Mock Draft 6.0: Welcome to the ATL, Cushing
Falcons QB Matt Ryan shooting an ESPN commercial with Hannah Storm (l) and Josh Elliot. If they shoot another one, maybe he'll take linebacker Brian Cushing with him.
DRAFTVILLE — Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the hay is in the barn.
The Falcons draft board is all arranged. The Green players are in the green spots. The blue players are in the blue spots. The red guys are in the red slots. The off-the-board guys can find their name plates in the trash dumpster.
The matrix is complete.
Loading ...The Texans could change the Falcons’ plans. But after much debate, we’re projecting that our friends from H-town will select Florida State’s Everette Brown, leaving Cushing to fall to the Falcons.
Cushing has some issues. But that’s why he’ll be there at No. 24. When he comes in to meet the media on Sunday he’ll have to explain the steroid accusations that have followed him since high school and why he and teammate Clay Matthews Jr. allegedly formed a group called “White Nation” on Facebook.
Now if the Cushing scenario doesn’t unfold for the Falcons, that means another good defender — could be Brown or Penn State’s Aaron Maybin — is slipping. Also on the board for the Falcons will be Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English or Missouri defensive tackle Evander “Ziggy” Hood.
If none of the desirable defensive players slip through, look for the Falcons to trade out of the position and pick up more picks. They will need to land near the top of the second round so they could select Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas.
The Falcons’ trade for Tony Gonzalez has restructured the first round. There are going to be several other trades. Cleveland is trying to dump Braylon Edwards and possibly quarterback Brady Quinn. Washington and Denver may try to get in position to select quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Before the Gonzalez trade, University of Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was headed to Philadelphia. The Falcons, in part suspecting that Philadelphia was going to take Oklahoma State tight Brandon Pettigrew with the 21st pick, went ahead and got the Gonzalez deal done.
It took Dimitroff and his buddy Scott Pioli all of three hours on Thursday to have a meeting of the former New England minds.
With the Eagles taking Pettigrew, Moreno will slip to Arizona, which has the 31st pick.
More on the Mock Draft later. . . .
COMMUNITY CORNER
Punter Michael Koenen hostted the sixth Annual Dream House Golf Classic on Thursday at the Olde Atlanta Golf Club in Suwanee, Georgia . Proceeds from the event will benefit local children’s charity, Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc. . . .
Falcons punter Michael Koenen was out in the community this week.
Cornerback Von Hutchins will serve as the grand marshal for the Walk for Lupus at Piedmont Park on Saturday. He will lead the countdown for the event to start. The walk will support the over 55,000 Georgians and 1.5 million Americans who suffer from Lupus. Those interested can start a team or walk as an individual by registering at www.lupusga.org or calling 770-333-5930. . . .
Wide receiver Harry Douglas will serve as the grand marshal for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies on Saturday, April 25 at Centennial Olympic Park. Douglas will sign autographs in the Kids Corner from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., do the countdown for the walk, welcome runners back in and sign autographs again from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Back to the Mock Draft . . .
I’m reserving the right to come back in here and switch things up as the day’s trades and signings are executed. It’s a good group for tackles and there could be a run on wide receivers.
LEDBETTER’S 2009 MOCK DRAFT 6.0:
THE FINAL CHAPTER
Is Cushing the real thing or Memorex?
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. Stafford has to turn in his Chevy Tahoe and get him a Ford Expedition.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, LT, Baylor. The Rams hope Smith can take Orlando Pace’s old spot.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs get some more help for their defense.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. Didn’t play much in college, but can backup Matt Hasselbeck until he’s ready.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas. Should fit nicely in Eric Mangini’s version of the 3-4.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Smith, T, Alabama. Bengals make the day’s first big gamble.
7. Oakland Raiders: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. He slides a little bit, but the Raiders will snap him up.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Macklin, WR, Missouri. The Jags shy away from Crabtree because of his speed issues.
9. Green Bay Packers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. Packers have to improve their defensive line.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher, T, Mississippi. 49ers take a slight reach to fill a need.
11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. After picking up Terrell Owens, the Bills turn their attention to defense.
12: Denver Broncos (from Chicago): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. Broncos get an anchor for their defensive line.
13. Washington Redskins: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. The Redskins are trying to get into the Mark Sanchez derby.
14. New Orleans Saints: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB. Sean Payton is looking for someone to run the ball between the tackles.
