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
Big B CH 99
April 24th, 2009
10:18 am
I’m a Tech fan, and I think that Knowshon is a potential game-breaker, but the Falcons Should NOT pick him b/c we dont’ need a RB, we have 2 (Turner & Norwood), the O is set, we need D desperately.
I do think that a trade for Dorsey is possible, but don’t think that a trade up to get Curry is possible, we’d have to give up way too much to get up into the top 5 that it’s not worth it. And we’d have to give up the farm (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and possibly more to get both Dorsey and move up for Curry).
The only O I see us going after is Line late in the draft to add some depth, maybe a Tackle.
Jerry
April 24th, 2009
10:19 am
Bill won’t take Mathews Jr. He would take Cushing before Mathews to replace Vrable.
Big B CH 99
April 24th, 2009
10:21 am
I would love to see the Falcons trade for Dorsey, and then be able to get Tech’s Michael Johnson (MJ) in the 2nd, although we’d probably have to trade up into the early 2nd to get him. I know about the heart & consistency ?’s, but at Tech he was asked to do a lot, Pass Rush, Run D, Pass Coverage, & Special Teams. The Falcons would hopefully use him only as a Pass Rusher. Him & Abes to Rush the passer on 3rd down.
I MUS.WRITE
April 24th, 2009
10:21 am
Semminole Warrior you took the words right out of my mouth……Reischae Candidate would be my choice -she would be a fine center on my team as I am the QB LOL……
chc4
April 24th, 2009
10:22 am
Big fan of Moore. He’s bigger and more physical than Chung. Only knock on Moore is injuries… which obviously is a concern.
chc4
April 24th, 2009
10:25 am
I really hope we don’t take Michael Johnson unless it’s in the 3rd. He’s just another physical specimen whose play doesn’t match his appearance/measureables. Those guys rarely pan out. He’ll get mauled by NFL OT’s.
Gatorzone
April 24th, 2009
10:28 am
What is up with this “white nation” bs? What a jack@ss! Steer clear of this guy!
bn
April 24th, 2009
10:32 am
Look at the LACK of pressure last year on the QB..must be HOOD or JERRY…forget LBs until round 5….
QueDogTeaching
April 24th, 2009
10:34 am
I know there are a lot of good looking picks on paper, but watching college football, I remember football players, and that’s what the Falcons need. We need to go off of who made it happen on the field. Weight and size are great, but can he play the game, And we all know that the 40 yard dash is all technique at this point.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
10:35 am
Gatorzone, I hate to see that race has worked its way into the draft discussion. Cushing and Matthews should have known better. However, in a town than is a polarized at ATL can be at times, AB can not afford to have ANYTHING polarizing about his team. The MV situation revealed that we still have a lot to learn about one another in society.
I’m willing to forgive the young men and hope that it was a silly error in judgement. God knows, I have made my fair share. But I am not will not be looking to build a new 75,000 seat stadium or so in the future. I will not need to sell this guy and those issues, if they re-occur, to the greater, more diverse ATL community. Best to let that ship dock in another port.
Sorry for the sermon…just keeping it real.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
10:38 am
LOL…I Mus
Stay away from the center. She is one bad woman. Has me smiling like the pics of a young Pam Greer (aka Foxy Brown) that DO Led had with one of his mocks a couple of weeks back. But hey, Hannah makes the cut too.
hobbes
April 24th, 2009
10:39 am
There is no evidence Cushing has ever done steroids, that nfl draft bible story was never confirmed by anyone else. Cushing has been training with one of the best trainers in the country since his junior year in high school, then went to a NFL factory at USC, he is as legit as any other player in the draft. With that said, I am not enamored with him at 24. Gimme a break on the Facebook thing, I am sure he will be joining the Klan the day he gets into town.
