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
dacha
April 26th, 2009
4:02 pm
isn’t that the first hurricane??
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
K Stirck, Keep the faith bro. The Master has a plan for us all.
We just took a LB from Miami. Spencer Adkins…
Big Ray, welcome bro. Hope the baby is old enough to model that Willam Moore jersey you will buy him/her. LOL.
jason
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
Any info on Adkins
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:07 pm
Spencer Adkins? Gotta dive into the net and find out who this guy is…
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:09 pm
LOL @ SeminolWarrior…
He’ll have a plethora of Falcons jerseys to choose from.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:11 pm
Spencer Adkins, ILB, Miami
Height: 5-11. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.48.
Benchx225: 30. Vertical: 36.5.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
4:22 pm
More depth. Can’t find much on this young man.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
4:30 pm
I’m okay with it from a depth standpoint. In TD I trust.
UpperDeck4Life
April 26th, 2009
4:36 pm
Sorry, went to the G-Braves game and been following the draft by phone. Really like the DE out of Richmond, but where does that leave Bierman? I thought he did a good job last season and with Davis resigned where does the playing time come for 3 pash rush specialist?
Not sure about the second CB taken or the LB from Miami. But as Seminole said in TD we should trust.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:44 pm
SeminoleWarrior,
Adkins played for the U of Miami. Strong and fast is what I’m getting. From Scout.com:
Biography:
One of the top defensive prospects in the state for the upcoming class. He finished his junior year with 80 tackles and 12 sacks, including a great performance in the state title game. Adkins bench presses 375, squats 505 and has a vertical jump of 37 inches.
Scouting Report:Adkins dominates his competition with an incredibly quick first step. He uses his hands really well and knows how to make a lot of big plays in the backfield. He’s a 10.7 100m kid, showing off his blazing speed and quickness.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:49 pm
And from SI.com:
BIOGRAPHY: Part-time starter the past two seasons lining up at both defensive end and linebacker. Totals last season included 20/6/4 after 52/3/1 as a junior.
POSITIVES: Athletic defensive prospect with an incomplete game. Displays good sideline-to-sideline range, fluid pedaling in reverse and covers a good amount of area on the field. Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands to protect himself, and stout at the point of attack. Forceful up the field in run defense and fluid changing direction.
NEGATIVES: Displays hesitation in his game and slow reacting to the action. Marginally productive at Miami and never met expectations.
ANALYSIS: After breakout junior campaign in 2007, Adkins was unable to build on that momentum last season. He is more athlete than football player at this point, and he needs to improve almost every aspect of his game. At the very least, Adkins should be stashed on a practice squad for future development possibilities.
PROJECTION: Free Agent
Here’s my opinion: Good coaching can overcome a lot, especially if the physical tools and intangibles are there (and the physical part is definitely there, though we know nothing of his level of awareness and instincts). Maybe this guy becomes nothing more than a good, solid performer on special teams. But even in that, there is value.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:55 pm
Y’all should read the player profiles on the draft tracker at SI.com
They seem to be the most complete ones I can find. The write up on Chris Owens makes me feel even better about the pick, though like my Falcon Brethren….I trust Dimitroff and Smith.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:56 pm
Here’s an example:
Christopher Owens
SELECTED BY: Falcons Round 3 (26) SI Grade3.57GRADING SYSTEM
Position:
CB Class:
Senior School:
San Jose State Conference:
WAC Ht., Wt.:
5-9.5, 181 40 Time:
4.48
BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past two seasons. Senior totals included 68/1/8 after 75/6/3 as a junior.
POSITIVES: Tough, productive cornerback with skills for the next level. Quick pedaling in reverse, fluid turning his hips in transition, and does an outstanding job reading receivers eyes and then getting his head back around to locate the ball. Displays a sense of timing, quickly closes to the action, and effectively gets a hand in to deflect away passes. Shows ability backed off the line of scrimmage or in zone. Remains disciplined with assignments and displays a good sense of overall awareness. Physical, jams opponents at the line of scrimmage, and will mix it up throughout the round or comes up the field and voluntarily defends the run.
NEGATIVES: Has a thin build and is outmatched by larger receivers. Not a sturdy cornerback, and struggles getting off blocks to make plays against screen passes.
ANALYSIS: Owens is a solid prospect who possesses good ball skills and wherewithal on the field. Owens may start his NFL career as a dime back yet has the tools necessary to see extensive playing time as a rookie and could eventually develop into a starter at the next level.
PROJECTION: Fourth Round
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:58 pm
And THIS explains the SI.Com “Grading System” :
6.0 to 5.00 — Franchise Prospect — A player who can change the course of a game and a consistent performer. Multiple Pro-Bowl possibilities and top ten selection. Top five pick and very rare.