15. Houston Texans: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State. Look for the Texans to go defense. They could snap up Cushing right here.
16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. Doesn’t slip too far out of the top 10.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Jets get their Brett Favre replacement.
18. Denver Broncos: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Broncos attempt to plug their leaky pass defense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. The Bucs try to add some bulk to their front-seven.
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California. He slips, but doesn’t get past the Lions.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Andy Reid, who was a tight ends coach early in his pro coaching career in Green Bay, knows the position.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Vikes add a playmaker to go with Adrian Peterson.
23. New England Patriots: Clay Matthews Jr., LB, Southern California. Patriots try to replace Mike Vrabel.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Brian Cushing, LB, USC. Everything breaks right and the Falcons get their man. He will compete for one of the starting outside linebacker spots.
25. Miami Dolphins: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. Dolphins address one of their pressing needs.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. GM Ozzie Newsome adds a weapon for quarterback Joe Flacco.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois: Bill Polian finds another potential Pro Bowler late in the first round. Heir-apparent to speed rusher Dwight Freeney.
28. Buffalo (from Carolina through Philadelphia): Eben Britton, T, Arizona. They have to replace the traded Jason Peters.
29. New York Giants: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State. This pick could change if the Giants make the trade for Cleveland’s Braylon Edwards.
30. Tennessee Titans: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina. Can you name one of the Titans’ wide receivers?
31. Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. Cardinals need a running threat to help take some pressure off their vaunted passing attack.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia. A perfect fit after playing for Al Groh at Virginia.
FIRST ROUND FRINGE
Missouri defensive tackle Ziggy Hood has 15.5 career sacks.
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Alex Mack, C, California
Max Unger, C, Oregon
Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Connor Barwin, DE/LB, Cincinnati
Would you be happy with the selection of Cushing? Do you care about the steroid allegations? Do you care about the “White Nation” Facebook group? Would you prefer a defensive tackle like Hood? If Cushing isn’t there, do you fall back and get in position to draft Delmas?
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729 comments Add your comment
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
If DUKE isn’t there I suggest CORNELIUS LEWIS from TENNESSEE STATE. BTW I see the coaching staff was listening to my drum-beat on SIDBURY. You won’t be sorry. This young man is going to favorably impress. With 4.64 40 speed those long arms and huge hands, FALCONS fans will be cheering hopefully for years to come. GREG TOLER unfortunately went off the board right behind LAWRENCE, but look at DON CAREY CB from NORFOLK STATE 6′1″ 180 in the latest round. Good potential, not quite as gifted as TOLER, but can become a good nickel back.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
Clearly, a message is being sent to a player. But the player the message is being sent to is not Jamaal Anderson. It is Chris Houston.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
2:10 pm
I mean round 7 re: CAREY.
jason
April 26th, 2009
2:10 pm
I think Arkanas better watch out for TD. If they don’t produce the Hogs will strung up on a stick.
D3
April 26th, 2009
2:10 pm
Mike Smith (ESPN Commentator) breaking down the Falcons picks:
“All common denominators of the guys they’ve drafted: great intensity, great character, great toughness.”
5a) William Middleton – CB
BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded All-America and all-Conference honors last season. Posted career numbers of 95/4/9 as a senior when he also added 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Junior numbers included 53/3/6. Accomplished kick returner who averaged 23.1 yards on 25 returns as a sophomore, bringing one back for a score.
POSITIVES: Adequately sized cornerback with potential in dime packages. Quick flipping his hips off the line, displays a sense of timing, and has a solid burst to the ball out of his break. Possesses a good burst of closing speed, works hard to break up the pass or defend the run. Plays heads-up football, shows a sense of timing, and works well with safeties.
NEGATIVES: Prefers to side shuffle down the field rather than backpedal. Marginal top end speed and struggles staying downfield with fast opponents.
ANALYSIS: Middleton is an aggressive corner who works hard to get involved in the action. Although his physical skills are nothing extraordinary, Middleton is a solid football player with a real chance to make it as a team?s eighth defensive back.
5′9.5, 175, 4.52
D.Ellis
April 26th, 2009
2:12 pm
Another CB-Much needed depth for sure in the DBackfield. Alot of guys in those spots on our roster being put on notice as SUSPECT
D3
April 26th, 2009
2:14 pm
Except for Chevis Jackson and Von Hutchins, all of our current CB’s are on notice: Chris Houston, Brent Grimes, David Irons, Antoine Harris, Jammal Fudge.
