OT Fenuki Tupou
5- TE Dan Gronkowsi
6- CB Morgan Trent
yeah baby yeah
April 23rd, 2009
9:53 pm
sorry messed up on some
yeah baby yeah
April 23rd, 2009
9:54 pm
you guys can copy it and change things and post it back upp i would love to see what u guys think i should changeee
Ken Strickland
April 23rd, 2009
10:03 pm
I hate to toot my own horn, but I said this trade could go down if KC was willing to accept a 2010 2nd rd pick. Now, the Falcon OFF can consistently ram the ball down teams throats on the ground or through the air. TGonzalez will also allow us to eat cover 2 zones for lunch. Teams will have to keep a LB or SS over Gonzalez to keep him from getting behind the DEF.
This trade allows us to draft a DT, LB and/or DE/LB hybrid with our 1st 3 picks. Or, we can go for a CB with one of those picks. We could still draft a TE in the middle rds. The pick we saved this yr, by not having to draft a TE, can be used to trade up. This trade allows us sooo many options. This trade will do for our OFF what the RMoss trade did for the Patriot’s OFF. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CC
April 23rd, 2009
10:09 pm
Sherrod Martin is DB from Troy. 6′ 1″ 198lbs and runs a 4.43. Here’s his skinny:
Cornerback or free safety? That is the question teams have to kick around when they consider Sherrod Martin. Versatility is a good thing to have and the Troy defensive back is an intriguing prospect for a number of reasons, not the least of which is his 6-1, 198-pound frame and the 4.38-second time he turned in for the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. Martin played free safety at Troy but got some work at the Senior Bowl at cornerback. He might not be quite thick enough for NFL standards at free safety but as Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News pointed out, Martin measures as one of the top five biggest corners in the draft, an asset against bigger wide receivers. “We’ve talked internally about it,” Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said about Martin’s position when we inquired about him this afternoon. “We like the player. He certainly has outstanding athletic ability, he’s got a good makeup but again that is beauty in the eye of the beholder.” To Martin, it doesn’t matter where he winds up. “I’ll be comfortable anywhere in the secondary,” he said. “I have more experience at safety but at corner, I’m a fast learner. At safety in the NFL there would be more things for me to learn. Coming into the NFL, it’s going to be a learning period anyway. Each day I am there I am going to get more comfortable. I feel comfortable playing either spot. “For the most part, they are going to let me determine where I am going to play. They’ll try me at corner and if I am good there, I’ll play corner. If not, I’ll try safety. They’re looking at me as a versatile guy.”
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
10:30 pm
K-Strick, you did call this trade. Now, I’m sending the Hood Express over to pick up yourself, Big Ray, D3, Nookah, and Stirg. If I forgot anyone, I’m sorry. But the Express is rolling from Mizzou towards the ATL.
But don’t fret K-Strick and Big Ray, I still think we will get a big body as well. Hill, Miller, or Taylor are definately in the cards. I have no doubt that the Birds will take two tackles in this draft.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 23rd, 2009
10:40 pm
I’m not ready to submit my mock draft, yet, for the entire league but I do want to enter my mock for the Falcons. I predict that the Falcons will trade their “24″, like most have suggested; but I think they’ll trade up, not down. I think the Falcons will trade a first round (24) and a third round (90), for Kansas City first round (3). With that pick, I think Atlanta will choose Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest, with their first pick. I referenced Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star to make this choice. Its a good commentary. You should read it: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/257941/
Round 1 (3) Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
2 (55) Lawrence Sidbury, Jr., DE, Richmond
4 (125) Courtney Greene, DB, Rutgers
5 (138) Cameron Morrah, TE, California
5 (143) Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
6 (176) T.J. Lang, OT/OG, Eastern Michigan
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
10:42 pm
D3, I see you are feeling my rotation of tackles. DT, LB, LB, SS/FS, DT, depth pick with the second fifth and the sixth round picks.
This is of course, barring any Friday or Saturday morning surprises.
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
10:44 pm
Wow…Stirg, now that is what I call breaking news. You are feeling the Patriot Way as well huh. And I thought my trade was a blockbuster.
I would be totally wild if one of us nailed this. Man, I am enjoying this ride too much, especially with severe storms moving across the state. Don’t worry…my Doppler radar is in full effect and the warnings are out.
yeah baby yeah
April 23rd, 2009
10:50 pm
\ YEAH STRIG YEAH that sounds good to me!
