Matt Ryan, Mike Turner miss practice
090426 FLOWERY BRANCH Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith introduce their NFL draft pick, Peria Jerry, Ole Miss defensive tackle, during a press conference at their facility in Flowery Branch Sunday morning. KENT D. JOHNSON / kdjohnson@AJC.COM
UPDATE
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, in order to rest his turf toe injury, did not practice on Wednesday.
Also, running back Michael Turner (right high ankle sprain) did not participate in practice.
“He did go through the walk through this morning,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We had anticipated that if he was going to play, that would be the course of action that we would take. It’s not a setback. It was a course of action that we were going to take.”
THE DRAFT AND COMPENSATORY PICKS — FALCONS COULD HAVE 9 PICKS IN THE 2010 DRAFT
THE BRANCH – There’s indeed a method to the workings of Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff’s madness.
You have to give it to him, for being way ahead of the pack on this draft stuff.
Last summer, right here on this blog, we were wondering aloud why the Falcons were not signing any free agents and
Keith Brooking is worth a fourth or fifth round compensatory pick.
letting all of those defensive starters go. They had cap room and could have pulled the trigger on a few deals. Cornerback Jabari Greer would have been nice. Ron Bartell could have worked, too.
But Dimitroff held his cards tight and just signed linebacker Mike Peterson. They traded the second round pick of the 2010 draft to Kansas City for tight end Tony Gonzalez and had to burn the seventh round pick to get Tye Hill from St. Louis.
As it stands today, the Falcons will have their own picks in the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds of the deep 2010 draft.
Michael Boley's signing with the Giants should bring the Falcons a pretty high compensatory draft pick.
But here’s the kicker, by letting Domonique Foxworth, Michael Boley, Keith Brooking and Grady Jackson leave during free agency, the Falcons could gain as many as four compensatory picks when they are announced by the league in March.
Last season a total of 32 compensatory picks were awarded to 16 teams, including four each to Cincinnati and Tennessee. The maximum number of compensatory picks a team can receive is four.
Pursuant to the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires is the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.
A formula, developed by the NFL Management Council and based on playing time, salary and postseason honors is used to determine compensatory free agents.
Under this formula, the Falcons are almost certain to get a third round pick for cornerback Domonique Foxworth. He signed a four year, $27.2 million contract and is starting his little heart away. He’s made all 14 starts for the Ravens. He’s struggling so there probably won’t be many post-season honors.
Michael Boley, who signed a five-year, $25 million deal with the New York Giants, could likely bring the Falcons a fourth round pick. Boley was suspended for a game and was injured. But he’s played in nine games and is second on the Giants in tackles with 65.
Dallas linebacker Keith Brooking could be worth a fourth or fifth round compensatory pick and Detroit defensive tackle Grady Jackson could be worth a seventh round pick.
So, with the Falcons needing to add some depth and competition at some key positions, they could end up with nine picks in the 2010 draft.
We’re months away from the draft, but here are a couple of things that will likely appear on the Falcons’ draft list.
–A good tight end who can serve an apprenticeship under Gonzalez.
–Cornerback and linebacker depth.
–Some more muscle along both lines.
–Some more running back and wide receiver insurance.
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124 comments Add your comment
gdg73@yahoo.com
December 23rd, 2009
2:06 pm
Message to Thomas Dimitroff :
“STAY AWAY FROM PATRICK ROBINSON”, aka Chris Houston, Jr. I would go after Duntae Robinson in free agency.
uga_b
December 23rd, 2009
2:08 pm
Haha. I like CJ too. I am just a Draftnik and really enjoy discussing legitimate options. I feel with twitter and everything we get so many rumors that cloud that.
uga_b
December 23rd, 2009
2:14 pm
@Nique. Did they have what round Trevard Lindley is projected? I assume it is 2-3 round. Right now, we have the 19th pick. That means that both CBs will probably be gone and I would expect Suh, Berry, and Cody to be gone.