4.99 to 4.10 — Quality Prospect — Someone that consistently gives good performances. Occasional Pro-Bowl appearances.
4.09 to 3.75 — First-Year Contributor — Prospect that has the ability to make plays from the get-go and start early into his rookie season.
3.74 to 3.45 — Future Starter — A good athlete that must learn to be a football player or someone who is an “overachiever”. Quality prospect with long term potential
3.44 to 3.35 — Fence Player — Prospect on the fence that has the skills and abilities to succeed but needs time and patience to develop those skills to the fullest.
3.34 to 2.99 — Practice Squad — Late-round player that must develop his talents on the practice squad and NFL Europe.
2.98 to 2.40 — Free Agent — Player who will make a 60 or 80 man roster.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
4:59 pm
BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his junior season and named as an all American last year. Finished his senior campaign with 56/20/11.5 after 48/8.5/5 the prior year.
POSITIVES: Explosive college pass rusher with the athleticism needed to be used at several positions in the defensive front seven. Fluid, plays with great pad level, and rarely off his feet. Displays good first set step quickness, the ability to move in all directions of the field, and possesses a burst of speed. Fights with his hands to keep defenders off him, immediately alters his angle of attack and loses little momentum when he must change direction. Fast off the edge, can flatten his angle of attack, then pursue from the back side. Fights with his hands and jolts defenders with violent punch to protect himself.
NEGATIVES: Struggles getting off blocks once engaged at the point, gets caught up in the wash moving laterally, and shows hesitation to his game. Primarily asked to make plays up the field and rarely used in space.
ANALYSIS: Sidbury Jr. has shown great progress in his all-around game the past two years, and he is a pass-rushing terror who creates a lot of havoc up the field. He has the size and skill to line up in a three-point stance in a conventional alignment, or stand up over left tackle in and 3-4 defense. It may be necessary to put him in a system where he’s not asked to read and react much, rather a scheme that allows him to pin his ears back and rush up the field.
PROJECTION: Second/Third Round
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
5:02 pm
Garrett Reynolds
SELECTED BY: Falcons Round 5 (20) SI Grade3.34GRADING SYSTEM
Position:
T Class:
Senior School:
North Carolina Conference:
ACC Ht., Wt.:
6-7.5, 309 40 Time:
5.41
BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter used at both right tackle and guard. All-Conference selection as a senior.
POSITIVES: Strong, nasty blocker best in a small-area or straight ahead. Plays with good knee bend, stays square, and keeps defenders in front of him. Attacks assignments, displays excellent hand punch, and gets movement. Fights hard and blocks with a nasty attitude. Keeps his head on a swivel, and displays good awareness.
NEGATIVES: Lumbers about the field, lacks footwork and lateral blocking range. Inflexible, struggles to adjust or finish blocks. Haphazard in his movements, and has difficulty the further off the line he is required to block.
ANALYSIS: Reynolds offers terrific size and plays to it on the field. He’s a marginal athlete and lacks the great upside, yet he understands the offensive line position, and he offers possibilities as a utility blocker who can be placed at guard or tackle.
PROJECTION: Sixth/Seventh Round
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
5:10 pm
I have no issues with any of the selections to date. We are looking good. In TD I trust.
Ken Strickland
April 26th, 2009
5:43 pm
SEMINOLEWARRIOR-thanks for the encouragement. I’m excited about us getting 3 potential starters, DT PJerry, OLB/DE LSidbury and SS WMoore, out of 7 picks in this draft. 2 of the 3, DT PJerry and SS WMoore, could end up starting this yr. PEOPLE, THAT AIN’T BAD AT ALL.
There’s going to be some serious competition in training camp for starting positions at DT(PJerry, TLewis, JBabineaux), CB(VHutchins, BGrimes, CJackson, DIrons, COwens, WMiddleton), OLB(CWire, SNicholas & possibly LSidbury), DE(JAnderson, CDavis, KBiermann, possibly LSidbury) and SS(WMoore, TDeCoud, AHarris). Regardless of who wins, we’ll end up with a ton of talent and depth at those positions.
Offensively, we’ll have WR’s RWhite(PB) & MJenkins, RB MTurner(PB), FB OMughelli(potential PB), QB MRyan(PB) and TE TGonzalez(PB). (PB) means Probowler. Our OFF is going to be very hard for any DEF to contain. SS TDeCoud, AHarris or WMoore will provide a tremendous improvement over former SS LMalloy. DT TLewis or PJerry will provide an almost immeasurable upgrade over former DT GJackson. The additions of DT PJerry, OLB/DE LSidbury, SS WMoore and the return of DT TLewis could cause our DEF to go through the same type of tranformation our OFF went through last yr.