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 23rd, 2009
10:52 pm
You like that, Seminole Warrior? I figure, TD likes to play safe but aggresive. I don’t think that there are any “safe” picks (DT, OLB or DB) at “24″. Clay, Jr. and Cushing, both, have questionable issues off the field. Everybody else (LBs) are second rounders. Peria Jerry will get picked up before “24″ and I’m just not feeling Ziggy Hood (too inconsistent, to me). If we don’t trade our first rounder to Kansas City for Glenn Dorsey, I think we can entertain trading for their number three pick (read that article). Feel me, now.
Shamus Thacker
April 23rd, 2009
10:57 pm
I love Sammie Lee Hill (not in biblical sense) and might even jump on him a round early if there’s a chance he’d be gone next pick. His frame could hold 25 additional lbs. Almost 6′4″, and an eventual 350-lbs? Yeah, he’s my guy somewhere in this draft.
Never been so damned excited bout a draft. Always loved em, but always knew we’d find a way to blow it in some regard. Feel like every pick now is an actual, physical, pertinent, piece of the future.
Praise the Lawd, and TD
Shamus Thacker
April 23rd, 2009
11:02 pm
Well, it’s close enough to Friday to find a reason for getting liquored-up. The TG trade does it for me.
Cheers!
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
11:03 pm
Feeling you brother but Sugar Bear is ready to take Ziggy to All-Pro status. In the Bear, I trust.
Here is an excellent piece on TD. I would nominate TD for governor but I’m a selfish fan who has been waiting a long, long time for my world championship.
http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Football_News/FBN_Jim_Litke_4239.html
Ed
April 24th, 2009
1:56 am
Just heard Jason Smith on ESPN radio say the Falcons are now a favorite to make it to the Super Bowl. He was effusive in his praise of the Falcons getting Tony G.
Big Ray
April 24th, 2009
4:56 am
Ha! Did I not say this deal wasn’t completely dead?
To be honest, I thought it might be happening on draft day if we couldn’t get Pettigrew. I also thought that TD and MS would prefer a veteran tight end for their young ICE MAN to work with, as only picking up a young one would require a good bit more time to get it working right. And they kind of made that obvious when they talked to LJ Smith.
Well, ICE gets his present early this year. Christmas in April!
By the way, I know KEN STRICKLAND was the one who called this trade, down to the last detail. The kudos go to him…
Big Ray
April 24th, 2009
5:46 am
SeminoleWarrior,
I don’t mind taking a ride on the Hood Express, if that’s where we go. Don’t mind at all.
But I have to admit, I’m not sure WHO the heck we’ll take first NOW.
Or second, or third…but I’m excited as heck about it.
And as STIRG suggests, don’t rule out taking a young tight end for Gonzalez to help groom.
D3,
What’s shakin’ brotha! Tell me you ain’t too sad about all this. I know you were lookin’ for ‘Grew in round 1. And what’s all this noise I hear about trading back into the 2nd round? I must’ve missed that rumor…
Big Ray
April 24th, 2009
5:50 am
I wouldn’t place us in the Super Bowl just yet. We’re definitely going to be that much tougher to deal with, now that Gonzalez is on board. With an addition like this, I think some OTHER teams’ schedules just got tougher…heh heh heh
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
6:45 am
Good morning my brothers. Getting an early start; have a feeling it is going to be a busy day.
Stirg, though your trade proposal interests me and Curry would be a big time pickup, the cap cost associated with moving up to #3 would be too much considering the unresolved MV contract issues. Until we get put it (MV’s contract) to final rest, we have to be very careful. Equally as important, we need to take that type cash and lock up Roddy White with a new deal, especially considering the TG acquisition. The offense is primed to explode now.
Big Ray, what’s up bro! I’m with you on slowing the SB talk just yet. But I AM feeling history this upcoming season. Yes, you heard it here. History will be made. The Falcons will post their FIRST back-to-back winning seasons as well as their FIRST back-to-back appearances in the NFL playoffs.
How Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet it is to awaken today and be a Falcon fan!!
tbhawksfan
April 24th, 2009
7:11 am
I also thought the TG trade would go through. Now we can do the D Draft that I’ve been longing for. I didn’t think P’grew was the choice before the trade.
What’s up with the DOL DT preview. Doesn’t even mention Jerry who should be our first choice. If Jenkins falls, got to take him. He won’t though.