rfsbkr
April 24th, 2009
10:46 am
I would trade the 24th pick and hope to pick up 2 second rounders. Then maybe we could get Delmas, Brace and possibly Sintim
WR
April 24th, 2009
10:48 am
Seminole you are not the first person I have heard mention the salary cap so I want to address this issue. The good teams have anywhere from 5 to 10 players who take up most of the salary cap,these are the core players. Ever notice how most people can name only so many players on an offense and defense for a team unless its their favorite team. Not saying it would happen but if the Falcons could trade up to get Curry, considered the safest pick in the draft the salary cap should not be the biggest issue. Yes Vick screwed the Falcons cap but they knew that coming in, referring to the new regime, so AB brought in a cap savvy, good talent evaluating GM. When referring to TD everyone talks about the NE way, Pittsburgh way, Colts way, but all of these teams have one thing in common, they keep their core players in tact even at the expense of the salary cap which is what good teams do. The Falcons largest cap figure is for Matt Ryan, but you can throw that one out because no team in the NFL will let a Franchise QB out of town no matter the cost. Now you look at Turner and hopefully soon White, these are your three core players on offense if one of the lineman becomes an out right inexpendable stud he will be the fourth, where are your core players on defense, not Abraham, he’s good but he’s long in the teeth, so who else,no one. No team has been a consistent winner without having core players both on offense and on defense meaning that when looking at the salary cap a GM knows that whatever it takes we will keep these players, and fill in the gaps around them until they get old and ineffective at which time GM’s look to add core replacements. Yes Curry could be a high cap hit but the Falcons could be willing to do it because theres no substantial money tied up on the defense. I am a ACC guy(GT) just as you are Seminole so I can honestly say that I have watched Curry play and he’s a stud, I’m not even an expert and I believe he may be the safest pick in the draft a player you can build around. Coach Smith will definitely get some DT’s out of this draft I say Jerry or Hood, at the same time I don’t think that they will let the salary cap affect the process they have talked about since day one, that is why this GM is so successful so far. He’s not going out spending boohoos of money on over priced free agents, he’s going to build his own core, pay them and continue to mix and match around them, he did it with the offense last year, now its time for the defense.
Flappin' Falcon
April 24th, 2009
10:50 am
The Falcons will NOT draft Cushing. If the ultimate hybrid DE/LB Larry English is gone, the Birds will go with a DT. English fits the mold to be able to switch from 3-4- to 4-3. Cushing’s character and self-adoration does not fit the mold in the ATL. Cushing might even drop into the 2nd round.
D3
April 24th, 2009
10:55 am
ITS FINALLY HERE BOYS!!!!!!!! T-MINUS 1 DAY, 6 HOURS, 3 MINS, AND COUNTING! I rode the ‘Grew wagon until the wood splintered and the wheels fell off, but getting Gonzalez makes as proud as I’ve been to be a Falcons fan. If I didn’t already have a Black Matty Ice jersey, I would be getting a Red #88 Falcons Jersey! Just when I thought this draft couldn’t be more exciting, “they pull me back in” (in my worst Pacino imitation you could imagine). Let’s rock it out……
After settling into the ‘Grew quick-crete a week or so before the draft i honestly have no clue who the Falconi’s will pick now and, honestly, I’ll be happy with pretty much any of the top-D candidates except for “Mini-Meangelo Hall” Davis. There are so many scenarios out there that I almost had an aneuyrism trying to re-do my mock draft.
Scenario #1
My initial reaction would be to think that TD & Co. would want to trade back because there will be no “lock” at the bottom of the first round in a year of big uncertainty. We don’t know much, but we do know there is a TON of talent in the second and third round. Trade out of the 1st and snag either 2 seconds or a 2nd and a 3rd (Draft scenarios to come later). Imagine Sintim, MJ, AND Moala!
Scenario #2
Go with Seminole on the Hood Express and select him at that spot. I’ve finally come around to him. Heard him on 680 the other day and love his attitude. I want this pick only under the assumption that we still use a late rounder on a big boy like Sammie Hill, Terrance Taylor, or Roy Miller(love that name). That would set us at D-Line for a decade. Talk about a rotation? Still rather have Jerry, but I’ll take Hood. Seminole, my brother: game, set, match! If you practice law, I’ll give you a call if you get in a legal jam.