D-Led, what do you think the chances of the Falcons trading down into the lower 1st rd-top 2nd round range and picking up a 2nd or 3rd are?
This Draft seems to set up for that if they can find a partner. They could also package two 3’s to get into the 2nd round. I like our flexibility.
KYBirdMan
December 23rd, 2009
2:15 pm
PPPPLLLLEEAAASSSEE – the Falcons better get a defensive secondary. They could not stop my prep passing attack! Cornerbacks and Safety’s PLEASE! And depth on each line – free agent/trade route for TE, Running Back, Backup QB, Kicker and WR depth. Finneran is done but Douglas should help if he comes back healthy.
dbird1
December 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm
MV#777,
just so you know. MV7 had NOTHING to do with the eagles making the playoffs. get over yourself. get a life. move to philly. stay off this blog. falcons fans only.
Tight End Apprentice?
December 23rd, 2009
2:24 pm
Did Dan Reeves ghost write this article? I’ve never heard of drafting a tight end to hold a clipboard and learn the position. If you want one for depth there are plenty of guys to grab off the free agent heap. No need to waste a pick at a position of strength. Gonzalez has several good years left, use them up and address the situation in a few years. We need to stockpile linemen and DBs, not tight ends.
F-105 Thunderchief
December 23rd, 2009
2:24 pm
Man, this blog is unleashed and off the hook.
Mike is Back
December 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
D_Led, good article…TD has been impressing in the short stint as GM. I firmly believe he is the right MAN for the job. Despite the injuries and under achievement this season…the Falcon still look like a professional grade organization…they have not cashed the rest of the season…the future looks bright for the fans of the ATL.
GREAT WIN…GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
atlsports14
December 23rd, 2009
2:29 pm
What do you think we would have to give up to move up and get a top 5 pick in the draft? If we were able to do that who would you draft? Personally I would do everything I could to get SUH or Berry
Avery
December 23rd, 2009
2:32 pm
Trade all 8 picks late-round picks and Norwood to get the #2 pick. Draft Eric Berry. Use your late first-round pick to draft any of the 3-4 solid DLs that may be left on the board (Austin, Jones, Price, Dunlap).
Just kidding. This is going to be a deep, deep draft because of the rookie cap next year. If we get 9 picks, great.
Volmania21
December 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
Here is an idea. Trade our 1st, 3rd and a 5th for the #2 spot and take the best player in college football. ERIC BERRY. Instant secondary help. He can play corner or safety. Then use our other 5 picks for all the other needs. Look hoe Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed change a defense. Look how bad the Steelers D is without Polamalu. A playmaker like Berry only comes alon once every 5 to 7 years. Trade up and take him, PERIOD!!!
Samuel
December 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
I think the Falcons are aware of the fact, that they need to draft smart and combine those picks with free agency and veteran players. To insure you get deep in the playoffs- to have a chance at the Superbowl..
Rational Fan
December 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
MMMMkay folks…
while we’re building our Wet Dream Team w/ Calvin, and Peppers, and Champ…
let’s see if we can get AP from the Vikes for Norwood and a 3…or Haynesworth from the ‘Skins for Jamaal (he’s a D-tackle now, u know) and a 4…
or here’s an idea…quit being idiotic (I know that’s tough for a lot of you, lookin’ your way MV#777)…wait till the offseason actually starts…and if you want to make suggestions, make reasoned, rational arguments for scenarios that might actually happen! PIPE DREAMS (Calvin, Peppers, etc) ARE POINTLESS!!!!