I will be shocked if we don’t grab an OL with our next pick coming up 2 picks from now.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 26th, 2009
2:18 pm
IT’S AMAZING THAT YOU CAN’T HOLD A DRAFT SHOW WITHOUT TALKING ABOUT THE LEGENDARY MIKE VICK
THE GREAT MIKE VICK HAS NOT LACED UP FOR 2 SEASONS AND THE DRAFT SHOW DID A WHOLE SEGMENT ON MV7 – AMAZING THAT A GUY THAT SUCKS GETS SO MUCH NATIONAL ATTENTION 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, THE DRAFT EXPERTS MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
MIKE VICK TOOK THE “WHOLE” ATLANTA FRANCHISE ON HIS BACK AND PUT THEM ON THE MAP!
THEY ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THAT AMAZING ROAD “PLAYOFF” WIN IN GREEN BAY AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN 2004. REAL PEOPLE WHO KNOW ABOUT “REAL” FOOTBALL IS SAYING EVERYTHING I HAVE BEEN SAYING — AMAZING
DONT WORRY GUYS, THE GREAT MIKE VICK WILL BE MAKING A HOUSE CALL TO THE DOME AND SHRED THIS WEAK TEAM A PART.
ENJOY THE SHOW
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:19 pm
D3, He will be in the mix as a reserve DE.
I think I have the LB corps situation figured out. Follow me here:
Biermann and James will continue to work this season in reserve roles and on special teams, each gaining more playing time. Next season, both will have another year experience and another year of the conditioning program. Add TEN pounds to each over the next year. Given James’ pedigree at Arizona, there is your WLB. And given his speed and ability to blitz from the outside, Biermann is your SLB.
TD is a genius. Late round guys who are adaptable to what we want to do. The Patriot Way moves south to Peachtree.
Thoughts?
D3
April 26th, 2009
2:20 pm
Next to last pick: who will it be boys? Just pull the trigger on the hometown boy, “The Duke”
dacha
April 26th, 2009
2:22 pm
we’re trading!
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
2:23 pm
Pick Traded
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:24 pm
A trade with Dallas…Could this be the MV move? Stand by.
D3
April 26th, 2009
2:25 pm
Just traded our pick to the Cowboys. Hopefully accumulated a pick.
Seminole – I’ve thought that about Biermann myself. Definitely agree with that, but I wouldn’t count out Sidbury to get in the mix at OLB. He projects as a perfect OLB/DE. Sidbury and Biermann give us a lot options to move to some 3-4 looks. Don’t know about James. 5′10 is pretty d@— short for an outside LB, JMO.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
2:28 pm
Looks like we traded back 13 spots in the 5th round, and picked up the First pick in the 7th round
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:29 pm
Nope…WE traded down and got one in the seventh round. Smooth move TD.
jason
April 26th, 2009
2:31 pm
I see now. ATL ends and OLBs are pretty much interchangable. Bierman, Sidbury, and to some extent Abraham.Anderson can play pretty much all 4 DL spots. Versatility is the name of the game when you want to play both the 3/4 and the 4/3. Even helps in you go nickel and dime with the 3 man rush.
Ken Strickland
April 26th, 2009
2:33 pm
Man, I just tuned in if you can believe that.
RICHBRAVE-Congradulations, we got your man LSidbury, and like you I was really hoping that would happen.
SEMINOLEWARRIOR-if moving TClabo inside in their goal, we can do it easily by moving OT RFoster to RT. Remember how pitiful our rushing OFF was under RPetrino? Do you also remember how our overall OFF drastically improved, especially our rushing OFF, when Emmitt Thomas became interim HC? He reinstated RG JBlalock as a starter, who Petrino had demoted, and made RFoster and QOjinnaka the starting RT and LT respectively. Only when RFoster suffered a season ending injury was TClabo switched to OT. So, if Clabo is switched to RG and say RFoster takes over his RT spot, we’ll have a big, strong athletic OL that can get physical with anybody.