IT’S NOT THE NFL’s 4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE THE FALCONS NEED TO WORRY ABLOUT. THE TEAMS ON THAT 4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE FALCONS.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 26th, 2009
5:45 pm
Fellows, should we go after Sheldon Brown? He seems to be unhappy with Phili and wants a trade, TODAY! He sure would look good, back there with William Moore, E Coleman, Jackson and Houston
UpperDeck4Life
April 26th, 2009
5:50 pm
I really like the pick of Vance Walker in the 7th round. Not a DT for QB pressure but a good depth player against the run. Doesn’t rush well, but with Lewis, Jerry, and Babineaux, makes up a very good Tackle rotation.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
6:10 pm
Well CAREY didn’t make it to the seventh round, LEWIS and NEWTON have. I saw LEWIS being showcased at 203 on ESPN but not picked.
What I’ve read says the FALCONS got good value for the seventh pick. A DT, now I’ve forgotten his name while typing this, but could develop into a starter over time. I like the birds’ GM better all the time.
CERRATO is just a “yes” bag-man for SNYDER. Only a weasel could work under those conditions just for the money.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
6:23 pm
So RAY:
Like what you see of my fellow alum SIDBURY? I’ve seen a lot of him and met him on two occasions. A very impressive young man both on and off the field. Believe me, he’s not slow on the uptake of direction both in the classroom and on the football field. He minored in Mathematics, and loves Statistics.
BTW, excuse my abandoning the HAWKS momentarily. I was surprised as I imagine you were to see them lose game three.
Nookah
April 26th, 2009
6:53 pm
What up guys? Just checking in. In fact I checked in some time ago but had to get caught up on the posts. Prefer to do that rather than posting what someone said before. I also had to look up the picks we have so far. My conclusion, which is similar to the sentiments being expressed here, is that we had a pretty good draft. I was especially happy with Jerry, Moore, Sidbury and Reynolds. I spotted Reynolds a couple of weeks ago while doing some research for some lower round gems and actually named him in my Falcons draft. I liked his nastiness and that’s what we want to enhance the running attack.
Ain’t the Dynamic Duo great? Don’t forget, kudos to the Scouting Team. TD could not do it alone. We have a good thing working in FALCON NATION!!!
Reno 911, congrats my brother, you did great. I was happy to pick up the bronze.
All my other bretheren, good to hear from all of you.
I rather like that suggestion about meeting once per year. Man that would be so great!!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!!…………….THE PROCESS CONTINUES……….
WE’RE GONNA ROCK THE WORLD!!!!!
Nookah
April 26th, 2009
6:56 pm
D LED, nuff respect my brother. You’ve started an epidemic soon to become a pandemic…..it’s called……………………………….. FALCON FLU!!!!
TO THE REST OF THE FOOTBALL WORLD,……….CATCH IT BEFORE IT CATCHES YOU!!!!!
Go FALCONS!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
J-MAN
April 26th, 2009
7:51 pm
We need to go after Boutherland and Elllerby from UGA in free agency and get more depth and see what happens
J-MAN
April 26th, 2009
7:51 pm
We need to go after Southerland and Elllerby from UGA in free agency and get more depth and see what happens
D3
April 26th, 2009
8:19 pm
Its all complete Gentleman, What a Ride! Starting several months ago, we were on here coming with theories, draft patterns, studs, gems, depth, analysis, and of course our mocks. Its been a ton of fun and has become one of my favorite hobbies. I second Seminoles proposal that we all try to meet up at some point, have a few brews, and even maybe try to hit a game this year. I know it’ll be difficult due to us being all scattered across the country, but we should at least entertain the idea at some point.
Who’s got the methadone(withdrawal medication), since our big event is over. What we’ve formed here in the Bird-Cage, we need to keep it going, even if our AJC Brethren won’t give us a good fan blog, we’ll just use D-Led’s blog. I got some good ideas to keep us going through this upcoming dry spell, and of course DOL’s been rockin’ it out as well. To the draft…….later, once I finish the last BS, GD, MF’n project.
dacha
April 26th, 2009
8:28 pm
Dear Thomas Dimitroff,
You are my hero! Way to go with another highly successful draft that has put us one step closer to a SUPER BOWL!
To all of my Bird-Cage Brethren,
This ride has been incredible and definitely the most anticipated draft that I have ever experienced. Now that it is over, I fear that I will start having football withdrawal. Way to go, D3 with all of the work you put into the mocks and all of the future competitions that I am sure you will head up. Big-Time Kudos to Reno for winning the Red Stripe!