Nique
December 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
We had a shot at D. Robinson in last years free agency market & didn’t make any kind of effort, so hopefully that changes, but other than him Rodgers & Marlin Jackson excite me as possibilities & Bodden & Marshal will be significant upgrades, but I still fill that if we don’t get Robinson or Rodgers we need to go CB in the 1st, because who we have is as good as those other guys & who we have is not/will not get it done! Projected by 19 the only definite off the board at CB is Haden according to what I’ve seen, I find that a little hard to believe, but with 7 CB’s separating themselves from the pack this year, 1. Joe Haden, Florida, Jr. 20, 5-11, 190, with 8 Ints. 2. Patrick Robinson, Florida St. 22, 5-11, 193, with 7 Ints. 3. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma St. 22, 6-0, 195, with 11 Ints. 4. Kyle Wilson, Boise St. 22, 5-10, 186, with 11 Ints. 5. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia Jr. 21, 6-2, 200, with 8 Ints. 6. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky 23, 6-1, 179, with 10 Ints. & 7. Donovan Warren, Michigan, 20, 6-0, 185, with 6 Int’s. We can’t expect one of them to still be left late in the 3rd round when we pick again with as many CB problems as this league has.
Billy
December 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
Very happy with the safeties, and Owens looks like he might be a keeper at CB, but the rest of the CBs can hit the road!
uga_b
December 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed have lots of help up front. Secondaries can’t cover forever.
I agree Eric Berry is a true “PLAYMAKER” (hate this word), but it doesn’t make sense to Ditka this Draft.
Any Idiot Can QB
December 23rd, 2009
2:48 pm
I know Falcon fans want to see some big name “touchdown scorers” drafted in the first three rounds, but it is really hard to throw/run a football when the o-line is getting blown off the ball upfront. Get the best O-Linemen we can get. Picking a big name skill player just gives Arthur another body to throw under the bus when things don’t go right.
Avery
December 23rd, 2009
2:49 pm
Eric Berry’s father was passing the gravy at Thanksgiving dinner and Eric Berry intercepted it and ran it back for a touchdown.
You can get AIDS from the toilets at Piedmont park
December 23rd, 2009
3:03 pm
Flacons shood get Joe Cox and groom him to be Ryan’s suceser.
New Rules
December 23rd, 2009
3:05 pm
You must first state which school you support before you make draft requests. This lets us know if your idiotic idea is based upon homerism or if you are just a plain idiot.
New Rules
December 23rd, 2009
3:06 pm
Forget the school. Falcons need a pass rush. Pressure on the QB will make any secondary look good.
It's easy
December 23rd, 2009
3:21 pm
if you want to have a great defense in three years, just draft the best UF or UA defender available in each round. If they’re the best in college now, they’ll likely be the best in the NFL later right?
Dunlap in the first, Arenas in the third maybe?
harleyman
December 23rd, 2009
3:23 pm
How about a new defensive coordinator while we are at it? One who coaches based on the personnel he has instead of vice versa.
FalconsFan1
December 23rd, 2009
3:48 pm
We definitely need some help on defense. As a longtime Falcons fan, it’s been a big disappointment this year, though I expect we’ll be back next year.
Read my thoughts on the NFC South this year.
http://thesportsdebates.com/2009/12/23/the-most-surprising-nfl-division-debate-%E2%80%93-who-expected-the-nfc-south-to-go-south/
MV#777
December 23rd, 2009
4:11 pm
SORRY!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR JUST PLAYING TO BE PLAYING..LOL…
MAYBE IN 10YRS THIS TEAM WILL BE READY FOR THE PLAYOFFFFSSSSSSSSS…LOL
P.S. AND I KNOW! YOU MISS MR.MICHAEL VICK!!!!!!!!!HAVE FUN IN THE PLAYOFFS MICHAEL VICK!! I HOPE THE EAGLES MAKE IT TO THE BIG GAME..:)
VICK TURN IN YOU RING SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Idiot Harlyman
December 23rd, 2009
4:21 pm
Exactly what is wrong with Van Gorder?
DrJ
December 23rd, 2009
4:23 pm
Norwood has to go. Even when healthy he goes down too easily when hit. But now he has recurring injuries. Concussions are a death-knell, if he goes out with another one and ends up on IR we won’t be able to trade him. He could be replaced with a DeAngelo Williams type RB.
As much as I like Finneran, he has to many injuries to his credit, and we can’t afford to have him sitting on the bench because of them.