Scenario #3
As DOL said, Cushing falls to us and we snag him. I’m at peace with Cush(I keep thinking of Jerry Maguire’s Franchise QB: “This is Cush). He will be a risk, no doubt, but his work ethic is what I like the most. Give me him over Matthews. Cush is more of a run-stopping SAM that we need and can rush the passer with ferocity and has all the intangibles. For those Bosworth comparers, Cush is a humble player with a great work ethic, Bosworth was a chump who ran his mouth and got smacked down by the great Bo Jackson.
Scenario #4
The Falcons “reach” for Sintim or English. Neither would be a reach in my opinion, but Sintim definitely seems to be slipping to second(that’s why we should consider trading down, IMO). English would be an interesting pick since Smitty wants to implement some 3-4 looks.
If I had to give an order of “my”preference as follows. But will be happy with any of them:
1)Trade down
2)Cushing
3)Jerry
4)Hood
5)English
So, who will it be boys? Think I’m gonna break out a summer ale due to the high temps. Grill, Food, Brews, & Draft! Does it get any better? Well, except for the real thing, but still!
shannyeight
April 24th, 2009
10:56 am
if the Falcons pick an LB i rather they look at Laurinaitis first before Cushing. Other than that, i rather they pick Ziggy Hood…he can be pretty versatile at DE/DT or even a little LB.
chc4
April 24th, 2009
10:59 am
I don’t get the infatuation w/ Delmas. He’s more of a FS than run defender. He’s undersized for a SS. Coleman is young a did a solid job last year so Delmas isn’t a great fit, at least not immediately.
QueDogTeaching
April 24th, 2009
11:02 am
Not all the way sold on English either. Did not see him play, so I am only going off of what has been written. He had only 37 tackles last year. But that could be because they ran away from him, plus injuries. Upside he did have eight sacks. I think we can get this kind of productivity in later rounds. Because we need so much on defense, the question is who will be the best athlete left on the board?
braveshater
April 24th, 2009
11:03 am
Cushing will be a Bust, he’s a weaker version of Keith Brooking who couldnt cover his head in the rain.
clthurman
April 24th, 2009
11:03 am
Steroid questions , white nation….what else are we gonna accuse Cushing of….hey how about being there at the Duke Lacrosse party….yeah I think I heard that somewhere(sarcasm). Look if you think we should draft someone else better or a place of greater need I get it. But accusing someone who has never been officially reprimanded of something is stupid. TD will have had all those questions answered before the pick is made. The trade for Gonzalez was genius and now its all about the defense. Lets talk facts not fiction. Hmmmmm for such a racist guy he managed to play on a team that is racially balanced and I haven’t heard any teammates disparage the guy. If he can play and TD wants him, go for it. If he likes to work out and “got big” the wrong way…hey he can always play baseball.
braveshater
April 24th, 2009
11:05 am
chc4 you need to find another to sport to witness if u think Coleman is the answer at saftey, how many picks did he have last year at the free safety postion. FREE Saftey, that means your free to raom and makes plays, and he didnt make any.
Dimitroff is Smarter than You
April 24th, 2009
11:11 am
Maybe Hood in the first round, a S or CB in the second, and how about Corey Irvin late 3? Babs, Lewis, Hood, and Irvin in rotation would be pretty solid IMO
chc4
April 24th, 2009
11:12 am
braveshater – You need to pay closer attention if you think FS is an immediate need. Coleman isn’t a Pro Bowler but he is solid. Did watch the Saints game in the Dome last year? He was all over the place. FS is the least of our worries on the defensive side.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
11:13 am
D3, welcome aboard the Hood express. The guy is going to be a good one. As far as the jerseys go, I’m definately adding Gonzo to my collection. The First Lady of the Teepee already keeps telling me I have too many jerseys (we are a house divided anyways as she is a Panthers fan being from southern VA). In addition, I will be the first in line at mini-camp to get that autograph on a mini-helmet.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
11:15 am
chc4, good point on Coleman. He is not a stud but he is steady and smart. He is a keeper on the roster.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
11:18 am
LOL D3, I wish I was a lawyer. Crazy me, I choose meteorology. So I have sit in my seats in the mezzanine instead of chilling in the Lexus suites. I’m cool with it thought…REAL fans in the mezzanine. LOL.