Ken Strickland
April 26th, 2009
8:28 pm
RICHBRAVE-didn’t I tell yuo if any of us can come with a gem in this draft, TD and Smitty will have him on their radar. Now your man LSidbury is ours. I think the reason DT PJerry fell into our lap is because so many teams are now switching to the 3-4 DEF and they don’t think he’s a fit at NT and he’s too short to play DE in that DEF. Whatever, I’m glad we got him. The thing that puzzles me is the Steelers drafting DT ZHood because I think they use the 3-4 DEF and he’s not a NT either.
How much did the Saints improve their DEF? Did they draft anyone that will help a pass rush that was so poor DE JAbraham registered more sacks than their entire DEF? The fact is, none of our division rivals drafted an impact player or a player that will likely make their starting lineup. That’s very important when you consider neither of these teams could defeat us in our 2nd meeting. What chance will they have with our upgraded OFF and DEF. WE WILL WIN THE NFC SOUTH.
JJ
April 26th, 2009
8:30 pm
That’s a wrap for 2009 NFL DRAFT 2009!
The matrix did well (B++/A–), now the real debate begins!
Thanks everybody for a great weekend, LET’S GET STARTED!!!!!
So much info we have to discuss, esp. coach ken.
D3: GOOD JOB BROTHER!!!
How ’bout a meet n greet at mini-camp—before summer hits 95 deg.?
Thanks guys, I’m out.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
8:51 pm
KEN STRICK:
I would be on the phone to CORNELIUS LEWIS and CECIL NEWTON right now about FA offer.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 26th, 2009
8:53 pm
Red Alert! Red Alert! Seattle Seahawks just lifted the franchise tag on Leroy Hill. HE IS NOW A FREE AGENT. I case you don’t know who Leroy Hill is, he’s an outside linebacker from Clemson; He went to Super Bowl XL. Guess where he’s from? Georgia.
WE MUST PULL THE TRIGGER!!!
D3
April 26th, 2009
9:31 pm
Thanks JJ. Teams always carry 5 receivers, and I’m not totally sold on Weems as our #5. Call Aaron Kelly right now. 6′5, 204, 4.55. He’ll definitely need to put some weight on, but what a great potential replacement for BFinn and complement to HD in the slot.
Hey, if we end up cutting him, what have we lost?
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
10:02 pm
I second the motion to get together and have some brews. Don’t know when it will happen, but I plan on being at the ‘Dome sometime this coming season. Can’t wait!
I feel that the draft was a heck of a success!
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
10:09 pm
Well LEWIS is gone. FA to the COLTS, and AARON KELLY also. Another late round pick I wanted for the ‘SKINS.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
10:11 pm
You’ll like KELLY I think.
D3
April 26th, 2009
10:12 pm
If we didn’t have Jason Snelling, I would love for us to get on the phone to Brannan Southerland, FB, UGA. Guy was an absolute stud in blocking, receiving, and a red-zone TD machine.
Can’t believe that dude didn’t get drafted.
D3
April 26th, 2009
10:12 pm
Blog Monster Alert
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
10:21 pm
By the way, guys, our draft picks were graded by SI.com as such:
Jerry: First year contributor
Sidbury: First year contributor
Moore: First year contributor
Owens: Future starter
Walker: Future starter
Reynolds: Practice Squad (borderline Fence Player)
Middleton: Free Agent
Adkins: Free Agent
Keep in mind the grading system I posted earlier.
Basically, first year starters are guys that the experts expect to get extensive playing time and probably becomes starters early into the season.
Future starters are guys who have to learn the system and NFL level football first, but have great long term potential.
Fence Players are guys who have the tools and skills to be good, but need time, patience, and development.
Practice Squad players are guys that need to develop in practice and possibly NFL Europe. But gems can be found here…
And free agents are guys expected to make 60 or 80 man rosters (but not known if they’ll make the 53 man roster). Good guys can be found here, too.
The biggest thing is coaching, and we have a great staff. As I listed them, the top three draftees will probably end up starting or simply playing A LOT before long. The next two (Sidbury and Owens) may surprise fans and foes alike…
RICHBRAVE,
Very glad to see your man Sidbury here. Unique blend of speed and power. Can’t wait to see him coached up to be a top OLB and/or situational DE.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
10:21 pm
Meant to say that Owens and WALKER may surprise people. Sidbury is going to be a beast. I can feel it…
D3
April 26th, 2009
10:22 pm
Big Ray – on a side note, I noticed you said you have a fussy baby, well I feel you brother. I got one thats just 2.5 weeks old myself. He’s doing good, just gets real fussy from 2am to 4am.