This could be a great and plausible senario
#24: Cushing OLB
#55: Brace DT
#90: Vaughn SS
#125: Williams C
#138: Shaughnessy DE
#145: Maiva OLB
#176: Underwood CB/S
Trading out of the first is an option, but do we trade out of Cushing? Jerry to Moala isn’t that far. Cushing to anyone available after the first few picks of the second is a big drop.
Underwood is a talent with size and speed, highly rated, but under the radar.
Big Ray
April 24th, 2009
7:12 am
SeminoleWarrior,
I’m buyin’ what YOU’RE sellin’! Back to back winning season and playoff appearance it is!
Now, time for my night patrollin’ self to get to bed. If it ain’t too busy, and my guys are takin’ care of business, I’ll be back to chat with y’all tonight…about tomorrow!
Peace to all my Falcon-loving brothas and sistas.
richbrave
April 24th, 2009
7:47 am
For all you mock draft guys, pencil in MARK SANCHEZ to the REDSKINS and JASON CAMPBELL out in a trade for a fourth rounder. SNYDER is determined to replace GIBBS’ boy no matter how it effects the overall health of the franchise. He will give up the #13 this year, plus a one and a fourth in 2010.
WR
April 24th, 2009
7:54 am
Seminole doesn’t Stirg suggestion sound like something you heard before, something like I posted first thing yesterday morning. Stirg go back to the early morning postings from yesterday I believe it was maybe the day before, great minds think I like. I had this scenario going even before the Gonzo trade, now that the trade is done one piece of the scenario has fallen into place, and the other pieces don’t seem so far fetched.
JJ
April 24th, 2009
8:26 am
Mornin’, man what a suave move by TD! The other great news in the nfc south was carolina giving choke-delhomme an extension.
Can you imagine what the other teams (especially in our div) are thinking after this trade? lol
D3: Did you get all the egg off? j/k buddy, you were on the right track with TE and grew would have been the pick. I preferred nelson but it’s A NEW DAY IN GA, WATCH OUT NFC!!!
Re-working my sheet of guesswork and will submitt tonight.
Richbrave: (new regime-new qb) I bet Denver takes sanchez in 4th, they have to save face after the cutler screw-up and they have more ammo than nutt job-snyder.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 24th, 2009
11:00 am
Good Mornting! JJ, you bring an interesting point to mind. “Can you imagine what the other teams in our division are thinking?” If I’m on another team (GOD-forbid), I’m thinking that I need to amp up my defense. Matter of fact, didn’t Tampa grab Leftwich and Winslow, Jr in free agency? Throw in a Moreno and a starting tackle and they’ll look a lot like dirty birds.
This is why we need to draft quality starters and not settle for the bottom of the barrell, just to fill a position. If its defensive tackle we need, move up to take the best. Jacksonville has expressed willingness to trade down from their first round pick and I’m sure B.J. Raji will be available at number eight.
With this economy, teams are struggling to keep their franchise afloat. Who wants to pay top-five-pick salary to unproven talent? According to the commentary I referenced lastnight, teams like Kansas City are more willing to move away from the top five. We can offer rounnds one and three, with the rights of Michael Vick (that would solve the problem Seminole Warrior presented to me about Vick’s impact to our salary cap), and utilize the number three pick to draft Aaron Curry. With Lofton, Curry and Nicholas (and possibly Peterson, in a 3-4 set), we can attack this two-tight end set theory that, I think, most teams are going to establish. After Curry, defensive help will still be available for the picking. We’ll still have “55″ and can use it on someone like Sidbury, Moala, Chung or Brace.
You know what I noted about tight ends last season? There were a number of teams that had multiple tight ends averaging over ten yards per catch (with more than thirty catches). Which tells me that teams are playing more two-tight end sets; or, they’re beating cover-two defenses with combo blocking/catching tight ends. Look for Atlanta to target Cameron Morrah in later rounds. Guess what Morrah and Gonzalez have in common? They both played for the California Bears. They’d make a wonderful student/teacher team. Big Ray, I think you’re right. Ken Strickland did develop this scenario. At least, he’s the one that introduced me to this Cameron Morrah kid. Good work, Ken. Glad you’re on our team.
FALCONSHATER2009
April 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
Ken i have found u once again. Tony Gonzales is done aight. he couldnt do it in KC and he aint gonna do nothing for the Falcons