Joe Schmoe
April 24th, 2009
11:21 am
I dont know about you guys, but I like this trade now. I was against it, but that was because we had so many glaring needs on defense, but this allows us to pcik for those needs, and wait to give up the second next year. As far as who we pick up, to me it should be the best defensive player where we have a need, period.
Bobby Dowell
April 24th, 2009
11:23 am
Would really prefer English or Clay Matthews. Just need a playmaker with that first pick. Get our safety in the second round.
doc
April 24th, 2009
11:26 am
i wouldnt touch this brian as he will be as brittle as the other brian roider that came out of okielahoma. clay and brian are the equivalent of mandrich and big hit brian b who never made it in the nfl anywhere close to their expectations. they later said they were roid men. unless brian2 and clay can stay big on roids that stay ahead of the testers they will fail to stay big and fast. these guys are outed please do not take either one of them. get someone who has the natural build to carry the weight someone has to carry in the big nfl.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
11:27 am
Joe Schmoe, the trade was brilliant. TG keeps himself in great shape.He has only missed TWO games in 13 years and does not appear to have lost a step in his game. We don’t need him to run deep route but with him, Jenkins, and Fin, the red zone is an extremely dangerous place now. You will not be able to “stack” the line with TG on the field. And given the progession Matty Ice exhibited in the “No-huddle” last season, I think we will be awesome on offense. Only the injury bug will slow us.
The loss of the second round pick in 2010 will be offset by the number of comp picks we will obtain next season. Considering what we lost this year and the deals they signed (Boley/Jackson/Brooking), we stand to get a couple of three and a fourth. That is not a bad set up especially if the nucleas is in place and we are addressing depth next season.
D3
April 24th, 2009
11:28 am
Marko – agree on Cushing getting snagged. My gut tells me that the Texans take him. Anyway Barwin goes in the first.
willsmith – can agree with you no LB corps. DL has less depth.
WR – would like that scenario, but I think that TD is right where he wants and feels at home, multiple picks and finding multiple gems. If anything maybe trade down.
Coach – Oh, man don’t get me started on getting my UGA boy Moreno in the ATL. Would that be awesome or what? But, unfortunately won’t happen. We got our 1-2 punch on Turner-Norwood. And I think one of my all-time fav.s UGA boys TBrown gets some looks.
EJ – I think safety might not get the look that a lot of us think. TD loves getting safety deeper in the rounds and they’re enamored with what they see from Thomas DeCoud stepping up and stepping in.
Seminole – as mentioned, I’m torn on your boy. I’ll be happy with him, but I can’t punch the ticket for the Ziggy Express just yet. Call me greedy, but I’d rather trade back and get a ton of those second round studs. Can’t decide if Sintim goes in the first round or not.
QueDog – Cushing will be a risk for sure. Not b/c of the juice talk, but because of his relative inexperience. What tips me to his side is his work ethic. Guys can be huge if they have a fantastic work ethic. Until he officially fails a test, he’s innocent.
studd – right on brother. Whoever TD & Co. picks, I’ll be happy. It might just be English. He gives us a ton of versatility and will be our long-term answer to SAM.
gd – I got where you’re coming from, but there are tons of deep round talent @ DT. But I get what you’re saying. I can see us even grabbing two of them throughout the draft.
I.MUS – where ya been bro’? I don’t know about Gilbert. Maybe at DE, but he reminds me too much of Jamal Anderson.
Tommy – yeah, he made some stupid @– mistakes, but if he performs on the field, than a lot of that stuff will be forgotten. Until he’s been proven to fail a test officially, he’s innocent.
mudcat – wow, no kiddin’ right? I’m usually not high on really skinny chicks, but she works it for me.