The brass seems to like Jamaal Anderson, I guess because of his size, and he has been in the lineup. My guess is that he is the least of their worries.
The D-line will manage to hold the opposition for 2 running plays, then we give up a first-down pass. So I guess we need big, tall CBs. With Turner’s straight ahead style of running, we have to get him thru the line of scrimmage so he can get some momentum. How will this happen? Will the same guys we have be able to do it. A couple of years ago we were a great running team with the cut-blocking scheme, and I didn’t think that line was better than what we have now. So if we can get the running game going and some good CBs I think we will look a lot better.
Rocky Mountian Falcon
December 23rd, 2009
5:00 pm
Lets get these last two wins under out belt, then we can worry about the draft.
Todd - Dacula
December 23rd, 2009
5:03 pm
WE need a better QB; on that will win and excite the Dome.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/vick-wins-eagles-courage-253795.html
SlimG
December 23rd, 2009
5:07 pm
Here’s the real list from the desk of; 1. big WR that we can throw to on third and six. 2. defensive backfield strength and a few bulls up front. Merry Christmas to all
WW
December 23rd, 2009
5:12 pm
If that retard drafts a TE before a CB, he needs to pack his bags and go somewhere else. This is the same idiot that let Foxworth go. I hope he know we need a kicker. I hope he doesn’t screw up like he did last year.
Todd - Dacula
December 23rd, 2009
5:13 pm
I’m pretty stupid I am.
WW
December 23rd, 2009
5:14 pm
knows, not “know”…I can’t spell.
Great Falconi
December 23rd, 2009
5:19 pm
Spiller would be a great replacement for Norwood. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons pick him in the first round. The offense has to be more explosive in 2010.
we need players not punks
December 23rd, 2009
6:05 pm
People where is this defense ranked, 28th. offense ranking 18 and we have a good GM. You have lost your mind come on man.The front 6 is real weak on defense ,#50 is a man. Drafting defense and players that can stand up to the pressure on defense .
On offense people that can stand the heat NOT like Matt Ryan and Sam baker both are punks weak. As our GM he is not all that look at his draft pick and how they turn out poor and poor. were we top ten in any thing? But I do still like the coach! The GM need to be looking for head hunter not punks!!
Courtney
December 23rd, 2009
6:09 pm
Corner back should be addressed through Free Agency. As well as kicker.
The Draft should be focused on the 2 lines.
Realist
December 23rd, 2009
6:15 pm
Anyone who thinks we made a mistake by letting Foxworth walk automatically loses all credibility.
riggo
December 23rd, 2009
6:59 pm
Our wide receivers are Roddy, Jenkins who didn’t show up this year, Finneran ready for retirement, Booker had his better days & Weems still finding his way. As a group they don’t scare anyone.
And BIGGER D LINEMANS PLEASE.
Mike "Loser" Vick
December 23rd, 2009
8:39 pm
I thank God Vick is gone!! Go Falcons!!
Mike "Loser" Vick
December 23rd, 2009
8:43 pm
I saw a woman hold up a sign on TV at the Eagles-Falcons game that said “Atlanta LOVE Vick”. The woman had 20 mins. to make a sign & couldn’t even spell it correctly. These are the types that support Vick.
Bird Man
December 23rd, 2009
9:26 pm
How about Taylor Mays from USC. 6 foot 4 inch Free Safety that brings the wood with every hit, and also runs a 4.2 40yd dash.
WW
December 23rd, 2009
9:26 pm
Courtney, the only team that lets good cornerbacks go is us. Realist, Foxworth got let go, because he was expensive. He was expensive, because he played great. I know it might be the Atlanta way to stab people in the back that play great, but your really just stabbing yourself in the back, ie. this years’ performance. Be sure to watch Foxworth play in the playoffs, so you can get a better perspective on how the position is played properly. I might only be a white boy, but I know talent. Losing Foxworth is like when the Hawks were on top of the NBA, and in celebration, they decided, in the middle of the season, to dumb Dominique Wilkins.