JASON-Sidbury will most likely be groomed to replace OLB MPeterson. In the meantime, he’ll likely be our designated pass rusher opposite DE JAbraham. He provides up with options if Abraham goes down. With him, we can use CDavis and JAnderson as starters and bring in KBiermann and LSidbury on passing downs. With the penetrating/pass rushing ability of DT’s PJerry, TLewis and JBabineaux, there won’t be much of a pocket for QB’s to step into whhile trying to avoid outside pressure from JAbraham and/or LSidbury. When your DL can contain the run and also rush the QB, your LB’s and safeties will be free to read and make plays.
jason
April 26th, 2009
2:35 pm
Exactly…
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:35 pm
D3, it does give us considerable flexibility. I think that they both could easily make the transition to OLB. James simply can play.
Remember Jesse “The Hammer” Tuggle was only 5′11″. We know how heart and drive won over in that case. James has that heart. I’m not saying he is Tuggle-class but there is a ton of heart there.
Ken Strickland
April 26th, 2009
2:44 pm
Taking another CB shows TD and Smitty aren’t comfortable having 3 of last yrs DB’s coming of IR.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:45 pm
You got it Jason.
X-cellent point, K-Stirck. I forgot all about that. Anything related to “The CON-artist formerly known as Coach Petrino” is as bad a memory for me as my ex-wife.
Foster was doing a fine job until he was hurt. And he can play BOTH tackle positions so there is that key word again….VERSATILITY!!!
Sidbury, James, and Biermann. CONSIDERABLE steals at this point and looking ahead. In TD I trust!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:50 pm
Hey K-Stirck, on a personal note (and forgive me if this is not the time or place), how did the house hunting go?
Would love to have the ENTIRE posse meet at the BIRDS NEST at least once this season for a meet and greet. A group this intense and this focus has to get together at least once a year!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:52 pm
Common thread among the DBs taken: 1) Physical 2) Aggressive 3) All can hold their own on an island.
TD is wicked I tell ya!!
dacha
April 26th, 2009
2:54 pm
The Duke is stil there…can he remains for a few more slots?
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:57 pm
Another small school hidden gem?
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
FS/SS Courtney Greene. Depth and versatility at safety and on special teams. I would take him here.
dacha
April 26th, 2009
2:59 pm
man, there goes freeman! darn, Bears…
D3
April 26th, 2009
2:59 pm
Seminole – what a great idea on meeting up. You know I’m in. You live here in the ATL? I’m just outside here in TBrown’s hometown. True point on James. His nickname was the beast, after all.
What’s the deal with Duke Robinson? There were projections that had him going in the 2nd round. Draft looking great so far. Now that we added another pick, we can pick up an OL, big ol’ DT, and WR
5)Duke Robinson – OG
6)Myron Pryor – DT
7)Aaron Kelly – WR
5th pick coming up next………..
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
3:01 pm
Well while I was on the computor, the FALCONS drafted a second CB so no further need of CAREY. Try LEWIS at OG.
dacha
April 26th, 2009
3:03 pm
I say The Duke or Morrah. What do y’all think?
D3
April 26th, 2009
3:06 pm
Looks good from the periphery………..
Garrett Reynolds/OT
Height: 6-7′5/8 | Weight: 309 | 40-Time: 5.41
Strengths:
Huge frame with long arms…Physical and aggressive…Violent initial punch…Gets a nice push in the run game…Technically sound…Terrific awareness…Fantastic motor…Has lots of experience…Nice bloodlines.
Weaknesses:
Marginal athleticism…Isn’t very light on his feet…Not a natural knee bender…Doesn’t use proper leverage…Has trouble protecting the edge against speed..Not real mobile…Struggles in space…Must get stronger.
Notes:
Was a three-year starter in the ACC…Uncle, Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds played 15 seasons in the NFL…His father, Art, was a linebacker at Tennessee…Played as a backup for the Tar Heels as a true freshman in 2005…Started seven games in 2006, including six at right tackle and one at right guard…Took over a full-time starting job at right tackle in 2007…Was named 2nd Team All-ACC as a senior…Big overachiever with average physical tools but could surprise based on his intangibles
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:07 pm
Hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! Oh, thw wrong Hacksaw.