Alright boys, for those of us on the Pettigrew train, revamp those mocks and get them in before noon tomorrow.
Mocks Received: WR, Falcon Devil, Seminole, dacha, D3, Marko, Nookah, irvin, The Dean21, Reno911, yeahbaby.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
11:38 am
D3, I’m saving seats on the Express; don’t worry. And I will forward my updated mocks before sunrise on Saturday.
I’m pretty much set on my Falcons mock but I’m thinking a about six adjustments to my first round picks.
D3
April 24th, 2009
11:45 am
Seminole – alright brother, closing argument and I’m paying hard cash for a seat: Like Hood, but does his relative smaller size not bother you some in stopping the run? Answer that question and you have my ticket.
Ken Strickland
April 24th, 2009
11:58 am
With the acquisition of TE TGonzalez, WR MJenkins and FB OMughelli are the only OFF skill position players that aren’t Probowlers. The Atlanta Falcons OFF is going to be awsome, simply awsome.
I recall how certain posters were complaining about TD’s lack of deal making, especially in FA. Well, what do you have to say now.
Smokey Bell
April 24th, 2009
11:59 am
Coleman is under-rated. Did you forget that he had to cover Milloy’s side of the field too!
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
12:02 pm
D3 and the rest of the core posse
I’m not worried about the size. I love his motor, his hands, and his ability to penetrate the line. If he is disruptive, then the play is busted before it starts. If he forces it to the inside or outside, then our improved LB corps should be able to close the deal. Place Lewis or another space eater next to him in the rotation, i.e., Hill, Miller, or Taylor, and the line is much more effective.
Ziggy or Jerry could easily post numbers on par with what Sedrick Ellis did for the Saints last year. If we could get 4-7 sacks out of our interior defensive line, and an additional 5-7 from the opposite end position of Abe, we would be fine.
I’m envisioning the Falcons defense moving to the same attacking mode as the Eagles. We may not be as aggressive with the blitz but the speed on the front line is very disruptive. The Eagle DEs average 6′ 2.5″, 260 and the tackles average 6′1″ 300. And that defense is consistently among the league’s top 10 or so.
If we can move into that company, we will, at last, enjoy the Lombardin Trophy’s roll down Peachtree in the hands of the awesome threesome: AB, TD, and the FALCON NATION!!
the interI would love to see him get numbers
Supes
April 24th, 2009
12:02 pm
D3, excellent post, and I like the 4 scenarios you layed out.
I’m with you, I’ve made my peace that if we draft ‘Cush’, we’ve gotta trust Thomas Dimitroff and Coach Mike Smith, that they do know what they are doing or getting themselves into.
I know this much about ‘Cush’…he was a head hunting, fierce hitting LB in college, with a nasty attitude. He also is a crazy SOB in the weight room and has a meticulous work ethic. Seems like a team oriented guy too, didn’t showboat as much as USC other defensive stars. He is a blue collar type worker, and a perfect replacement for someone like Keith Brooking (long term).
I’d also be happy if the Falcons didn’t see anyone they considered MUST have at 24, and dropped back to the 2nd and 3rd for the 24th. Picking up 2 extra picks…or I can see them trading for two 2nd round picks…one this year and one next (to make up for the pick we just traded away to KC).
Kim
April 24th, 2009
12:12 pm
Led,
Hanna might be claiming Texas, but she attended Westminister High her in the “A”. She is fine.
David
April 24th, 2009
12:16 pm
Stafford already has a $150,000 Mercedes…….
tony
April 24th, 2009
12:20 pm
If we can’t get a good DT in the 1st round, we need to take Clint Sintim-OLB with our 1st pick. He is the only sack technician in this draft at his position.
David
April 24th, 2009
12:22 pm
I have heard some mixed reviews of Hood from some people with Missouri. And if Moreno is there when we draft I would take him ALL DAY. Trade Norwood for a 4th rounder or something but that kid is big time. He won’t be there though. In the first round you should always take the player that has the best chance to be a pro-bowler, hands down, over need when you have so many holes to fill.