John
December 23rd, 2009
9:27 pm
I like the idea of drafting a quality tight end to be tutored by a future hall of famer. Those who don’t thinks so are thinking like Rankin Smith and family. Since corners should be loaded in this draft, corners should be a secon priority and then defensive line and then offensive line. Peria Jerry should be back and healthy which is a plus.
Brent Grimes has to go… He is a good player with lots of heart but his size is a liability and cost the team. Norwood needs to go also. We need a homerun hitter that does not go down after the first contact. I would call Norwood…. Delicate or Frail.
If the Falcons could find some tall fast wideouts that could catch on a regular basis I would let Finneran and the kid out of Ohio State go. Both miss too many passes.
John
December 23rd, 2009
9:30 pm
Taylor Mays would look nice in a Falcon’s uni and if we drafted him… I would start him at corner…. I would follow the blueprint San Francisco used when they drafted Ronnie Lott.
John
December 23rd, 2009
9:33 pm
Spiller would be a great pick if we could get him. He is a instant upgrade over Eric Weems as both a kick and punt returner as well as a slot receiver.
uga_b
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 pm
I think most of you should just continue to focus on Madden.
Dominique Foxworth has completely underwhelmed this year.
Grady Jackson has made no impact.
Brooking was completely outplayed by Peterson.
Boley is still a big sissy.
Lawyer Milloy’s wheels are gone.
They cut the right people. You just can’t turnover a 53 man team in 2 years. Consider you can draft 8 a year for 16 total and maybe pick up 3-5 FAs for 10 total. That’s only half the team. You aren’t going to find 17 undrafted FAs.
So what do you do? You address the impact areas. MLB may be a pro bowler. Space eating DT with Jerry (got hurt, but move was good), QB is fine, RB was good for a year. The League is rough. Getting a “SHUTDOWN CORNER” with a first overall pick and still having no pass rush negates the move. Deion couldn’t cover a number 1 WR for 7 seconds. Consequently, not getting the play out of the OL affects the QB/RB, which we have also seen. Build upfront; win ballgames; shut up the dissenters.
MAD-DONNA
December 23rd, 2009
10:15 pm
I am amused at the attention that Vick still gets, especially from his haters! By the way haters, wouldn’t it make more sense to channel that energy, towards someone you like?
stendec
December 23rd, 2009
10:19 pm
Pray streak of futility continues! I hate all losers affiliated with this organization except for Tony Gonzalez. The former Chief is the only athlete on team that goes all out every second and gives a damn about fans! All other quitter Falcons are thugs, criminals or low life quitters that can go to Hell. May streak extend for decades longer! Just what Falcons and their racist fans deserve. ++STENDEC
MAD-DONNA
December 23rd, 2009
10:28 pm
The Falcons desperately need a QB, that is a true leader! Matt Ryan is not the one! His downfall came when his first pass went for a touchdown. Very high expectations followed that pass. When you start on a high level as he did, most fans won’t accept anything less!
WW
December 23rd, 2009
10:29 pm
The TE is a “Hall of Famer” because he catches and is more athletic than everybody else. You can teach players a lot, but they are still limited by their own physical potential, so drafting a TE to be trained by Gonzales is something a manager would do, who does not know a lot about being an athlete. Peele is a good TE. Are you going to just let him go, or should we just have two QB, and carry a bunch of TEs?
Johns…most mock drafts have Spiller going in the top 10.
Fans, don’t get rid of our B-team cornerbacks. You have to have backups, and we have good backup cornerbacks. Please keep in mind that they are not our A-players.
The problem at the beginning of the season was that we were going to lose all of the games against good quarterbacks, because we do not have a good enough secondary. Our problem for 2010 is the same, and I am hearing, “let’s get a tight end.” If this is the Falcon’s solution, then I’m going to start watching women’s football instead of the Falcons, because at least the effort to win is there with that game.