Depth at the right tackle position behind Clabo. I’m okay with this especially if Clabo moves on next season which I pray he does not. As K-Stirck pointed out, Clabo and Foster were quite a tandem.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
3:09 pm
KEN STRICK:
CONGRATS go to the ATLANTA fans. I really think you’ll like what you see frm my fellow alum SIDBURY. Too bad TOLER went off the board right after. Whoever got him has a starting CB in the next three years. Still recommending LEWIS OG and NEWTON C from TENNESSEE STATE. Frankly, I think LEWIS looked better due to NEWTON’s play, but CECIL is small by NFL standards. Everything I’ve read on him says he’s a great drive blocker. Strong from the waist down. But CORNELIUS has NFL caliber size for a guard. We’ll see soon enough anyway.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:09 pm
The Hacksaw reference is to the fact that Reynolds’ uncle was Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds of LA Ram fame. Now, there was a player!!
Rocked the Falcons many a day at the old A/FC Stadium when we were in the old NFC West.
D3
April 26th, 2009
3:11 pm
Not flashy, per ESPN, but looking like a D@— great draft boys. Give it a A- max, B+ min.
1)Peria Jerry – DT
2)William Moore – S
3)Chris Owens – CB
4)Lawrence Sidbury Jr. – OLB/DE
5a)William Middleton – CB
5b)Garrett Reynolds – OT
Still got two more picks as well. Great to be an Atlanta Falcons Fan!
dacha
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
Amen, D3!
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
D3, I’m 100 miles south of ATl but I am in the city so often that I could have an address…LOL. Will roll at any time so I say we can go for it.
I’m with you on the overall draft. We hit and filled a need on EVERY single point of order. And given the flexibility we have found, the “weaknesses” we may have are not so weak any more. GRADE: A VERY High B++ to A- (88 -92% on a scale of 100 points)
Now, I would target what could, if healthy and he checks out, the STEAL of the draft. What do we have to lose now if we go after Freeman?
jason
April 26th, 2009
3:23 pm
Seminole Warrior, Freeman went to the Bears. I am a homer so I will settle for Elerbee.
jason
April 26th, 2009
3:25 pm
Or, Duke, Herman Johnson, or Jean-francios,or Wynn
jason
April 26th, 2009
3:26 pm
Nevermind, the duke just went to Carolina
D3
April 26th, 2009
3:26 pm
Bummer…………The Duke goes to the hated Panthers
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:28 pm
The Panthers just took the Duke.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:30 pm
Two more picks…more depth. But where? More OL…special teamers. I’m researching.
jason
April 26th, 2009
3:35 pm
Bye Herman Johnson (ARZ)
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:36 pm
FS/SS Otis Wiley: VERY versatile out of Michigan State. Excelled as a FS, SS, and punt returner. Also can play the nickel corner.
Solid value pick.
jason
April 26th, 2009
3:38 pm
Jean-francios, Beckwith, Ellerbee, Favorite. Think its best player on the board, or depth and developement at this point.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
3:40 pm
SLEEPER ALERT: Small school TE Jared Bronson of Central Washington.
6′ 4″ 4.65 40. Nice combo of size and speed. Works the seams as well as being able to break along the sideline. Fair blocker with room to grow. Could be a special team for a couple of years, learning behind TG.
Ken Strickland
April 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
SEMINOLEWARRIOR-Thanks for asking, and everything is on hold as far as the house is concerned. In the current market, most banks and mortgage companies won’t finance a purchase that’s less than 70K. The stroke I had forced me to retire early and it also caused me to incur a lot of debt. There aren’t many available houses in that price range that can pass VA, or even FHA inspection. I’m debating whether to go with a FHA 203K loan, which has a much higher interest rate and would require me to use most of my savings to pay the downpayment and closing costs.
I’ll make it work somehow because I’m determined to overcome the problems caused as a result of having the stroke. It’s rough being on a fixed income and being virtually unemployable with no way to earn extra money. Anyway, enough about me, let’s take football
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
3:49 pm
Just now checking in (yes, I know I’m late as hell), but I had to stay up all night with a fussy baby, so I’m just now climbing out of bed. The wife has had the dubious duty for the last several hours.
Really glad to see us pick up Sidbury. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him groomed for an OLB job, and the kid has some serious speed. He could also play DE in spots, but he might be a tad short for that. Again, lots of speed and a high motor! Great pick by TD!
I see we stocked up on CB as well. Like SeminoleWarrior says, I think there’s a message being sent to Chris Houston and some other guys in the secondary.
And I have to say it again: y’all are going to LOVE William Moore!