James
April 24th, 2009
12:23 pm
I understand that we need to draft defense.But do you bypass Moreno if he is there at 24? I guess this is why its called business because I would have to make the emotional choice.I’m sure the Falcons will make the right choice.They certainly did last year and I would have taken Dorsey.
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
12:24 pm
Sacks are fine to have but disruption behind the line means lost yards. And that allows more fexibility in what a defense can do while placing restrictions on what the offense can do. That is where the speed and technique comes into play. The Eagles excel with that and they use the pairing of smaller 3 technique tackles. ATL can do the same but have the flexibility of using “biggies” in a rotation if the situation calls for it. TD and Smitty will address that this weekend.
Are you ready to ride now D3?
SeminoleWarrior
April 24th, 2009
12:27 pm
Respectfully James, emotions do not win games. Got to trust the gut and go with the process. That is what is so exciting about TD and Smitty. They are sticking to the plan; long-term construction of a d…..d good football team.
Youth, energy, work ethic/commitment, and leadership in CLUTCH positions (TG/Elam). That is what will win us our Super Bowl titles. And yes, I’m stepping out there and saying we will win more than one of them within the next 5-7 years.
Falcon Devil
April 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
Talking about drafting Moreno is absurd. I would normally use more colorful language than that but I’m tryin to keep this postivie. Norwood is a big play threat and worth a hell of alot more than a 4th rounder. As for all this Cushing bashing, he has never tested positive for steriods so just because I accuse you of taking steriods it doesnt mean jack until its proven. The white nation stuff was a joke with his teameate who are guess what, mostly black. People are focusing on the wrong things. Watch his film, listen to him speak. Thats what TD has done because he is intelligent. Cushing is the real deal and I’d love seeing him in black and red.
Falcon Devil
April 24th, 2009
12:29 pm
teamates*
Cameron
April 24th, 2009
12:38 pm
D. Ledbetter:
I would love for Cushing to drop to us. He has had steroid rumors following him around since high school. I have read planty of articles that talk about him coming from a well-to-do family. He has a nutritionist that follows him around and has him on srict, healthy diet. I just think the guy has good genes, eats right, and has an incredible work ethic. If he was on roids, I think his forty numbers would have been off-the-charts. They were in the 4.7 range. That is not steroid area. Mandarich ran a 4.7 at 300-plus lbs.
This is a different day and age than when Mandarich did his thing. If guys are on roids now-a-days, then people are going to find out. Look at Merriman and Luis Castillo. Romanowski. People get popped. If there truly is something to worry about, we will find out on draft day. If him and Matthews slide way, way down, then we will know that there is general concern about these guys. I don’t see it.
Cameron
April 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
I like Hood as a player. I even heard him on Buck and Kincade the other day and he actually sounded like a good, educated kid. I mean, I could actually understand him. He was saying all the right things as well. Sure talks better than Mike Vick. However, I don’t think Hood is good value with the 24th pick. I don’t think he will be there at 55 either.
I don’t think Ron Brace will be there at 55 either. I would rather have him out of the two, by the way. I think Ron Brace had a lot to do with B.J. Raji being B.J. Raji. Ron Brace is a 335 lb. anchor. He constantly held up double teams and let B.J. Ravi wreak havoc. He could do similar things with the Falcons and let Babineaux wreak the havoc.
I would love for TD (I am sure he would too) to trade down into the top of the second round (38th or 40th??) and draft Brace, Hood, or Delmas. I don’t think any of them are worth the 24th pick though. Just my .02.
Falcon Devil
April 24th, 2009
12:44 pm
Talking about steriods is futile because the best performance enhancing drug is HGH. HGH cannot be tested for and is in use on every team in the NFL. HGH is proven to be the most effective method of muscle growth and cannot be tested for so if you are gonna suspect someone who hasn’t been dumb enough to test positive to steriods you have to suspect EVERYONE.