Sleep is a thing of the past. Caffeine and Ibuprofen have become my new best friends.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 26th, 2009
10:35 pm
D3 and Big Ray, been there and done that one! Mine just turned one year old, yesterday. He’s very parent-friendly, though. He sleeps right through the night. Hits the sack at about 8pm and don’t get up until seven in the morning. I know; it puzzles me too.
D3
April 26th, 2009
10:38 pm
Must be nice my friend.
Ken Strickland
April 26th, 2009
11:22 pm
RICHBRAVE-you know OT CLewis is going to flurrish with the Colts. Based on all scouting reports and rating systems I’ve seen, OT CLewis, who didn’t get drafted, is rated a much better prospect than OT GReynolds, who we drafted. I don’t get that one.
Does anyone know the current status of OG HDahl and OT TClabo, as well as C TMcClure? Drafting a DT in the 7th rd tells me at least one of the 2 FA DT’s we signed last yr probably won’t be back after this season. Now that I think about it, we’ve lost only 1 DT, GJackson, and gained 3 so far. We drafted 2 and have TLewis returning from IR. Drafting 2 CB’s might also mean VHutchins, who we signed as a FA last yr, might not be back after this season as well. Defensively, we’re going to be young, but talented, versatile and very deep. I WANT EVERYONE TO SAY, IT’S GOOD TO BE A FALCON FAN.
richbrave
April 27th, 2009
12:29 am
BIG RAY:
Everything I know of this young man speaks of excellence as to his mental and football abilities. If he isn’t a hit in the NFL I will be surprised. There aren’t too many men coming into the NFL that I know something about personally, so if I’m wrong I’ll be the first to admit it. Same with GREG TOLER.
SeminoleWarrior
April 27th, 2009
7:21 am
Great draft overall my brothers. It is not out of the realm that there could emerge from this draft as many as four starters on defense. Jerry, Moore, and Owens will start. Sidbury will challenge for a role opposite Abe.
This is a do or die year for both Houston and Anderson. The message was sent LOUD and CLEAR.
Once again, TD and the personnel guys did a great job. Things will ber very interesting in the GA Dome this season. If you do not have those season tickets brothers, you have better make that call TODAY!!
We rock hard and have some serious passion in section 209!!!
ONE NATION….THE FALCON NATION!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 27th, 2009
7:28 am
Dahl and Clabo are on one year RFA tenders. Both will be eligible for FA next season. I think that Clabo will be retained and moved inside to guard gievn his 330 pounds and his strong blocking skills. Reynolds, if he projects well will get the nod at RT but Foster is in the mix big time if he stays healthy. Dahl can be a problem at times so he may be let go..he has a nasty manner sometimes on the field but is prone to bonehead choices at the wrong time as well. Wilkerson is a former Rimington Trophy winner as the nation’s best center so he may get a chance to return to that position.
Big Ray and Stirg, I’m telling you. Put those babies in some Falcons PJs and little Jerry/Ryan jerseys ASAP. There will then be peace in the house. LOL. They are letting you know that they are the future of the nation…THE FALCON NATION!! Adopted uncle SW will always be here for them…LOL.
SeminoleWarrior
April 27th, 2009
7:34 am
Stirg, your baby is in the mix as well. The future of the Falcon nation. I made have to raid my retirement savings early for all my adopted nephews and nieces here in the Posse…
Hill would be a nice pick up if the price is right. Do not want to over commit. Remember, it is not the Patriot Way to overpay. And it is clear that the Patriot Way has found a southern franchise in Flowery Branch.
Marko
April 27th, 2009
8:13 am
We had a pretty big weekend didn’t we? It’s pretty clear that we’re not going to have what I had considered Smitty’s signature defense. No huge blocks of granite tackles Small quick ones instead. Looks like we’re going to be disrupting the offense on their side of the line, forcing quick throws, and hopefully producing turn overs. If it works, it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch. There’s going to be a lot of youngsters bouncing around the field. I’m predicting both agony and ecstasy when they fill out their uniforms a little better, look for a lot more ecstasy. It’s never pretty being easy. I hope our fellow Falcon fans will exercise a little patience. Our little guy’s are likely to get pushed around a bit at first. I don’t think that will last long.
chc4
April 27th, 2009
8:50 am
I don’t agree with everyone saying Chris Houston has been put on notice by our draft. He’s the most effective CB we have and had a decent year. He’s only a 3rd year player. I don’t think either of the drafted guys — Owens or Middleton — will be expected to start anytime soon.